J-League club Kashima Antlers said Wednesday their assistant coach Masaki Chugo has been promoted to head coach. The 42-year-old former Kashima midfielder takes over from Ranko Popovic, who was dismissed last Sunday. The fourth-place Antlers trail leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima by 12 points with about two months left in the season. “Once again, we’re going back to what this team has been doing for years, such as running and fighting hard, and having everyone in the team heading in the same direction,” Chugo said. During his playing career, Chugo also had spells with JEF United Ichihara Chiba, Cer…