Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over in June, ultimately finished with a record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses, ending in 11th place in the J1 League. The man entrusted with the reconstruction of the capital club summarizes the season.
Interview with Coach Klamovski (Part 1) is here
You can grow both as a person and as a player
Q, changing the direction of the question, please tell us what the coach expects from the players.
A, it is to always maintain a mentality of giving your all. I want you to play with the desire to improve every day. It may be a simple answer. So, what do we need to do to achieve that? We must grow as individuals. I believe that will also lead to better performance as a team. It’s about intensity, and we must give our all in hard work as well. If we do that, I believe we can develop. I think we will also start to envision achieving our dreams and goals. With 30 players and staff, we move forward every day as a group of 50. Within the club, we will share that mentality among everyone. If we do that, we can achieve anything. I know this. Why do I know? Because I have experience achieving such things based on that during my career. I believe that every single person must commit to doing their best every day and improving while growing together.
Q. We also actively utilized young players like Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
A, Nozawa has really been doing well. He is young and a good talent, and currently a player in his growth phase. I believe he is one of the players who can grow much more by gaining a lot of experience in the future. For example, how to lead and stabilize the team from the goalkeeper position. That also needs to be learned over time. Tawara Tsukida is truly the best young talent. Since I took office, he has done the best work. I am happy about the growth of these two. However, their play should still improve. Yoshifu is the same. When I took office, he was injured. Since then, he has joined the team circle, and his level has risen again. I think he is following a good development process. Matsuki is the same, and he is doing a wonderful job for this club.
Q. This season was one in which we felt many changes in the young players. For example, at the beginning of the season, Nozawa said, "I want to play in matches and grow," but after gaining match experience, he started to express the challenge that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI mentioned earlier, "What can I do for the team?" I believe these realizations and discoveries are promoting their growth.
A, I definitely think so. How we move forward from here. I understand that this is the process we are currently in. It's unfortunate that the season ends here. Right now, they are in the process of learning what they need to do in situations like this. By overcoming difficult situations, they climb and grow repeatedly. But since the season ends, there is also the frustration of not getting results. We have to make sure to release that in the preseason. Just like player Nozawa is learning now, there are several players who feel the same way. They should be able to grow both as people and as players. In the preseason, I hope we can firmly bring what they are learning now to the team and build a stronger team.
Every one of the 11 players on the pitch is a captain
Q: At the same time, it was a positive point this season that veteran players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE did not lose their condition during the summer.
A, that's right. They are true professionals. Taking care of their bodies, no matter how old they are now, they give their utmost. When I took office, I also told them that they would be able to run the most in their careers so far. They have a wonderful mentality and show their dedication as professionals in every detail. Their strong performance brings various benefits to our team. It is important to prepare thoroughly so that they can perform at their maximum ability. From there, each individual must deliver their best performance and make it their best season. Age does not matter at all. This is something all players must do. Together, we will raise the level of this club and make next season the best season. If we can do that, I believe we can achieve anything.
Q: Mid-level players like Kei KOIZUMI and Ryoma WATANABE went through a very challenging season. Throughout the year, they received stern encouragement from players like Morishige and Nagatomo, urging them to become leaders who pull the team forward. These struggles may be an unavoidable part of their journey to take the next step.
A, I think that is also an important step. I believe it is a very important point for this team and club. What I always say is that any of the 11 players on the field can be the captain. I want everyone to think that all of them are wearing the armband and fighting in the match. Nothing changes in a day. Not even in a week. It doesn't change halfway through the season either. I believe the progress we have made since I took office has followed the right steps. However, there are still things to be done. Next season, we want to be a team that can show that. Surely, the 11 captains will fight on the pitch.
Q: Next season, FC Machida Zelvia and Verdy will be promoted. The battle for supremacy in the capital, like in London, is likely to heat up.
A, fans and supporters, this Tokyo region is sure to become very exciting. However, no matter who comes before us, we must stand up and defeat them. Because "Tokyo is blue and red." That should always be the case. The colors of Tokyo are blue and red.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
