The deep and thick voice of the Australian coach has been echoing in the training ground of Odaira for about 2 months, and the team's outline is gradually taking shape. At the center of it all are "rules" and "hard work". These two are the keywords of Peter Tokyo.
Since taking office, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has spent time incorporating "rules" into the team. Mainly on the defensive side, he has clearly defined the roles of each player in each situation.
Keigo HIGASHI explains his aim.
"For example, when the opponent runs behind the side back, it is difficult to judge whether the defensive midfielder, center back, or side half should follow. However, if we make it clear that the defensive midfielder will follow, other players can adjust to different movements. Although defense is the main focus, there are more and more "rules" like this."
Kuryu MATSUKI, who plays as one of the double volantes, balances the entire team. He clearly states, "Thanks to the many "rules", if someone slacks off, it becomes clear. It's all individual responsibility and substitutions are possible." As can be seen from Matsuki's words, there are fewer ambiguous situations on the pitch. In the last match before the J1 League break, they lost to Kashima Antlers with 3 goals conceded, but it can be said that the result of the "rules" has led to 3 consecutive clean sheets since the first match.
Another thing, when you unravel the meaning of the word "hard work", you quickly realize that it doesn't just mean to run recklessly. The true meaning is "mental hard work". Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI reveals his thoughts.
"Concentrate without wasting a single second and pay attention to the details. Even in tough situations, moving your head can make your body move as well. Make decisions without stopping, even when tired. When all 11 players do this, it becomes an incredible "hard work". That may be the meaning of the term "hard work" that I use."
Kei Koizumi, who served as head coach under Peter Cklamovski at Montedio Yamagata, explained the coach's thoughts using specific examples. He spoke with a hint of nostalgia about Kenta Kawai, a top hard worker who received guidance at Sagan Tosu.
"It's not about who's copying who, but I think it's because we respect each other that Peter and Kenta have similar training menus and things they want to convey in meetings. It feels like I'm remembering something. For example, even in the ball passing menu, I remember the feeling of being told by the "onigiri" side to do it at 100% for one minute. Kenta used to say that a lot in Tosu, but to be honest, I had almost forgotten that feeling since coming to Tokyo."
During the two-week break, we have been training hard every day and "trying to improve in all aspects" (Coach Cklamovski). New players Kosuke Shirai and Riki Harakawa are also feeling positive and confident.
"The intensity of the practice is high, there are unique menus, and it is rare for the demon to not change in ball passing. Also, there are patterns in build-up, and it is difficult because the head is constantly moving while playing while watching the nearby players. But it's fun." (Shirai)
"It's tough and intense training, but as a result, it's condensed and the content is rich. Well, there's no time to rest for both the mind and body (laughs). I haven't been asked for any special requirements as a defensive midfielder yet, but there seem to be a few "rules" on the defensive side, and I think we'll choose the patterns that are presented for the build-up and do it on the pitch. I think it's important to share how we can make the most of the 90 minutes when I become the one choosing." (Harakawa)
So, what kind of soccer will we aim for in the future? Borrowing Koizumi's words again, the shape of it comes to mind. Based on the experience at Sagan Tosu, known for its "brotherly relationship", jersey number 37 testifies as follows.
"I want to make Tokyo football more clear. I think we will become stronger if we can say 'This is Tokyo football'. We will be aggressive in both attack and defense. In defense, we will aggressively push forward and set a high line, and in attack, we will quickly exploit any space and send fast balls between the defense line and the goalkeeper. We want to clearly define our style."
To become a team that is feared by opponents for its exciting soccer and aims for uncharted territory. That is the ambition of the commander. Still in the midst of it. The road is long. Nevertheless, step by step, we are moving forward by cutting away unnecessary things and adding necessary things.
"What we are doing now is leading us to become the type of team we envision," (Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI)
All members standing on the pitch work hard for the team and follow the rules to win. That is the ideal image of Peter Tokyo, who pursues the best football in Japan.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
