TOKYOism

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.

A team that fans and supporters can be proud of and excited about

Q, please share your honest thoughts on the season as you have taken charge since the middle of this season.
A, there are various emotions. Since the beginning of my tenure, I have been able to showcase a good form. While shaping a strong foundation for the game model and the team, I believe we have been growing and developing strongly in various aspects. However, we still have a long way to go. There are areas where we need to evolve. We lost points in the matches at the end of the season, and I feel regret about that. We also feel a great pain in not being able to share joy with our fans and supporters. The various emotions stem from that. While we have shown good growth, I think there were also parts where we could not deliver results.

Q: I think taking on a role in the middle of the season is a very difficult job, but what do you think was the first thing you needed to tackle?
A, there was a reason why I took on the role midway through the season. Initially, after a few days of practice, we had a match against Nagoya Grampus coming up. We need to analyze ourselves while also considering Nagoya. I thought about how we want to develop the style of play we dream of, week by week. Although I took on the role in a complex situation, such challenges can arise throughout the season. What is necessary is for our football to grow and evolve steadily. I believe it is important to start from there. I couldn't narrow it down to just one topic. Of course, football doesn't change just by improving one aspect. I want to create a team that makes fans and supporters proud and excited when we step onto the pitch. That has been my focus.

Q: Among various challenges, is there something that Coach Klamovski has continuously communicated to the players?
A、In order to improve our game and play model, I believe we must consistently approach it every day without wavering. As a team and as individuals, we have discussed the need to commit to this daily. We have also established a strong foundation that we have gained to become a strong team. Of course, there are also clear areas for improvement.

Q: In the first half of the season, we conceded 26 goals, but in the second half after the appointment of Coach Klamovski, we managed to reduce that to 18 goals. The improvement in defense is reflected in the data, and I believe we were able to organize the team based on the decrease in the number of goals conceded.
A, I believe the players now have a clear image of the game model. Each player on the pitch has started to understand what they need to do individually while maintaining their connections with each other. I think these elements are one of the reasons we have improved. In the second half of the season, we have achieved the most clean sheets (tied with Albirex Niigata and Urawa Reds with 8 matches). I believe we have established an important foundation to become a strong team. I want to build on that further. Of course, it is also important to defend solidly and not give anything to the opponent. I also think we have been able to improve our attacking play and execute the style we want. We have become capable of scoring in the way we intend and creating many chances. We have been able to score a lot from open play as well.

I believe we have established an important foundation for building a special team through consistent effort and accumulation. As a team, we have clear steps and visible growth. I think it would be great if we can aim to become a team that opponents cannot stop by thoroughly addressing the gaps we need to improve and desire. I believe that a strong foundation and accumulation have been established since I took over midway through the season. It would be wonderful if we can build towards becoming the team that our fans and supporters have dreamed of. That is my ambition and what I want to achieve.

To become a strong team that cannot be stopped by anyone

Q: Looking back in detail, are there any matches that became turning points or left a lasting impression?
A, it's a tough question, but there are different elements in each game that can be good or not so good. There were times when we played powerfully, and there were matches where we dominated the game and scored very good goals. Matches against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka were such games. However, even in the match against Cerezo Osaka, where we couldn't play well, we managed to keep a clean sheet and secured a victory away. It was a tough situation, but we were able to achieve results ourselves. There were many games that I liked. However, the important thing is to consistently perform in such matches. We must avoid fluctuations in form. I hope we can always deliver our performance at a high level. Right now, we are giving the opponent a little good time as our weakness. To become a strong team that cannot be stopped by anyone and to become champions who take trophies, we must fully deliver our play for 95 minutes, including added time. I believe that is a point we need to improve on.

Q: The first half of the game against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo was very good, but in the second half, it felt like we let go of the reins and the flow of the game changed. This was truly a game where the points that need improvement became apparent.
A, I think so too. I conveyed that to the team as well. It was a game where we could grab 3 points. The first positive point is that we were able to create many scoring opportunities. I see that positively. I believe we worked hard on the pitch and gave it our all. Also, in attacking situations, we effectively used the space, made good movements, and played at a good tempo. If it had been a different match, we might have scored a few goals there. I think it’s about whether we can maintain that form for 90 minutes. I was particularly concerned about the first 15 minutes of the second half. The level of performance dropped. It was a time when we needed to be more aggressive and push the opponent more. This connects to the idea of maintaining our level, staying steady, and not having ups and downs. I understand that the hope, ambition, and desire to become champions that this club has is everyone’s ambition and desire. We must fight in the second half while maintaining the level we had in the first half. I think it would be good to instill that mentality and help us grow even more.

Q: Each player has changed and grown. I understand that the answer could be that 'every player is indispensable,' but is there a player that you could say was not indispensable?
A, you know my answer (laughs). I hope that all 11 players I send onto the pitch will become players that no one can stop. That is the team I want to create. There are players who bring various flavors to the game. I believe that if we trust them, we can enhance each player's performance.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)

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