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.

Interview with Coach Klamovski (Part 1) is here

As a person and as a player, you should be able to grow

Q, I will change the direction of the question, but please tell us what the coach hopes for 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: Young players like Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were actively utilized.
A, Nozawa is really doing well. He is a young and talented player, and he is currently in a phase of growth. I believe he is one of the players who can grow even more while gaining a lot of experience in the future. For example, how to lead and stabilize the team from the goalkeeper position. That is something that must be learned over time. I think Tawaramizuki is truly the best young talent. He has been doing the best work since I took office. I am happy about the growth of both of them. However, their play should still improve. Yoshifumi is also in the same situation. He was injured when I took office. Since then, he has joined the team, and his level has been rising again. I believe he is going through a good developmental process. Matsuki is also doing a wonderful job for this club.

Q: This season has also been one where we felt many changes in young players. For example, Nozawa initially expressed a desire to 'play in matches and grow,' but after gaining match experience, he has started to talk about 'what he can do for the team,' which is also the challenge mentioned earlier by Coach Klamovski. I believe such realizations and discoveries are promoting their growth.
A, I think that's definitely true. How we move forward from here is important. I understand that this is part of the process. It's unfortunate that the season is coming to an end. Right now, they are in the midst of learning what they need to do in these situations. By overcoming difficult moments, they will continue to grow and improve. However, since the season is ending, there is also frustration from not achieving the desired results. We need to ensure that we can express that during the preseason. Just like Nozawa is learning now, there are many players who feel the same way. They should be able to grow both as individuals and as players. I hope that during the preseason, they can bring what they are learning to the team and help create a stronger team.

Everyone 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. Regardless of their age, they are giving their all while taking care of their bodies. I spoke to them when I took office, and I mentioned that they would become the best runners of their careers. They possess a wonderful mentality and demonstrate their commitment as professionals. Their strong performances bring various benefits to our team. It is important to prepare thoroughly to maximize our potential. From there, each individual must perform at their best and have the best season possible. Age does not matter. This is something all players must do. Together, we will elevate the level of this club and make next season the best season. I believe that if we can achieve that, we can do anything.

Q: Mid-level players like Kei KOIZUMI and Ryoma WATANABE have had a very challenging season. They have received encouragement throughout the year from players like Morishige and Nagatomo, who have urged them to "become a presence that leads the team more." This struggle may be something they cannot avoid in order to take the next step.
A, I think that is an important step as well. I believe this is a very important point for this team and club. What I always say is that anyone playing on the field can be a captain. I want you to think that everyone is fighting in the match wearing an armband. Things do not change in a day. It doesn't happen in a week either. It doesn't change halfway through the season. I believe the development we've had since I took office has followed the right stages. However, there are still things we need to do. I want us to become a team that can show that next season. Surely, the 11 captains will fight on the pitch.

Q: Next season, FC Machida Zelvia and Verdy will be promoted. The competition for supremacy in the capital, similar to London, is likely to heat up as well.
A, fans and supporters, this region of Tokyo is sure to be very lively. However, no matter who comes before us, we must stand up and defeat them. Because 'Tokyo is blue and red.' That is how it should always be. The colors of Tokyo are blue and red.

Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)