TOKYOism

Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over in June, finished the season in 11th place in the J1 league with a record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. The man entrusted with rebuilding the capital club reflects on the season.

Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI (Part 1) is here

You should be able to grow as a person and as a player.

Q, I will change the direction of the question, but please tell us what the coach expects from the players.
A, it is to always have the mentality to give your maximum. I want you to play with the motivation to become better every day. It may be a simple answer. So, what do we need to do to achieve that? We need to grow as individuals. I believe that will also lead to better team performance. We need to give our all in terms of intensity and hard work. By doing so, we can continue to develop. We can also start to think about achieving our dreams and goals. We, the 30 players and staff, will move forward every day as a team of 50. We will share this mentality within the club. By doing so, we can achieve anything. I know this. Why do I know this? Because I have experienced it throughout my career. We must each do our best every day and continue to improve. That is what I believe.

Q: We actively used young players such as Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
A, Nosawa is doing really well. He is a young and talented player, and he is currently in his prime. I think he is one of the players who can continue to grow as he gains more experience. For example, how can he lead and stabilize the team from the goalkeeper position? He will have to learn that over time. I think Tawarazumida is truly the best young talent. He has done the best job since I took over. I am happy to see both of them grow. However, their play can still improve. Yoshifu is also the same. He was injured when I took over. Since then, he has joined the team and his level has also improved. I think he is going through a good development process. Matsuki is also doing a great job for this club.

Q: This season, there were many changes felt among these young players. For example, player Nozawa initially said, "I want to play in games and grow," but as he gained experience in games, he started to mention the challenges that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI just talked about, such as "what can I do for the team?" I believe that these realizations and discoveries are encouraging their growth.
A, I definitely think so. How do we move forward from here? We understand that this is the process. It's a shame that the season is ending here. Right now, they are in the midst of learning what they need to do in these situations. By overcoming difficult situations, they will continue to grow and climb. However, because the season is ending, there is also frustration that the results did not come. We must be able to show that in the preseason. Right now, there are many players who feel the same way as Nozawa is learning. They should be able to grow as both people and players. In the preseason, I hope they can bring what they are learning now to the team and create an even stronger team.

Everyone on the pitch is a captain

Q, at the same time, it was also a positive point to see veteran players like Yuto NAGATOMO and Masato MORISHIGE not lose their condition during the summer season.
A: Yes, that's right. They are true professionals. They give their all while taking care of their bodies, no matter how old they are. When I took over, I also talked to them about becoming the fastest they have ever been in their careers. They have a great mentality and show their dedication as professionals. Their strong performances bring various things to our team. It is important to prepare ourselves to give our maximum effort. From there, we must perform at our best and each person must have their best season. It doesn't matter how old we are, it is something that every player must do. We must all 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: Veteran players like Kei Koizumi and Ryoma Watanabe have had a very challenging season. They have received encouragement from players like Morishige and Nagatomo to become leaders for the team throughout the year. Perhaps these struggles are necessary for them to take the next step in their careers.
A, I think that is also an important step. I think it is a very important place for this team and club. What I always say is that all 11 players on the field are captains. I want everyone to think that they are playing with an armband. Nothing will change in one day. It's not even a week. It won't change in half a season. I think the development since I took office has taken the right steps. However, there is still work to be done. I want us to be a team that can show it next season. I'm sure all 11 captains will fight on the pitch.

Q: FC Machida Zelvia and Verdy will be promoted next season. The battle for supremacy in the capital, much like London, is sure to heat up.
A, fans and supporters, this region of Tokyo should be very exciting. However, no matter who comes in front of us, we must stand up and defeat them. Because "Tokyo is blue and red". That's how it should always be. Because the colors of Tokyo are blue and red.

Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)