[Long Interview Just Before the Opening]
Philosophy of the Commander
Director Peter CKLAMOVSKI
The 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League is finally about to kick off. To lift the trophy after competing in the league with all 20 clubs and to leap onto the Asian stage, it is essential to build a strong team.
However, no matter how many diverse tactics are prepared, if the fundamental mindset and attitude necessary to execute them adequately are not established, it will not be possible to realize the desired football and present an exciting match.
What are the standards that the coach demands from the players? In order to meet the expectations of fans and supporters and uncover the secrets of the essential abilities needed to play in the matches, we explored the philosophy of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
──The coach likes to use the term "hard work." Does this term mean physically running, or does it refer to mental effort?
First, it's about fully committing to the rules of attack and defense. Of course, this includes hard work in terms of physical aspects, and it also connects to focusing on and thoroughly executing our own play. We need to enhance our ability to play our game in all aspects of football, including attack, defense, and set pieces. What is necessary for that is hard work.
Run more than the opponent, win the sprint against them, quickly move the ball to areas that the opponent dislikes, and aim to score. This is what I consider "hard work." Of course, hard work is also required in defense to keep a clean sheet. I believe it is important to fully commit to and execute the agreements we have as a team.
──If you don't quickly return after going on the attack, it means you are not working hard.
That's right. Our game is continuous, and everything is connected. Everyone on the field fights to maximize the team's output. We want to ensure that even the players who come on as substitutes can play positively and fully express our collective style.
──From what I hear, it seems that for the coach, the 90 minutes of the match are depicted as a continuous whole.
Everything is connected. In the game, each situation is connected, as well as what we practiced today. I believe football is a living thing. What can we express with exciting football and a highly entertaining style? While delving into those aspects, we ultimately want to seize victory.
──It's not just about the skill of handling the ball in an instant, but also important to manage the game well.
Certainly, each player's individual abilities may be excellent. However, a great team can deliver more than that. Our philosophy is to ensure that whoever plays in the match can contribute significantly as a team. I believe it is important to fight together as all 11 players on the pitch, rather than relying on just one player.
──Listening to the players' comments, it seems that the coach's message of "Have courage" and "Have confidence" is being conveyed. I believe this leads to a mindset of taking initiative without fear of what is behind them.
I believe that such awareness and play are growing, and it also represents the process of creating our football. Brave, aggressive play that excites those watching. We want to pursue that kind of football, and I hope that the players' courageous battles can inspire people. While feeling proud of our fierce fighting spirit, we want to show the fans and supporters a football that they can believe in until the very end. We are on the path to creating that kind of football.
──What is important is the mentality and the aggressiveness of the play. Without the attitude promoted by the coach, it seems that no matter what tactics are prepared, they would be meaningless.
That is very important. I want to create a special team and build a style in Tokyo where everyone wants to fight together. Right now, we are in the process of developing our football, and there is a big goal that the club aims for ahead. We want to make history here. In the history of Tokyo, there has not yet been a title for the J1 League championship. It is something that everyone involved with the club wants to win, and we also want to dominate the league and become the best club in Asia. To reach that point, there must be a reliable foundation. I hope to climb the mountain in front of us step by step, weaving together each effort along the way.
──Both the build-up attacks from our own half and the quick strikes behind the opponent's defense seem sharper compared to last season.
Such growth is an exciting point. Football has evolved as players bravely play. There are bright signs for future possibilities, and I believe we are beginning to express the philosophy we have cherished. The buildup from the camp should become something special from here. We have been able to spend good time in the preseason, but the important thing is to showcase that in the opening match. And to continue growing, learning, and building our football.
──It seems that the players have realized that they will not get opportunities to play unless they work hard.
This is also leading to the growth of our football. I believe that if the players set high standards and can push themselves relentlessly in daily training, they will continue to grow even more.
──Cerezo Osaka, who will face off in the opening match, primarily employs a three-top formation, and their strong point is side attacks. How to defend against this will likely influence the match outcome.
I believe we will see good football in the opening match. First, we must execute our strategies in offense, defense, and set pieces. If we can fully demonstrate our capabilities there, we should definitely be able to win. We must approach every team with a mentality of 'we can win' and I want to value each match that lies ahead.
──While Coach Peter has an image of focusing on offense, he also puts a strong emphasis on defense. As for his philosophy on winning, it seems he believes that conceding fewer goals is better.
That's right. I believe that the team that becomes the champion can fight in that way. Tokyo really needs to develop all aspects. However, I am an offensive coach, and I think about going for as many goals as possible. At the same time, I want to create an impression of difficulty for the opponent, making them feel like they never want to play against Tokyo again. That is our football.
──There is a possibility that the members may change due to conditions or injury issues. How do you prepare for such situations?
The most important thing is to avoid injuries, but since this is football, that is not always possible. I told the players, 'It's a long season, including cup competitions, and we will fight to win every title. For that, we need everyone's strength. Even if you can't play in the upcoming match, I want you to stay focused and be prepared.' This is something that comes naturally to teams that become champions. I hope everyone is ready to contribute to the team when their opportunity arises. I want to ensure that no matter who plays, we can showcase our football.
──The coach has often said, "I want everyone to be like a captain."
I hope that not only the "11 captains" standing on the pitch but all 35 registered players will act like captains. Everyone should train at a high level and fight together as one. A group that can face the same direction is strong. There may be times during the season when things don't go well. Even in such situations, I want everyone to maintain their standards, continue to work hard, and have the mindset to lead the team. I believe that even during difficult times, if we all keep looking forward and continue, it will lead to a better future.
──This season, Masato MORISHIGE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Kuryu MATSUKI have been appointed as captains.
During the four days in Kodaira, and after the camps in Okinawa and Miyazaki, I felt that the leadership of the entire team has been growing. I want to maintain that mentality. The three players serving as captains do not need to change anything in particular. As long as they can fully demonstrate their abilities as they have been doing, that is sufficient. This applies to players who are not captains as well. If we do not forget to continue every day, we will definitely grow. This season's 'Captains' are Kuryu, Kelly, and Mori, but I want everyone to fight as if they are captains.
──You mentioned that by accumulating victories one match at a time, you can reach the title, including the opening match. Finally, please tell us about the path to winning the title.
In any case, it's about each match. Without that, you cannot reach the top. We strive to grow through daily practice and develop our football. Then we focus on the next opponent and blow them away. We prepare for the new match. With 38 league matches, we will continue this approach. Everyone feels the desire to capture the scenery that the club has always dreamed of, to reach the top. However, we must know the path to get there. Which method to take, and where to head. It is important to believe and move forward without wavering, no matter what happens, and I believe that the football we are currently working on will be the foundation for that. Just like the world's renowned big clubs, we hope to refine our football and climb the great mountain together as a team.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
