TOKYOism

The season of farewell has come. The departure of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took command in the middle of last season, has been decided at the end of this season, and the adventure of one and a half seasons with blue and red has come to an end. At the post-match press conference of the last match, the 38th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Cerezo Osaka, the following question was asked.

"It has been 7 years since I came to Japan. And now, it's time to close this chapter. Looking back, how has the past 7 years been?"

Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI said, "There have been many chapters in these seven years," and he spoke these words.

"There have been many things. For me, and for my family, Japan has felt like home for the past 7 years. I truly want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been involved with me. I have been able to meet truly wonderful people in various places in Japan. This includes people I have met outside of football. I believe these people will stay in my heart forever. I truly want to thank everyone at the clubs I have been involved with so far."

Endo Hiroshi, who heard that, was trembling next to him. Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI served as head coach for two years at Yokohama F.Marinos and started his full-time coaching career at Shimizu S-Pulse from the 2020 season. He also supported Montedio Yamagata as a commander, and was the closest person to him during his five years as a coach. The same year they met in Japan, they talked about soccer while holding coffee, and as they grew older, they deepened their relationship by also discussing private matters. The two of them both say, "It's like a married couple who have been together for a long time." When they parted ways with their buddy, they both said, "I thought (Coach CKLAMOVSKI) would cry. I'm sorry," and then they quickly returned to work after catching their breath.

"I believe that the relationships with football family and friends will last a lifetime. Now, a special chapter is about to close. However, I think it will continue in another place. Someday, I will come back here again."

The overall record in blue and red is 22 wins, 12 draws, and 21 losses in the league. The coach who left behind an average of 1.41 points per game will now walk a different path here.

Peter Tokyo's 18-month journey. Last summer, the club decided to dismiss former coach Albert Puig Ortoneda due to poor performance and hired coach Klamovski in a situation where he had to pick up the pieces. He aimed for a high-press and high-line aggressive football and aimed for a top finish this season. However, they lacked stability until the end and ultimately finished the season in 7th place. At the beginning of the season, there was a word that was emphasized.

"There are 11 captains on the field."

"With that, I appointed Masato MORISHIGE, Kei KOIZUMI, and Kuryu MATSUKI as captains from different generations. Among them, I intentionally entrusted the important role to Kuryu, who is in his third year as a professional," he reflected.

"He was a strong character, with a strong mentality and of course, talent as a player. We expected him to take on the responsibility of being captain. It was a big experience for a 20-year-old player to be captain. He led us in the right direction and proved what he was capable of. Also, the other captains helped create an environment where everyone could grow in the right direction. At the beginning of the season, we talked about having 11 captains on the field. I think that improved the mentality of the entire team. We must continue to grow and improve in the future."

That Matsuki, after two and a half seasons, left to prepare for his dream of challenging Europe. Coach Klamovski also pushed his former student, saying, "I am proud of him," as he narrowed his eyes. Not only Matsuki, but also Teppei Oka, Kota Tawaratsumida, Kanta Doi, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, and Leon Nozawa, have been given continuous opportunities to play.

"Some coaches may hesitate about it. I trust them and have faith in them. They have shown the appropriate quality. Many young players have taken their playing time and become the foundation of the club's future. Many players have made their debut under my leadership. I am especially proud of being able to do such things as a coach, and I am proud that they have taken their chances and contributed to the team. In order to become important players for this club in the future, we must give them opportunities, otherwise we won't even see their potential. That is something I am proud of. Also, experienced players have shared their experiences with many young players. I believe that this will be the foundation for creating the future of this club."

While sticking to their beliefs, they suffered a major setback during the summer when Matsuki left. They were abandoned from victory for about two months after the last match against Albirex Niigata on July 13th. As a result of continuing to fight in the scorching heat, they experienced a long tunnel of 6 games without a win. The team, lacking flexibility, spent their time in the shadows. During that time, they were often booed. However, the honest coach continued to stand in front of the filled red and blue goal stands after every match, saying "There is no need to lie or hide. We need to overcome the difficulties we face and seize each and every moment. Criticism is a part of football."

"What I needed to do was to focus on what I could see. However, during difficult times, the players came together and tried their best to move forward. It was not just the players on the field, but the entire team including the coaching staff. It's something that can happen during a long season, and we have to lift ourselves up. It can happen at any club during different times. Looking back now, it was tough during the summer, but I think it was a learning process for the team."

Baby steps to Giant strides──。

Believing that small steps lead to great growth, I did not bend my methods.

"I believe that's my way. There are good times and bad times. I expected that to happen. I realized that such experiences are necessary to create something special. You can't suddenly grab success. You have to work hard, overcome difficult times, and learn. That's how you become strong. This season, there was also a flow that we let go of ourselves. Looking back, I think it was part of growing the team. Because there were lessons to learn in order to get closer to the team we dreamed of, we can learn, stand up, and make the future brighter."

After the heat subsided in September, we continued our unbeaten streak for 5 games. After 3 consecutive losses, we ended the season with a victory to celebrate Diego OLIVEIRA's retirement. The 1.5 year story has come to an end, and when asked if he has any regrets, he responds with a bright smile and says "Absolutely not."

"I think I know what it takes to shape success. In the 18 months here, I believe we have laid the foundation for the future. When I came here, only my friend Endo-san (Hiroshi ENDO, interpreter) knew me well enough to be called my second wife. That's where this journey began. But I think we were able to shape the future together with each and every player here and everyone involved with the club. When I first arrived, there were clear things to do, and it was about how we would go through the process from there. I'm sure we've improved 100 percent compared to the beginning. There are surely things we should have in our hands in the future. (Without the chapters we've carved in 18 months), success wouldn't be possible. I am praying for the club's success from a faraway place, while holding the blue and red in my heart."

I left the team halfway through, without seeing the full picture of the "dreaming team" that I have always talked about. What kind of form did it take? No one knows now. When I say that, I smile with a slightly sad expression and continue, "It's a complicated question."

"We have been working hard every day to become a dream team. Talent is necessary, but hard work is also required. The players' feelings and the right materials must also be in place. Everyone has given their all. In order to reach our dreams, we must go through the process. I believe that reaching our dreams is still ahead of us."

Even after leaving the club, I intend to continue my work as a dedicated coach. Over the past seven years, I have moved between four different clubs and experienced both the good and the bad. Nevertheless, I still want to continue standing on the front lines of coaching.

"The driving force that has kept me going through tough work is my passion and love for football. Together with the people in this club, I have been striving to grow every day. This applies not only to myself, but also to those around me. If we can create such an environment, everyone can work hard while enjoying it. This job requires me to give my all. I have been helping others to bring out their best. And I have always wanted to achieve something and build something special. I believe that this job allows me to do that. Football has an irreplaceable feeling, and I have been pursuing it. There may be something that takes hold of me. There are various flavors, but it is surely special. Once you experience it, you will want to taste it again. When you achieve something with someone, a special emotion is born. This club has not yet achieved the J1 League championship. However, I believe that we are walking on the path that leads there."

The profession of a coach begins with a countdown to separation. The time has come for the inevitable goodbye. A dedicated coach says, "That's football."

"I am honored to have stepped into this amazing football club. When I think about how special it is, I feel lucky. There are truly wonderful fans and supporters, and the players also feel like a special presence. I can't imagine facing Tokyo now. I will leave here with pride."

The last message before leaving was a feeling of gratitude towards the fans and supporters.

"Thank you for always supporting Tokyo and creating a special atmosphere during the games. I am grateful to have been a part of it. For a football club, fans and supporters are everything. Tokyo's fans and supporters are special. I hope for the future success of the club and will continue to support it with them. The time we spent together here was laying the foundation for the future. It's not "goodbye," it's "see you again." We may sing together in the stands someday. But for now, I don't think that will happen. We don't know what the future holds, but let's hug again."

This club is now in a transitional period in its history. In this 'in-between' where the past and the future mix, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has been trying to convey important things.

The show goes on──

A new show begins from the city I dreamed of so much that I couldn't sleep. Beyond farewell, the season of encounters will come.

Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)