Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over in June, finished the season in 11th place in the J1 league with 7 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. The man entrusted with rebuilding the capital club reflects on the season.
Interview with Coach CKLAMOVSKI (Part 1) here
They should be able to grow both as individuals and as players
Q. Changing the direction of the question, please tell us what you expect from the players.
A, the mentality of always giving your maximum effort. I want you to play with the motivation of wanting 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, I think we can continue to develop. We can also start thinking 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 in my career. We need each and every one of us to give our all and continue to improve every day.
Q, you also actively utilized young players like Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA.
A, Nozawa has really done well. He is young and a good talent, currently in a phase of rapid growth. I believe he is one of the players who can grow even more as he gains more experience in the future. For example, how to lead and stabilize the team from the goalkeeper position. That is something he needs to learn over time. I think Tawaratsumida is truly an outstanding young talent. Since I took over, he has done an excellent job. I am happy to see the growth of both of them. However, their play should still improve. The same goes for Yoshifu. When I took over, he was injured. Since then, he has integrated into the team and his level has risen again. I believe he is following a good development process. The same applies to Matsuki, who is also doing a wonderful job for this club.
Q, it was also a season where we felt many changes in the young players. For example, at the beginning of the season, Nozawa expressed that he wanted to play in matches and grow, but as he gained match experience, he began to talk about what he could do for the team, addressing the challenges that Coach CKLAMOVSKI mentioned earlier. I believe these realizations and discoveries are encouraging their growth.
A, I definitely think so. How we proceed from here—I understand that this is the process. It’s unfortunate that the season ends here. Right now, they are in the midst of learning what they need to do in such situations. By overcoming difficult moments, they will climb and continue to grow. However, since the season ends, there is also the frustration of not achieving the desired results. We must channel that fully into the preseason. Just as Nozawa is learning now, there are several players who feel the same way. They should be able to grow both as people and as players. I hope that in the preseason, they will firmly bring what they are learning now to the team and help build an even stronger team.
All 11 players on the pitch are captains
Q, at the same time, it was also a positive point to see veteran players like Yuto Nagatomo and Masato Morishige maintain their condition during the summer season.
A, yes. They are true professionals. Regardless of their age, they take care of their bodies and give their utmost. When I took office, I told them that they would be able to run more than ever in their careers. They possess a wonderful mentality and show their dedication to every detail as professionals. Their strong performances bring many benefits to our team. It is important to prepare thoroughly so that they can perform at their maximum capacity. From there, each player must deliver their best performance and make it their best season. Age does not matter. This is something all players must do. Together, we will 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, mid-level players like Kei KOIZUMI and Ryoma WATANABE had a very challenging season. Throughout the year, they received stern encouragement from players like Morishige and Nagatomo, urging them to become leaders who pull the team forward. Those struggles may be unavoidable for them to take the next step.
A, I believe that is also an important step. I think it is a very crucial point for this team and club. What I always say is that any of the 11 players on the pitch can be the captain. I want everyone to think of themselves as wearing the armband and fighting in the match. Nothing changes in a single day. It’s not even a week. It doesn’t change halfway through the season either. I believe the progress we have made since I took office has followed the correct stages. However, there are still things we need to do. Next season, we want to be a team that can show that. Surely, the 11 captains will fight on the pitch.
Q, next season FC Machida Zelvia and Tokyo Verdy will be promoted. The rivalry for supremacy in the capital, like in London, is likely to become intense.
A, fans and supporters will surely get very excited about this Tokyo area. However, no matter who comes before us, we must stand up and defeat them. Because 'Tokyo is blue and red.' That should always be the case. The colors of Tokyo are blue and red.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
