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.
Player A, Nozawa, is doing really well. He is a young and talented player, and 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 to lead and stabilize the team from the goalkeeper position. That is something that he needs to learn over time. Tawarazutada is truly the best young talent. He has been doing an amazing 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 the same, and he has been doing a great 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 do we proceed 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 situations like this. By overcoming difficult situations, they will continue to climb and grow. However, because the season is ending, there is also frustration that results have not been achieved. We must be able to show that in the preseason. Right now, there are many players who feel the same way as Nozawa, and they should be able to grow as both individuals 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 maintain their condition during the summer season.
A, yes. 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 to be able to give our maximum effort. From there, we must give our best performances and each person must have their best season. It doesn't matter how old you are. It is something that all players 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 do 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 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 the 11 players playing are all captains. I want everyone to think that they are all wearing armbands and fighting in the game. Nothing changes in one day. It's not even a week. It doesn't change in half a season. I think the progress from when I took office until now has taken the right steps. However, there are still things we need to do. We want to become a team that can show it next season. I'm sure 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, 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 should always be the case. The colors of Tokyo are blue and red.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
