After about two months of the loud and thick voice of the Australian coach echoing through the training ground in Odaira, the team's outline is gradually taking shape. At the center of it all are "rules" and "hard work". These two things have become the keywords of Peter Tokyo.
Since taking office, Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has devoted time to incorporating "rules" into the team. This mainly applies to the defensive aspect, where he has clearly defined the roles of each player in different situations.
Keigo HIGASHI explains his aim.
"For example, when the opponent runs behind the full-back, it is difficult to determine whether the defensive midfielder, center-back, or wide midfielder should follow. However, we make it clear that the defensive midfielder should follow. When other players understand this, they can adapt to different positions according to their movements. Although there are mainly defensive aspects, there are increasing "rules" in that sense."
Kuryu MATSUKI, who balances the entire team as one of the double defensive midfielders, speaks clearly about it. "Thanks to the many "rules", if someone slacks off, it becomes completely clear. It's all individual responsibility and substitutions are possible." As can be understood from Matsuki's words, there are fewer ambiguous situations on the pitch. Although they suffered 3 goals and were defeated in the last match before the J1 League suspension against Kashima Antlers, they can be said to have achieved the result of consecutive clean sheets in the first three matches, thanks to the "rules".
Another thing, when you unravel the meaning of the word "hard work", you quickly realize that it doesn't simply mean "run hard". The true meaning is "mental hard work". Coach Klomovski reveals his thoughts.
"Concentrate without wasting a single second and pay attention to the details. By moving your mind even in tough situations, your body will also move. Make decisions without stopping even when tired. When all 11 players do this, it becomes an incredible 'hard work'. That might be the meaning of the word 'hard work' that I use."
Kei Koizumi, who can explain the coach's thoughts with concrete examples, does so. Kenta Kawai, who served as an assistant coach under coach Klomovski at Montedio Yamagata, and was coached at Sagan Tosu, a top hard worker, lined up his words with a little nostalgia.
"It's not about who is imitating whom, but I think Peter and Kenta-san respect each other, and they are similar in terms of the practice menu and things they want to convey in meetings. It feels like I'm remembering something. For example, even in the ball passing menu, I remembered the feeling of being told on the demon side, 'Do it with 100% intensity for one minute.' Kenta-san used to say that a lot in Tosu, but honestly, I had almost forgotten that feeling since coming to Tokyo."
During the two-week break, we have been conducting intense training every day and have been "improving in all aspects" (Coach Cklamovski). New players Kosuke Shirai and Riki Harakawa also feel positive and confident.
"The intensity of the training is high, and there are unique menus. It is rare for the ball to be passed around so intensely. Also, there are patterns in the build-up, and it is challenging to constantly move your head while playing while watching the nearby players. But it's fun!" (Shirai)
"It's tough and intense training, but as a result, it's condensed and the content is rich. Well, there's no time to rest for both the mind and body (laughs). I haven't been asked for any special requirements as a midfielder yet, but it seems like there are some "rules" in defense, and I think we'll choose the patterns that have been presented for the build-up on the pitch. I think it's important to share how we can effectively utilize the 90 minutes when I become the one making the choices." (Riki HARAKAWA)
So, what kind of football are we aiming for in the future? To borrow Kei Koizumi's words again, the shape of it becomes clear. Based on his experience at Sagan Tosu, number 37 testifies as follows.
"I want to make Tokyo football more clear. I think we will become stronger if we can say 'This is Tokyo football'. In any case, we will play aggressively in both attack and defense. In defense, we will aggressively move forward and set a high line, and in attack, we will quickly exploit any space behind and continuously create opportunities on the sides, putting fast balls between the defense line and the goalkeeper. We want to clearly shape this into our own style."
To become a team that is feared by opponents and does not want to fight against, with exciting football that excites everyone, and to aim for a place that has not yet been reached. That is the ambition of the commander. Still in the midst of it. The journey is long. Nevertheless, little by little, we are moving forward, cutting away unnecessary things and adding substance to the necessary things, step by step.
"What we are doing now is leading us to become the type of team we envision," (Coach CKLAMOVSKI)
Everyone on the pitch works hard for the team and follows the rules to win. That is the ideal image of Peter Tokyo, who pursues the best football in Japan.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
