TOKYOism

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.

Fans and supporters can be proud of and excited about the team.

Q: Please share your honest thoughts on the season as you took command midway through the season.
A, there are various emotions. We have been able to demonstrate a good form since the beginning of our appointment. I think we have grown and developed strongly in various aspects while forming a strong foundation for our game model and team. However, we still have a long way to go. There are areas that we need to evolve ourselves. We lost points in the final games of the season. We are deeply disappointed about that. We also feel a great pain for not being able to share the joy with our fans and supporters. This is because there are various emotions. We have shown good growth, but I think there were also parts where we couldn't produce results.

Q, What were the first things you thought you needed to do when you took on the job in the middle of the season?
A, there was a reason why I took over in the middle of the season. Initially, after a few days of training, we were scheduled to play against Nagoya Grampus. We have to think about Nagoya while analyzing ourselves. We thought about how we want to play the dream we have been dreaming of every week. It was a challenging situation to take over in the middle of the season, but these challenges can happen throughout the season. What is necessary is for our football to grow and evolve. I think it is important to start from there. We couldn't focus on just one topic. Of course, football doesn't change just by improving one thing. We want to create a team that fans and supporters can be proud of and get excited about when we step onto the pitch. That's where we focused.

Q, Have there been any specific messages that Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI has consistently conveyed to the players amidst various challenges?
A, We have always believed that in order to improve our game and playing model, we must approach it every day without wavering. As a team and as individuals, we have discussed the importance of consistently doing so. In order to become a strong team, we have also built a strong foundation. Of course, there are also clear areas for improvement.

Q, In the first half, we conceded 26 points, but in the second half after Coach CKLAMOVSKI took over, we were able to reduce it to 18 points. The improvement in defense is also reflected in the data, but I think we were able to organize the team from the decrease in the number of points conceded.
A, now, I think the players have a clear image of the game model. Each player on the pitch has become able to do what they need to do individually and connect with each other. I think that is one of the elements that has improved and improved us. As for the second half, we have the most clean sheets (8 games tied with Albirex Niigata and Urawa Reds). I think we have built an important foundation to become a strong team. We want to extend that even more. Of course, it is also important to defend firmly and not give anything to the opponent. I also think that we have become able to improve our own play in the attacking part. We have also become able to score goals and create more chances in the way we intended. We have also scored many goals from open play.

I believe we have established a solid foundation for building a special team through important accumulation and development. As a team, we have clear steps and visible growth. I think it would be great if we could aim to fill the gaps that we need to improve on in order to become a team that our opponents cannot stop. I believe that a strong foundation and development have been established since I took over mid-season. It would be wonderful if we could build towards becoming the team that our fans and supporters have dreamed of. That is my ambition and what I want to achieve.

To become a strong team that cannot be stopped by anyone

Q, Looking back in detail, are there any games that were turning points or left an impression?
A, it's a tough question, but there are different elements in each game that can be good or not so good. There were times when we played powerfully, and there were matches where we dominated and scored very good goals. The matches against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka were such games. However, in the match against Cerezo Osaka, even though we couldn't play well, we managed to keep a clean sheet and secured a victory away. It was a tough situation, but we were able to achieve results on our own. There were many games that I liked. However, the important thing is to consistently perform in such matches. We need to avoid fluctuations in our form. I hope we can always deliver our performance at a high level. Right now, we are giving our opponents a bit of a good time as a weakness. To become a team that is strong and unstoppable, and to become champions who take the trophy, we must fully deliver our play for 95 minutes, including added time. I believe that is a point we need to improve on.

Q, The first half of the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo match was a very good game, but in the second half, the flow of the game changed as if the reins were let go. This was truly a game where the points that need improvement were revealed.
A, I think so too. I conveyed that to the team as well. It was a game where we could have grabbed 3 points. The first positive point is that we were able to create many scoring opportunities. I see that in a positive light. I believe we worked hard on the pitch and gave it our all. Also, in the attacking phase, we effectively used the space, made good movements, and played at a good tempo. If it had been a different match, we might have scored a few goals there. I think it’s about whether we can maintain that form for 90 minutes. I was particularly concerned about the first 15 minutes of the second half. The level of performance dropped. It was a time when we needed to be more aggressive and push the opponent more. This ties into the idea of maintaining our level, not wavering, and not having ups and downs. I understand that the hope, ambition, and desire to become champions that this club has is everyone’s ambition and desire. We have to fight in the second half while maintaining the level we had in the first half. I think it would be good to instill that mentality and help us grow more.

Q, Each player has changed and grown. I understand that the answer is "all players are indispensable", but are there any players who were intentionally not indispensable?
A, I know the answer (laughs). I hope that all 11 players I send out onto the pitch will become unstoppable players. That is the team I want to create. There are players who bring out various flavors. I believe in them and hope to extend each and every player's play.

Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)