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 that we have built a solid foundation for creating a special team. As a team, we have clear steps and visible growth. In order to become a team that our opponents cannot stop, we need to fill the gaps that we want and improve. I think it's important to aim for that while filling the gaps. I believe that a strong foundation and building up have been created since I took over in the middle of the season. I want us to be the team that fans and supporters dream of. That is my ambition and what I want to do.

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 bad. There have been times when we were able to play powerfully and times when we were able to dominate the game and score great goals. Our games against Sagan Tosu and Gamba Osaka were like that. However, even in games where we couldn't play well like against Cerezo Osaka, we were able to keep a clean sheet and grab a win away from home. We were able to produce results in difficult situations. There were also many games that I personally liked. But the most important thing is to consistently play these types of games. We need to avoid the ups and downs of good and bad performances. We need to always perform at a high level. Right now, our weakness is that we are giving our opponents some good opportunities. In order to become a strong team that cannot be stopped, and to become champions by winning trophies, we need to play our game for the full 95 minutes, including added time. That is something 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 also think so. I told the team about it. It was a game where we could grab 3 points. The first positive point is that we created a lot of scoring opportunities. I am taking that positively. We worked hard on the pitch and gave our all, and in the attacking moments, we used the space well, had good movements, and played at a good tempo. If it had been a different game, we might have scored a few points there. I think it's about being able to maintain that form for 90 minutes. I was particularly concerned about the first 15 minutes of the second half. The level of performance had dropped. It was a time when we had to be more aggressive and push the opponent more. It also leads to the discussion of not dropping the level, not wavering, and not riding the waves. I understand that the hope, ambition, and desire of this club is to become champions, and that is what everyone wants to do. We have to continue fighting in the second half while maintaining the level we had in the first half. I hope we can continue to grow while instilling that mentality.

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)

---