A personality shaped by life experiences to date.
A coaching philosophy built through accumulated experience as a coach in various countries.
We delve into the character of Kashima Antlers head coach René Weiler, his
aspirations for football, and his philosophy.
A team makes a star,
not a star making a team.
──Roughly one month has passed since you joined the team. What are your current impressions of the Antlers club and the potential of the players on the roster?
"We played four matches in about three weeks, but I think it's still difficult to make a judgment. However, I have a very good impression of being able to work with the players currently on the team and being at this club. I'm enjoying each day and working in a comfortable atmosphere."
──I imagine you had various discussions before signing the contract. What is your understanding of Antlers' football style and tradition?
"Of course, I had heard the name Antlers even before this offer. I knew it was a popular club, not just because of Zico (club advisor), but also because of its tradition of winning the most titles in Japan. Actually seeing the facilities, the city, and the players, I'm very impressed. However, that tradition alone doesn't bring every single victory."
──This season, you are aiming to win titles through "fusion with tradition." What kind of essence do you plan to add, and how do you intend to bring victory to the team, Coach René?
"First, in football, I'm the type who flexibly creates a playing style rather than trying to fit into a specific one. Of course, there are tactical elements that I incorporate, but there isn't one fixed style. My aim is for each player to improve. This is because, before being a player, there's the aspect of being 'an individual.' That's the primary target. However, it must be attractive football that excites and entertains the fans and supporters. I want to show something that truly makes people say, 'Football is entertainment!'"
──When you joined the team, what was the first thing you emphasized to the players?
"I'm strongly demanding a good mentality. With so many good players around the world, there are, of course, many tactical and technical aspects to address, but I believe mental factors are incredibly important. Because there are so many good players, to stand out among them, it's crucial for players to continuously pursue growth every day. I'm asking the players to constantly self-reflect and always think about how to improve."
──So, the premise is to provide guidance that focuses on the "person," correct?
"That's the most important thing. Football is not an individual sport but a team sport, so wins and losses are shared as a team. Of course, individual emotions are important, but the overall atmosphere is what I value most. A clear example is, 'A team makes a star, not a star making a team.' Of course, for fans, supporters, and perhaps even media, there might be opportunities to talk about individual players who garner attention. But for me, I believe a player exists because of the team, so that's very clear in my mind."
──Former Football Director Mitsuru Suzuki often says, "A team is a living organism." I feel that your philosophy of cherishing team unity and fighting for the team aligns with Antlers' original way of thinking.
"I also place great importance on the environment, so I agree with what Mr. Mitsuru says. As things change, there will definitely be games we lose in the future, so it's important how well the team can maintain a good atmosphere during those times. Also, outside the pitch, as human beings, we must be happy. Of course, as players, we have to dedicate ourselves to giving our all on the pitch, but first and foremost, 'being happy as a person' is important. I also enjoy joking around, but since football is a sport that advocates fair play, we must approach it honestly and sincerely. There will be times when I have to say harsh things, depending on the situation. For that reason, I want to cherish the overall atmosphere in a good way."
──You've been steadily accumulating points, but in the 6th match of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Shimizu, Diego Pituca received a red card immediately after being substituted.
"Indeed, people often learn a lot from their mistakes. That can even help throughout the season. In that sense, I hope that by learning from this, the team can move forward."
──The day after the match, you were seen talking with Pituca on the practice ground.
"Everyone makes mistakes. It's the same when you're teaching children, right? You improve by advising them on the boundaries of 'how far they can go.' Doing so can be helpful in the future. I believe it's a coach's job to show that path."
──What is your ideal image of a coach, Coach René?
"Of course, there are various methods for team building, coaching, etc. Since I'm always outside the pitch, I'll definitely offer ideas and provide guidance on how to play, saying things like 'You must do it this way.' However, ultimately, I believe it's the players on the pitch who make decisions, choose, and play. I'm there to assist and demand things from them. Of course, my demands can sometimes be strict, but that's also my role, and I believe my job is to bring out the best performance from the players on the pitch."
──Has this coaching philosophy been built throughout your career?
"That's a difficult question. It's not about who I worked with or where I worked. Rather, I've had various experiences throughout my life and met many different coaches. There were good coaches and coaches who weren't very helpful (chuckles), but I picked out the good and bad points of each, keeping only the good ones and making choices, and through that process, I believe I built myself. Of course, tactics are easy to focus on and understand. I also have tactics I believe in, but I get the impression that many people these days are too fixated on them. Ultimately, the most important thing is where and what kind of space is open, and how to utilize that space. For example, if we are losing 0-1, you might think we need to bring in a striker and shift to an offensive approach to come back. However, if that striker isn't effectively using the space, perhaps another midfielder, depending on their timing and running into space, might lead the team in a better direction. In that sense, I believe it's important not to be bound by preconceptions. Just because a substitute player is a midfielder or a defender doesn't necessarily mean they are defensive or passive. I don't have a mindset that is fixated solely on tactics; first and foremost, it's about how to maximize the team's strength and create a system that can secure victory. For that, I believe it's a continuous process of finding space."
──Listening to you speak, I sense a inquisitive spirit that continues to learn.
"I personally believe that by encountering various cultures, I can incorporate the best aspects of each into my own approach. For example, taking the good points from Europe and the good points from Japan and combining them is beneficial for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so."
──Whose ideas as a coach have you incorporated and how?
"The first name that comes to mind is Rolf Fringer. He's an example of both good and bad, but he was my coach in the Swiss first division during my first year as a professional. He was very strict with players, even in his demeanor. During that time, there were days when I couldn't sleep at night after practice, and days when I thought, 'I don't want to go to practice tomorrow.' However, he had a very clever way, and at a wonderful timing, he conveyed to the players in words, 'How lucky we are to be professional athletes right now.' I believe that still influences me today."
Aiming to be a coach whom people
want to keep for a long time
──How do you assess players' abilities when you are coaching?
"Of course, I have to look at various aspects, including their technical skills as players. Among those, my priority is whether they can make correct judgments and how they behave. For example, are they running into space properly? Should they hold the ball, or should they release it immediately? Of course, there will be games we lose, but what kind of attitude do they show then? In various situations on the pitch, how correctly they can judge the situation is what I observe most and value most."
──Are you aiming to build a team where you meticulously guide players' situational judgment, indicating what is right and wrong?
"Since there are hundreds and thousands of decisions during a match, I can't point out every single one. If I were to comment on each one, it would of course be impossible, so it's not 100% like that. However, I do clearly indicate what is right and what is not. Things like, 'That play was good,' 'I want you to make plays like this,' or 'That play was a bit off,' are communicated in daily meetings and practices."
──You've only been in charge for a few matches so far, but we've seen players being used in positions different from what they've experienced, which feels fresh. What are your current thoughts on player selection?
"The football I'm aiming for is one where we constantly penetrate dangerous areas for the opponent and develop a style that uses depth. Also, for example, regarding midfielders, I'm advocating that the wing players should aim for the space behind the defense as a whole. In that context, I believe it's also necessary to show them what they need to do—'You have to run here,' 'I want you to make this pass here'—from the opposite perspective, by having them play in positions different from their original ones. This leads to an understanding of what the entire team needs to do, and what players in positions other than their own need to do, clarifying each individual's role. Based on that, I hope to build the entire team."
──You previously mentioned aiming for "aggressive, offensive, and efficient football." What does "efficient" mean?
"'Efficient' ultimately means scoring more goals than the opponent and conceding fewer goals. For example, even if we maintain possession for a long time, or even if we have fewer attacks, what matters is winning 1-0 in the end. While aiming to finish the match with more goals than the opponent, it's important to continuously build offensive methods and means to achieve that. However, I believe this applies not only to football but also to living efficiently in life. Ultimately, this 'efficiency' is the most difficult part. Increasing the number of times we reach the goal with a higher probability, and decreasing the possibility and probability of conceding goals. I believe that's my job as a coach, and I intend to execute it."
──Please tell us again about your goals for this season.
"First and foremost, even before results, I believe it's important that fans, supporters, and those who support the club enjoy watching Antlers' football. Ultimately, I aim to become a coach whom all of our supporters want to keep at this club for a long time. And I also hope the opposite doesn't happen (laughs)."
──Not only Coach René, but everyone who supports Antlers feels that way.
"I strongly feel the warm kindness in the atmosphere and air created by the fans and supporters in the stadium, and for us, that serves as extra motivation. It naturally makes us want to 'give back' to them. This applies not only to the players but also to the coaches, staff, front office staff, and everyone involved with Antlers. We have the desire to make the fans and supporters who backed us 'go home happy after the match.' I consider it an honor to be a part of creating this atmosphere of pure enjoyment of football, and I'm very grateful for the wonderful atmosphere. Of course, the goal is the title. It won't be easy, but let's do our best together! Thank you always for your support!"
