Does this kind of policy destroy even the minimum principles? There could be concerns over the management policy, which is rare in Korean baseball, but manager Lee Bum-ho said in a very firm voice and confident voice. "I know they are not players who can take advantage of such things." 스포츠토토
At the inauguration ceremony of Kia Autoland in Seo-gu, Gwangju on Tuesday, Lee announced that he would win the title in his term in office. He was confident enough to win the title in two years, not even the postseason. Neither the club nor its players seemed to be aware that Lee was a novice coach. Of course, the same applies to Lee himself. "I think I will realize it once I enter the stadium," he said with a smile. When explaining the team's management policy, he expressed his opinion without hesitation.
In his inaugural address, Lee Bum-ho said, "The baseball that I want to pursue as a coach is the baseball that makes people smile." I will create an atmosphere where players smile and have fun on the ground. I will convey positive energy that says, 'Do your best as much as you can' rather than this. As a coach, I will clearly present the goals that our team should achieve and help players to play as much as possible under those goals."
However, I will not let it flow without rules and systems. At a subsequent press conference, Lee Bum-ho was asked, "Is there a line to keep?"
"I think the players should do their best to play," Lee said. "And other things, I will try to make it 'free' for the players to get in shape (for the game). But it is different when you go into a game. You have to pay attention to the preparation process to enter the game. Just relax in the locker room doesn't mean being surprised and giving freedom. The players know best how to shape up their physical condition to play, so if they tell them what to do, they will listen to everything."
"I know that the players are not the ones who take advantage of it. I thought it would be easier for the players to prepare (for the game) if they prepared by thinking for themselves," he added.
Starting with captain Na Sung-bum, he is still nervous. "He said he would let me show my skills with a smile on the ground," Na said. Instead of letting him speak freely, I took it as a sign that the players should prepare well accordingly. The coach is very considerate of the players. I think the players should prepare well, and I think they should pay more attention to their social life and personal lives."
As he is in a position to deliver the team's requests to the coaching staff, he is taking Lee's words more carefully. "He was comfortable when I made suggestions in between even before he became the coach. When I went there and told him, he accepted everything," Na said. "I've been a professional for a long time. There are things I shouldn't do and things I can do, so I'll keep my eye on them. I've been doing things considering what I should say and what I shouldn't do, so I've been living without any problems so far."
Manager Lee Bum-ho and Na Sung-bum hope that this smiley baseball will even blossom into a championship. Manager Lee Bum-ho said, "I would like to thank the club once again for giving me the opportunity to be a coach, and I will definitely lift the trophy during my term. Please look forward to the KIA Tigers for the 2024 season, and I ask for your support anytime, anywhere." Na Sung-beom said, "Since the person I like became a coach, I want to give all the players a really good performance this year without getting hurt."