Ryu Ji-hyun was sure "It's the best atmosphere ever at WBC, so I'm proud → I'll do well in the first game.""

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryu Ji-hyun (55), head coach of the Korean national baseball team, expressed strong confidence in the team's atmosphere ahead of the match against the Czech Republic, the first game of the 2026 WBC (World Baseball Classic).

Coach Ryu Ji-hyun said in an official press conference before the match ahead of the first Group C match against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 5th, "I have spent a lot of time with the players since Saipan training. I am proud that the atmosphere of our team is the best ever."

Coach Ryu reiterated the importance of the match against the Czech Republic, referring to cases in the past where he struggled with his first loss in the tournament. "I deeply recognized the importance of the first game from the stage of the formation of the team and set up a strategy," he said. "We have already completed simulations of various situations, and we are all ready for how to lead the game today."

When asked if he watched the match between Taiwan and Australia held earlier, he said, "I watched the game from time to time while playing the power analysis schedule at the hotel," adding, "I once again confirmed that there are many tensions and variables unique to international competitions, and I increased my concentration through meetings with players."

On the same day, the Korean national team will bring up its lineup for the last warm-up match (against Hanshin Tigers) in Osaka. Kim Do-young (designated hitter, KIA Tigers)-In the order of Germay Jones (left fielder, Detroit Tigers), Lee Jung-hoo (center fielder, San Francisco Giants), Ahn Hyun-min (right wing, KT Wiz), Moon Bo-kyung (first baseman, LG Twins), Shay Witcom (third baseman, Houston Astros), Kim Hye-sung (second baseman, LA Dodgers), Park Dong-won (catcher, LG) and Kim Joo-won (striker, NC Dinos). The starting pitcher is KT Wiz's Soh Hyung-joon. Jung Woo-joo will be the second pitcher.

In particular, coach Ryu Ji-hyun said, "The most worrisome part was the combination of No. 1 and No. 3," adding, "I was worried about the placement of the players, who are the most vigilant object to the opponent." "I think it's a harmonious lineup to deploy strong right-handed hitters," he explained.

He also presented specific guidelines for mound management. Coach Ryu pointed out, "Soh Hyung-joon and Jung Woo-joo have prepared early for today's game from camp," adding, "Neither player plans to exceed 50 pitches." Since then, the management of the bullpen will be flexibly dealt with according to the game situation and the difference in scores.

Finally, coach Ryu said, "Today, rather than me as a coach, the coaches in charge would have already delivered enough messages for the players. "I will trust our players who have shown me so far and play," he said, strengthening his will to win.

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*This content was translated by AI.