*This content was translated by AI.
Park Jin-man (50), manager of the Samsung Lions, openly shared his candid and cheerful thoughts about the results of KT Wiz's games amid a fierce standings battle.
On the 26th, ahead of Kiwoom Heroes' game at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, manager Park Jin-man met with on-site reporters and was asked about the recent tight race for first place. First-place KT and second-place Samsung are engaged in an extremely close standings battle, separated by just one game or less.
When StarNews asked whether he receives updates on KT's scores during games or checks them directly, manager Park smiled and honestly replied, "Rather than being told, I go quietly alone to check," creating laughter throughout the scene.
Continuing, manager Park added, "I try to sneak into the back of the dugout to catch glimpses of the broadcast screen when situations like pitching changes arise." He explained, "Whenever I enter the manager's office, it's often during an advertisement or when the score isn't displayed as a subtitle. Even during ads, if the score doesn't appear and timing is off, I can't see it." He conveyed that he carefully monitors real-time conditions at other stadiums whenever possible.
KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) also responded to StarNews' question about whether he receives updates on Samsung's scores: "I don't just check after the game ends; I monitor them throughout." He added, "I keep an eye on the scoreboard and broadcast screen because real-time scores are always displayed. It naturally draws my attention."
Regarding the possibility of a 'tiebreaker' for first place if KT and Samsung end up with identical win-loss records as their gap narrows significantly, manager Park maintained a cautious stance. He stated, "I haven't even had time to think that far yet. The season is still far from over." He emphasized, "We already have a head-to-head matchup against KT scheduled for this weekend, and many games remain. Our top priority is to prepare steadily for each opponent we face."
However, when asked about his thoughts on whether a tiebreaker would occur, he gave a clear yet competitive answer. Manager Park stressed, "Whether we lead by one game or half a game, it's best to pull ahead and finish first cleanly without needing a tiebreaker." He then added with a sharp joke and his signature confidence, "But if we end up in second place, wouldn't we have to play the tiebreaker no matter what?"
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*This content was translated by AI.
