“Easily defeated? We saw the ‘forest’ differently, but it backfired” vs “One heart, one body”: The mics were already tied... V-League’s “7 managers, 7 colors” declarations of intent [Media Day on site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The V-League managers threw out distinctive declarations of intent, foreshadowing fierce competition for the new season.

The media day for the women’s division of the 2026-2027 professional volleyball season was held on the 7th at Hotel Libra Cheongdam in Seoul Gangnam-gu.

Managers and players from seven teams participated. Korea Expressway Corporation manager Kim Young-rae and Kang So-hwi, Hyundai E&C manager Kang Seong-hyung and Kim Da-in, Mega, GS Caltex manager Lee Young-taek and Kwon Min-ji, Gizelle Silva, Heungkuk Life Tomoko Yoshihara and Pyo Seung-ju, Kindelan, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea manager Masayoshi Manabe and Yook So-young, Osanai Miwako, SOOP manager Kim Se-jin and Go Ye-rim, Izushue, Jeong Gwan Jang manager Kwon Soon-chan and Yeom Hye-sun, and Buki Richi attended.

The new season “declarations of intent” attached to the mics by the managers were revealed that day, drawing attention. The managers of the seven teams each conveyed their goals and resolve for this season through distinctive phrases.

Lee Young-taek, manager of the “defending champions” GS Caltex, put forward “One team, one energy.” He emphasized a united teamwork once again, stating, “The energy that came together as one on the court last season exerted great power leading to the championship.”

Manager Kim Young-rae reaffirmed his will for the players, front office, and fans to look in only one direction through the slogan “Our path is one.” Manager Kang Seong-hyung of Hyundai E&C highlighted “one heart, one body” as a keyword amid changes in the player roster during the off-season, foreshadowing tight organizational strength.

The firm resolve of foreign managers also continued. Heungkuk Life hung up “Dragon King Sold Out,” expressing their intent to move forward without looking back toward their goal as a full team. Manager Manabe of IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, making his first appearance on the V-League stage, expressed expectations for establishing new tactics along with the phrase “New Challenge.”

Witty phrases that captured fans’ attention also appeared. Kim Se-jin, manager of the newly established team SOOP, used “Saw it as a ‘forest (SOOP),’ but got badly hurt” as his declaration of intent, foreshadowing their rise as a dark horse by saying, “We will show you how much terrifying power our team can exert.”

Kwon Soon-chan, manager of Jeong Gwan Jang, presented the intuitive and realistic goal of “Spring volleyball is coming, with the power of Jeong Gwan Jang,” conveying his solemn resolve for this season.

They also gave candid answers to questions about off-season training results and tactical plans for the new season. Manager Lee Young-taek stated, “There are no major changes in strength other than Tanacha’s joining, but we are thoroughly preparing so that players do not become complacent or arrogant,” maintaining a sense of vigilance.

Acting manager Kim Hyeong-rae also expressed confidence, saying, “Fundamentals are most important” and “We devoted ourselves to training to show fans diverse plays.”

Manager Kang Seong-hyung, who faced major changes due to the retirement of Yang Hyo-jin, a pillar of the team, vowed, “We signed Bae Yu-na to fill the vacant spot. Since the two players have different styles, we will focus on maximizing Bae Yu-na’s strengths.”

Manager Yoshihara, in his second year in charge, declared, “Through last season, the players grew and gained confidence” and “This season, we will play volleyball where everyone can participate in offense no matter who enters the court.”

Manager Manabe, drawing attention for “data-driven volleyball,” stated, “Data is important, but since it is ultimately a sport played by people, ‘passion’ is needed,” and pointed to unified organizational strength as the key issue for the new season.

The resolve of teams taking on challenges in new environments was also remarkable. Manager Kim Se-jin said, “Our offensive power is relatively weak, so we are focusing on building a defensive system such as cover and receive formations” and “We will make it so that players feel the fun of volleyball and waves of blue overflow the court.”

Manager Kwon Soon-chan, in his second day in charge, made a cool-headed diagnosis, stating, “The players’ individual skills are good, but teamwork and understanding of volleyball are lacking, leading to frequent errors,” and revealed his ambition by saying, “We will incorporate ‘thinking volleyball,’ where players themselves consider the next move and finishing touches.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original