"Honestly, I have no feelings whatsoever": Coach Kwon Soon-chan's reaction to facing Heungkuk Life, the team that dismissed him [Yeosu on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kwon Soon-chan, who has taken over as head coach of the women's professional volleyball team Cheongguksan, is set to make his official debut just five days after taking the position. Coincidentally, his opponent in the debut match is Heungkuk Life, a team with which he shares a history of "controversial dismissal." However, Coach Kwon stated that he has "no feelings whatsoever" and said he would focus solely on winning.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the first match of Group A in the group stage of the 2026 Yeosu NH Nonghyup Cup Professional Volleyball Tournament against Heungkuk Life, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on the 11th at Yeosu Jinam Gymnasium, Coach Kwon Soon-chan said, "(Regarding Heungkuk Life, my opponent in the debut match) honestly, I have no feelings whatsoever. It seems like there is some tension, but I always approach every game with the mindset that I must beat any team."

Previously, Coach Kwon Soon-chan was dismissed from his position as head coach of Heungkuk Life in January 2023 for unclear reasons, sparking controversy. At the time, Kim Yeon-koung, who was a player for Heungkuk Life, also expressed support for the dismissed Coach Kwon. Subsequently, after an unpleasant incident occurred at a recent team dinner, leaving the head coach position vacant, Coach Kwon took over the reins of Cheongguksan, returning to the court after three years and nine months. It became a topic of discussion that he would make his debut with Cheongguksan against Heungkuk Life, the very team that had dismissed him, but Coach Kwon Soon-chan was reserved in his remarks, stating, "I do not have any special feelings just because it is Heungkuk (Life)."

Having to play his first match just five days after taking office, he said, "Given the short time, I could not prepare much. However, since the previous coaching staff and players prepared diligently, despite the brief period, I have some expectations for the players." He added, "I am very excited. It was always a position I wanted to return to. I am grateful. I am also grateful to the Cheongguksan club for choosing me."

He further added, "Cheongguksan has many quite good individual players. However, looking at team dynamics, there were too many errors, which was regrettable. I aim to integrate the players well to reduce errors and build a team by leveraging their strengths. It cannot be changed all at once. Instead, I will make it tight, stable, and strong."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original