Interim Manager Kim Young-rae Faces Tanacha as an Opponent: "My Feelings Are Strange" [Yeosu On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Interim Manager Kim Young-rae of Korea Expressway Corporation said that while he feels "strange" about facing Tanacha (Thailand) as an opponent from a rival team, it is "naturally something that happens in professional sports."

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Group B first match against GS Caltex at the 2026 Yeosu NH Nonghyup Cup Professional Volleyball Tournament, held on the 12th at Yeosu Jinam Gymnasium, Interim Manager Kim Young-rae stated, "As a professional player, one would naturally want to experience playing for various teams," adding that this is an inevitable part of the career.

Tanacha, who played for Korea Expressway Corporation until last season, signed with GS Caltex after the season ended. Coincidentally, her first official match since transferring is against her former team, Korea Expressway Corporation. She now faces teammates from last season as opponents. Interim Manager Kim Young-rae said, "It is a pity that (Tanacha) left," but added, "However, with Mamie joining us, our defense has become more solid."

Interim Manager Kim Young-rae explained, "Today, Park Jung-a will not start; Kang So-hui and Mamie will take the court first. Park Jung-a had a thigh injury until a week ago," but noted, "She is able to play in this cup tournament, and her condition is improving. If Kang So-hui or Mamie struggle today, she can come in immediately."

He added, "Her receiving was good during practice matches. We practiced attacking through the middle position a lot. I am curious how that will translate into today's match. If we use it too much, it might become unstable. I am curious to see how effective our use of the middle position will be."

Conversely, Lee Young-tak, manager of GS Caltex, who has newly signed Tanacha, said with a smile, "She will start today. She is usually a high-energy player, so I am worried about how facing her former team for the first time might affect her." He continued, "We have trained diligently. If we can handle the early part of the game well, it should be fine."

He further expressed his expectations, saying, "(Tanacha) may not have overwhelming power, but she works hard on defense and handles receiving well for her own responsibilities. She occasionally scores through blocking and has great fighting spirit. If she creates synergy with Silva, I think we can lead the atmosphere on the court from our perspective."

When asked about changes compared to last season, Manager Lee Young-tak said, "It seems the players' confidence has increased significantly." GS Caltex won the championship in the finals last season.

Manager Lee Young-tak stated, "Because the results of that season were disastrous, there was an atmosphere of being stuck. However, what I felt while preparing for the KOVO Cup during this off-season is that the players' confidence has risen a lot. It seems they have grown by winning many matches. The unity and atmosphere among the players are good, which greatly helps (me as manager) in leading the team."

This cup tournament, held ahead of the V-League opening, will be held in Gwangju Yeosu, South Jeolla Province this year, following last year's event. The seven women's teams will compete for the championship trophy until the 18th, while the seven men's teams will battle from the 19th to the 25th. Both men's and women's divisions will determine the champion through a group stage followed by a four-team knockout tournament. The championship prize money is 50 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original