“Opening Match Against Hyundai Capital” Henan, Korean Air Head Coach: “The Cup Tournament Is in the Past; Today Is a New Game” [On Site in Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Henan Dal Zotto, head coach of Korean Air, who is set to play the first match of the men’s professional volleyball V-League season, cautioned against complacency, stating that “the previous record (two wins) against Hyundai Capital in the KOVO Cup is all in the past.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening match of the 2026-2027 HK Huhguk Financial V-League men’s division Round 1 against Hyundai Capital, scheduled for the 31st at Gyeoyang Gymnasium in Incheon, Coach Henan said, “We won everything during the KOVO Cup, but that is all in the past now. Today is a new game.”

Korean Air, which claimed the overall championship of last season’s regular league and Championship Finals, will face rival Hyundai Capital in its first match today. This matchup also mirrors the pairing from last season’s Championship Finals. The two teams recently met twice at the KOVO Cup held in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, where Korean Air defeated Hyundai Capital 3-0 in the group stage and 3-1 in the final to claim the title.

Coach Henan recalled, “In last year’s Championship Finals, we won the first two matches but lost the third and fourth. I remember receiving many questions about how to turn the momentum around before the fifth match. Many people were worried for us.” However, he added, “What must be remembered is that every game is a new story. I told the players not to dwell on the past but to focus on what needs to be done today.”

In response, Philip Blang, head coach of Hyundai Capital, said, “There were many areas we needed to improve while playing in the KOVO Cup. We focused our preparation on side-outs. We need to play well on the court. It will not be an easy game as an away team, but I hope we approach it with full fighting spirit.”

Regarding how to counter an opponent capable of diverse attacking rotations, Blang stated, “As seen in the KOVO Cup, they can keep switching and rotating their offense.” He expressed confidence, adding, “We will need to adjust based on what they do during the game, but we have prepared for everything.”

Coach Blang added, “Since I joined late, I plan to take it slow and wait while playing through the season. The season is long.” He continued, “Rather than using many bench players, we aim to maximize efficiency by rotating our main players as much as possible. I do not think we are fully prepared for the new season yet. We intend to proceed gradually.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original