“First Step in the Pyeongtaek Era”: KB’s Ramirez, “I Want to Show Growth” vs. Samsung’s Tommy, “Scoring Power Boosted by Wang Bin’s Arrival” [Pyeongtaek On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A new home court, a new coach. The KB Insurance Stars are set to challenge for their first victory in their new home arena alongside Isanaye Ramirez, who previously led the national team.

KB Insurance will face Daejeon Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in the opening match of the 2026-2027 HK Hyunguk Life V-League men’s division on the 1st at the Pyeongtaek Ichung Cultural and Sports Center.

Ahead of the new season, KB Insurance, which had to leave its home base in Uijeongbu due to venue issues, is starting anew in Pyeongtaek and has made changes in many areas by appointing Coach Ramirez.

The issue is the Asian quota player. KB Insurance parted ways with Tarusha Chamesha on October 30, two days before their first match. After showing poor performance in the Cup tournament, they decided to make a quick replacement before the season began.

Coach Ramirez, met before the game, said, “It is still undecided which player will come in,” adding, “Today’s starter will be Na Gyeong-bok.”

Facing his V-League debut, Coach Ramirez expressed, “I am very excited ahead of the first match. It holds great significance and joy in my personal coaching career as well.” He continued, “I am grateful to the office for creating an excellent environment and to Pyeongtaek City for their cooperation. It is convenient because it is not far from Suwon, where the clubhouse is located, and all the players are enjoying playing volleyball in Pyeongtaek. I want to approach (the fans) with the wonderful gift of a victory.”

Coach Ramirez, who showed regret over the Cup tournament performance, stated, “We have completed an overall check without focusing on just one aspect, including serve, setter-hitter coordination, and reception.”

Coach Tommy Tilikainen, who experienced a championship with Incheon Korean Air before joining Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, is welcoming the new season. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, which was evaluated as having improved its strength in the Cup tournament, has further heightened expectations with the addition of Asian quota player Wang Bin.

Regarding the pressure as a former national team coach, he said, “It is only the burden I place on myself, rather than external views.” He expressed confidence by adding, “I will handle uncontrollable parts flexibly and, just as we improved year after year with the national team, I will adhere to daily training routines to show the players growing.”

Coach Tilikainen said, “After the Cup tournament, Wang Bin joined ball training, and we focused on building chemistry until before the season. He is included in today’s 16-man roster.” He added, “If Wang Bin starts, he will make a big impact, but I do not intend to play volleyball that relies on just one person. It is difficult to quantify our completeness yet, but since a player who can definitely score has arrived, our offensive power has improved.”

Coach Ramirez of KB Insurance also did not lower his guard against Wang Bin. Coach Ramirez called him “a very excellent player at an international level” and said, “I found my own solutions and focused on them, but it seems we will have to see if they work in today’s match.”

Finally, when asked about his resolve for the new season, Coach Tilikainen declared, “Our goal is always ‘Back to the top.’” He added, “Our players are approaching things with an attitude of wanting to learn something new, so the process of training and growing together is very enjoyable. In this good atmosphere, if we improve a little bit every day, we will eventually reach the goal we desire.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original