What message did Manager Lee Kang-cheol deliver to the "KT Wiz on the brink"? His cool response: "We talked about everything yesterday (the 7th), so we didn't [hold a meeting today]" [KS5 On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) of the KT Wiz, who are backed into a corner with a record of one win and three losses, displayed a candid speaking style ahead of the fateful Game 5 of the Korea Series, where they have "nowhere to retreat."

The KT Wiz will face the Samsung Lions in Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) on November 8, 2026, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Trailing the series one win to three losses, the KT Wiz are in a desperate situation where they will hand over the championship trophy to the Samsung Lions if they lose this game as well.

When asked by reporters whether he had conveyed any separate message to the players or coaching staff to change the team's stagnant atmosphere, Manager Lee answered bluntly, "No, there isn't one." When a follow-up question was raised asking if this belief stemmed from the fact that there are so many veteran players who would naturally adjust and change the atmosphere on their own, Manager Lee revealed, "(Before Game 4) I spoke to them yesterday (the 7th), so we didn't [hold a meeting today]."

When reporters asked again, "What did you say yesterday?", Manager Lee waved his hand and deflected with, "It has already passed." It appeared to be an intention to focus solely on the upcoming Game 5 without unnecessary meetings, rather than dwelling on past defeats or words already spoken.

He also added a candid explanation without reservation regarding the major changes in the starting lineup announced that day. The KT Wiz abruptly removed power hitter Ahn Hyun-min, who had maintained the cleanup trio through Game 4, from the starting lineup.

Manager Lee explained, "You all know that Hyun-min's defense is somewhat weak, but we have relied more on his bat throughout the season." However, he continued, "But since entering the postseason, critical defensive mistakes have caused many games to slip away. When (Choi) Won-jun got injured, Hyun-min had to play defense, but his recent batting pace has also dropped a bit, and strengthening the defense was necessary, so we made the decision." He added, "Instead, Jang Jin-hyuk is in good form, and since the opponent has many left-handed batters, we reinforced the defensive side. We will use Hyun-min as a pinch hitter if the situation arises in the latter half of the game."

The most ideal scenario Manager Lee hopes for in Game 5 is for starting pitcher Daniel to pitch deep into the innings. He stated, "No matter how the process goes, you have to win at the end to win today and have a tomorrow," emphasizing, "Right now, both Go Yeong-pyo and So Hyoung-jun have had almost no rest. Rather than forcing those two players to pitch too much just to win, it is best if Daniel pitches about six innings and we create a winning formula with our prepared bullpen. That way, we can fight with full strength tomorrow and the day after."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original