"I hope the fans understand." Why did the first place manager ask the fans for their understanding

Jul 15, 2024

KIA manager Lee Bum-ho is on the mound and talking to the players when the game between KIA and LG at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 11th is on the verge of losing a point with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jamsil= Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.07.11/

"I think the most important thing is where you are at the end, so I hope fans understand...."

KIA Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho suddenly mentioned 'Fans' understanding' while briefing before the game on the 14th. his first season as a manager. There are many things to be cautious about, and there are many things to be difficult. KIA, which had been evaluated as a presidential contender since before the season, is actually ranked first throughout the season.

But it's not without its ups and downs. An endless series of injuries, including Lee Eui-ri's season out on the operating table and Will Crow's injury, are followed. While closer Jung Hae-young has yet to make a comeback after suffering an injury at the end of the first half, even Yoon Young-chul has recently been excluded from the entry due to back inflammation. Something is happening every time as if it were a test of the coach's coping style. Director Lee Bum-ho also smiled bitterly and said, `I thought it would only be over May, but June was also a crisis. I didn't think Young-chul would fall out like this."

Still, KIA is still the closest team to winning the championship. You can't just blow away the opportunity that came and the opportunity that heaven created. Coach Lee Bum-ho said, `We still have to play. I think it's the same for any team to have an injured player. I think we should definitely focus on the winning game. When the 1-2-3 (starter) goes out, I feel like I have to play a winning game for sure."

KIA team after winning against SSG on the 14th. Photo =KIA Tigers

The shoulders and duties of must-win group Jeon Sang-hyun and Jang Hyun-sik are also burdensome. Even two people can't stay in good condition every time, but there are more days when you have to pray only looking at two people. That's how much responsibility he has. Since it is the No. 1 team, there are many games to win and there are many games to keep. However, it is also true that there are limitations in terms of manpower. Manager Lee Bum-ho also said, `I try to go without throwing as many consecutive games as possible, but the number of games itself is high.'"The starting pitchers also collapse little by little, and the nails become weak after five to six innings." Still, the players told me that they were not tired and that they were okay, so thank you for that."

At the same time, he asked for the fans' understanding. Coach Lee Bum-ho said, `Even if there are difficulties in the process itself, I hope you will cheer up the players. We need to focus a little on the winning game. It is a request for fans who want to not be disappointed even if they raise the white flag in the game that they can win, saying, "Can't we miss the game that we have to move on?" This means that we cannot ignore the danger signals that could spread to the remaining players if we only play all-out games in each game.

Director Lee Bum-ho said, `I think where we are at the end is more important. You have to take these players to the end of the season. I'll make a good atmosphere and overcome the difficult times" he said. I felt an incredible solidity in my first season as a coach.

youll@sportschosun.com

"I hope the fans understand." Why did the first place manager ask the fans for their understanding

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