TOKYO, South Korea manager Lee Kang-chul has never been a rah-rah type of leader, and he wasn't about to change his style ahead of his international debut at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) here Thursday.
South Korea was set to take on Australia to open Pool B play just past noon at Tokyo Dome. In his pregame press conference, Lee said he didn't want to get in his players' way.
"I am not the type to hold meetings before a big game. I haven't called any meeting since we got here," Lee said. "Coaches have done their part to get the players ready. If I say anything at this point, it will get stuck in players' heads, and I am just not that kind of manager. I am hoping the players will take care of business on their own."
Lee had been a pitching coach at earlier international competitions but this WBC is his first tournament as manager.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, and the game day is finally here," Lee said. "I am relaxed. Honestly, I hope the game will start right about now."
Lee said he was counting on his starting pitcher, Ko Young-pyo, to go as deep as he can within the 65-pitch limit in the first round.
"The early innings will be crucial," Lee said. "If he can hold his ground for about three innings, then we can get the bullpen going from there."
That bullpen, however, will not feature closer Go Woo-suk in this game. He has been dealing with neck stiffness since Monday, when his outing in an exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes was cut short after 12 pitches. Though further tests showed no structural damage, Lee said the right-hander would not be available Thursday.
"He's getting better every day," the manager said. "We'll keep tabs on him on a daily basis."
Source: Yonhap News Agency