Kazuo Matsui, the new manager of professional baseball Seibu, held an inaugural interview on the 18th and spoke enthusiastically, saying, "I want to do my best to win the league and be the best in Japan."
The 46-year-old Arata Matsui was active in the Seibu and major league teams as an infielder with a triple threat of running, offense and defense during his active career. served as head coach.
On the afternoon of the 18th, the new head coach Matsui held a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo wearing a blue tie, the team color of Seibu.
Regarding his appointment as manager, new manager Matsui said, "I honestly didn't think I would be asked to be the manager. Of course, there is a lot of responsibility and pressure, but I want to do it in my own way."
On top of that, he said, "While inheriting the tradition that former manager Hatsuhiko Tsuji has created, it is extremely difficult to seek two things: constant wins and training, but I want the regulars to pull young players behind their backs, and I want that kind of figure. I think we will create a long-standing victory and tradition for the Lions in the future.”
He added, "I think it's very important to fight well as an organization in order to create a team that can always compete for the championship. There are expectations from the fans, and I think there are concerns about whether everything will be okay, but I hope the fans will be excited. I want to create a strong team and do my best to win the league championship and become the best in Japan for a year."
Former director Tsuji: "As the new director, do as you please"
Former manager Hatsuhiko Tsuji of professional baseball Seibu, who retired this season, visited the team's autumn practice on the 18th and sent an ale, saying, "I'm always watching, so I want you to do your best."
On the morning of the 18th, former coach Tsuji, who has been in command of the team for six years, visited the autumn practice in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, and greeted the players and coaches.
In this, former coach Tsuji expressed his gratitude, saying, "We were able to win the league championship, taste the last place, and experience many things. Thank you very much."
On top of that, "I became a manager and felt how great the power of the fans is. When you stand on the ground, if you do your best without giving up until the end, the team will definitely head in a good direction. I think I'll go. I'm always watching, so I want you to do your best."
He smiled and shook hands with the players, coaches, and new manager Kazuo Matsui.
Former director Tsuji, who responded to the interview after this, said, "I want to support how the members who played together will fight next year. I think it would be good to have good communication with the coaches,” he said.