侍ジャパン・井口新監督の選考理由は「国際経験」や「求心力」　当面は”ロスまで”想定も強化委員会は次回WBCの指揮も期待

Tadahito Iguchi, who was announced as the new manager of the Samurai Japan top team, attended a press conference in Tokyo on the 25th. Katsuhiko Nakamura, Secretary-General of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization and Chairman of the Samurai Japan Strengthening Committee, explained the policy, stating, "We would like him to manage the team until the end of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics." He further added, as a future hope, "We would also like Manager Iguchi to manage the 7th World Baseball Classic." Manager Iguchi explained his reasons for accepting the offer, saying, "I was nurtured by many people (as a baseball player). I believe that Samurai Japan is my way of giving back." Regarding his vision for Samurai Japan, he said, "Of course, we want to be strong, but more than that, I want to create a team that embodies Japanese baseball. I want to create a group where everyone understands their role and can build a team that is determined to get every out, every base advance, every pitch." Regarding his aspirations for the Olympics, he said, "Next time in Los Angeles, I want to win a medal again as manager." Regarding the WBC, he said, "I believe Samurai Japan is a team aiming to be the best in the world, but first, there's the Olympics before the WBC, so we'll aim to first qualify for the Olympics and then win a medal there." =