A press conference was held on 13 October, the eve of the PERSOL Climax Series Final Stage. Fukuoka SoftBank manager Hiroki Kokubo (小久保裕紀) and player representative Ryo Kurihara (栗原陵矢) spoke of their determination to win 3 games. Their opponent is the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and they also discussed the importance of strategy and preparation.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham advanced from the First Stage with a 2-1 record, setting up Fukuoka SoftBank’s third consecutive appearance in the next stage. Manager Kokubo said the teams would face each other after gaining a thorough understanding of one another, and stressed the importance of the tactical exchanges that can decide the outcome and of maintaining composure.
Regarding strategy in a short series, Manager Kokubo said he wants to focus on the flow of the game and make decisions that avoid the regret of not acting rather than the regret of acting. On the advantage introduced this season, he commented calmly, “We just need to win 3 games.”
Ryo Kurihara (栗原陵矢), who became one of the Hawks’ core players after winning 2 batting titles, said that his primary feelings now were excitement and anticipation. He said there had been no major change in his position as player representative, and expressed his determination to regroup and fight again after Nippon-Ham was confirmed as the opponent.