V-League’s New Era: Renan as ‘Master General’ and Shin Young-cheol’s Winning Strategy

New V-League Coaches Set Sights on Success in 2025-2026 Season

Seoul, South Korea – October 15, 2025 – The South Korean V-League men’s division is poised for a dynamic shift as two new head coaches, Renan Dal Giotto of Korean Air and Shin Young-cheol of OK Savings Bank, prepare to lead their teams into the 2025-2026 professional volleyball season.

Korean Air’s New Leadership

renan Dal Giotto, a celebrated figure in the volleyball world, assumes the role of head coach for Korean Air, succeeding Tommy Tilikainen, who stepped down after the previous season. Dal Giotto brings a wealth of experience, having previously led the Brazilian men’s national team from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, he secured notable victories, including the 2019 World Cup title and the 2021 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) championship, and also qualifying Brazil for the 2023 Paris Olympics.

Korean Air is aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2024-2025 season, where they were defeated by Hyundai Capital, who achieved a triple crown – winning the cup championship, regular season top spot, and the overall championship. The appointment of Dal Giotto, seen as a counterpart to Hyundai Capital’s successful coach Philippe Blanc, signals a clear intent to challenge for the top spot.

A Game-by-Game approach

Speaking at a pre-media day event in Seoul, Coach Hennan emphasized a pragmatic approach. “I plan to focus on the game itself, game by game,” he stated, acknowledging the competitive landscape. “When you ask coaches who the three strongest teams are, you’ll get different answers.The competition will be fierce and unpredictable.”

The team anticipates the return of spiker Lim Dong-hyuk following his completion of military service on October 28th. Coach Hennan expressed confidence in Lim’s potential, stating, “Lim Dong-hyuk is growing as a player and will be a valuable asset to our team. We intend to provide him with ample opportunities on the court.”

Further demonstrating strategic changes, Jeong Ji-seok has been named as the new team captain, replacing Han Seon-seok, who held the position for a decade. Coach Hennan explained the decision as a means to alleviate the pressure on Han Seon-seok and allow him to concentrate on his individual performance, while recognizing Jeong Ji-seok’s exemplary work ethic and leadership qualities.

OK Savings Bank’s Spring Volleyball Ambitions

Meanwhile, Shin Young-cheol, a veteran coach known for revitalizing struggling teams, takes the helm at OK Savings Bank, replacing Ogino Massage. Coach Shin has a proven track record of leading teams to the postseason with LIG Insurance (now KB Insurance), Korean Air, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Woori Card.

His primary goal for OK Savings Bank, wich finished last in the previous season, is to secure a place in the spring volleyball tournament. Though,he acknowledged concerns surrounding the performance of key foreign players.

“We had a practice match against korea Electric power Corporation and lost 0-3,” Coach Shin revealed. “I am concerned that foreign player Dimitar dimitrov’s condition is not improving. Even Trent Oday, our Asian quarter player, isn’t performing at the level we expect.”

The Rise of Foreign Coaching Influence

Coach Shin also noted the growing impact of foreign coaches in the league, with four teams – Hyundai Capital, Korean Air, KB Insurance, and Woori Card – currently led by international figures. “These teams have shown strong results in pre-season games. We will need to prepare diligently to compete effectively,” he added.

Team	Coach	Previous Coach	2024-2025 Season Result
Korean Air	Renan Dal Giotto	Tommy Tilikainen	Defeated in Championship
OK Savings Bank	Shin Young-cheol	Ogino Massage	Last Place

the Evolving landscape of South Korean volleyball

The V-League has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with viewership increasing by 15% in the 2023-2024 season, according to the Korea volleyball Federation. This growth is attributed to increased marketing efforts and the rising profile of Korean players on the international stage. The influx of experienced foreign coaches is expected to further elevate the league’s competitiveness and attract a wider audience.

Did You Know? The V-League consistently ranks among the top three most-watched sports leagues in South Korea.

Pro Tip: Following team social media accounts is a great way to stay up-to-date on player news and game schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about the V-League Coaching Changes

Have Your Say!

What team do you predict will be the biggest surprise this V-League season? Do you think the influx of foreign coaches will create a more competitive league?

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How is Renan’s tactical approach challenging customary volleyball strategies in the V-League?

The Rise of Renan: A Tactical Revolution in Korean Volleyball

renan Buiatti Zubić, affectionately dubbed the ‘Master General’ by V-League fans, has fundamentally altered the landscape of Korean volleyball. his arrival as head coach of the Korean Air Jumbos in the 2024-2025 season wasn’t just a coaching change; it was a paradigm shift. Previously known for a more traditional, power-focused style, the V-League was ripe for tactical innovation. Renan brought with him a European sensibility emphasizing strategic blocking, elegant offensive systems, and a relentless focus on opponent analysis.

* Key Tactical Shifts: Renan’s system prioritizes quick sets to the outside hitters, utilizing deceptive formations to exploit blocking weaknesses. This contrasts sharply with the previous reliance on strong middle blocker attacks.

* Emphasis on Blocking: He’s instilled a culture of aggressive, bright blocking, not just aiming to stop the spike, but to redirect it for easy counter-attacks. This has significantly improved the Jumbos’ defensive capabilities.

* Data-Driven Approach: Renan leverages advanced statistical analysis to identify opponent tendencies and tailor game plans accordingly. This data-driven approach is relatively new to the V-League.

This isn’t simply about importing a foreign system. Renan has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt his strategies to the unique strengths and weaknesses of the Korean players. The impact on the Jumbos’ performance has been immediate and dramatic, propelling them to the top of the standings. The ‘Renan effect’ is now a talking point across the league, prompting other teams to re-evaluate their coaching philosophies. Keywords: V-League, Renan Buiatti Zubić, Korean Air Jumbos, volleyball tactics, Korean volleyball, blocking strategy, offensive systems.

Shin Young-cheol’s Strategic Masterclass: Building a Championship Contender

While Renan is reshaping tactics, Shin Young-cheol, the general manager of the Jumbos, is the architect behind the team’s overall success. His winning strategy extends far beyond simply hiring a talented coach. Shin’s approach is holistic,focusing on player development,strategic acquisitions,and fostering a winning team culture.

Player Development & Scouting

Shin’s commitment to nurturing young Korean talent is evident in the jumbos’ roster. He’s identified and invested in promising players, providing them with the resources and mentorship to reach their full potential.

1. Targeted Scouting: Shin’s scouting network extends beyond the traditional university leagues, identifying hidden gems in high school programs and even amateur clubs.
2. individualized Training Programs: He works closely with Renan to develop individualized training programs tailored to each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Emphasis on Mental Toughness: Recognizing the psychological demands of professional volleyball, Shin has incorporated mental training into the team’s regimen.

Strategic Player Acquisitions

Shin hasn’t solely relied on homegrown talent. He’s made shrewd acquisitions of key foreign players who complement the team’s existing strengths. The selection criteria aren’t just based on skill; it’s about finding players who fit the team’s culture and are willing to embrace Renan’s tactical system. Keywords: Shin Young-cheol, Korean Air Jumbos, V-League GM, player development, volleyball scouting, team building, foreign players.

Cultivating a Winning Culture

Perhaps Shin’s most significant contribution is the creation of a positive and competitive team environment. He’s fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the players, creating a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts. This culture of accountability and continuous advancement is a key driver of the Jumbos’ success.

The Synergy: renan & Shin – A perfect Partnership

The success of the Korean Air Jumbos isn’t solely attributable to Renan’s tactical brilliance or Shin’s strategic acumen. It’s the synergy between the two that’s proving to be a winning formula. Renan focuses on the ‘how’ of winning – the tactical execution on the court – while Shin focuses on the ‘who’ and the ‘why’ – building the team and creating the environment for success.

* Clear Interaction: Renan and Shin maintain open and honest communication, ensuring that their visions are aligned.

* shared Vision: Both share a common goal: to build a enduring championship contender.

* Mutual Respect: A foundation of mutual respect allows them to challenge each other and make difficult decisions.

This partnership is setting a new standard for leadership in the V-League, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and a holistic approach to team building. Keywords: V-League partnership, Renan and Shin, Korean Air Jumbos leadership, volleyball team management, championship strategy.

Impact on the V-League: A League in transition

The success of the Jumbos is forcing other V-League teams to adapt. We’re seeing a growing interest in data analytics,a greater emphasis on player development,and a willingness to experiment with new tactical approaches. The ‘Renan effect’ is rippling through the league, signaling a new era of sophistication and competitiveness. Teams