Kim Yeon-kyung “I’m back”. yunhap news‘Volleyball Empress’ Kim Yeon-kyung (34, Heungkuk Life Insurance) delivered a message of encouragement to the juniors of the national team who returned from the 2022 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
At a press conference for Heungkuk Life Insurance held at the Hongcheon General Gymnasium in Gangwon-do on the 8th, Kim Yeon-kyung said, “I am well aware that VNL is difficult because I have been in the national team for a long time.” She continued, “I cheered on the game with the thought that (her juniors) would have a lot of trouble.”
Kim Yeon-kyung, who retired from the national team after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics last year, had a big vacancy. Korea lost all 12 matches in the VNL and finished in the bottom of the table (16th). While she gave away a total of 36 sets, she won only 3 sets. It is the first time since the start of VNL in 2018.
Although the result was disappointing, Kim Yeon-kyung encouraged the juniors who did their best. He said, “Unfortunately, we did not win and finished the game, but I think it is positive that we showed a better image.
He did not spare any special advice for Park Jung-ah (Korea Expressway Corporation), who took over the position of captain. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “I talked a lot with (Park) Jeong-ah. He asked me for a lot of advice while taking on the captain’s role.”
He also pointed out the points the team needs to improve. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “Playing fast volleyball is the trend of volleyball in the world. Brazil and the United States play fast volleyball,” said Kim. .
The national team manager Cesar Gonzalez is also asking for a lot of advice from Kim Yeon-kyung. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “I am in constant contact with Cesar. We contacted him often before the tournament and we talked a lot during the tournament.” said
He is also in constant contact with coach Stefano Rabarani, who shared the legend of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic semifinals. Lavarini has been in charge of the Polish women’s national team since this year. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “When Director Lavarini came to Korea to do field training, we met him and had dinner together. He did it too,” he said with a laugh.