DeNA's manager Daisuke Miura made a candid appearance on Fuji TV's special broadcast on December 23, discussing fan criticism and media coverage of his management style during the season.
During the three-hour live sports special, Miura didn't shy away from addressing the tumultuous moments of the recent season, particularly one incident where he forcibly removed relief pitcher Wicks from the mound. Miura recounted how he reacted to Wicks' refusal to leave during the game, describing the scene with some levity, "It was one of those moments where you just have to take charge. I told him, 'Change!', because I thought he wouldn’t understand anything else. But he is part of the team, and we all need to work together to win."
Miura’s lighthearted approach belied the serious undertones of player and fan relations. The broadcast allowed players, including infielder Takuto Mori, to voice their concerns. Mori dramatically opened up, asking, “Do you think I’m disliked by you, Manager?” to which Miura quickly dispelled the rumor, saying, "I’m not disliked by him. It’s just because he makes mistakes.” This moment struck a chord capturing not only the dynamics of the player-manager relationship but also highlighted how important communication is within the team.
He acknowledged the ups and downs of the season, particularly the high stakes involved after DeNA clinched their first championship title in 26 years, stating, "When you’re fighting for victory, every moment counts. It’s natural to be frustrated when things don’t go as planned. But I've always aimed to support my players as much as possible." Miura's commitment to his players was evident as he reassured them of their value to the team. His acknowledgment of deployed strategies and decisions he made under pressure revealed insights about the challenges of being at the helm of such high expectations.
Interspersed within the playful banter were serious discussions on the responsibilities of leadership, reflecting Miura's desire for transparency with fans. He emphasized, "It's important for me to communicate clearly; otherwise, misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary drama among the fans. I definitely want our supporters to feel connected to the team and to me personally. Everything should be shared with them openly."
Media commentary around DeNA has often been sharp, with several articles highlighting incidents like the one with Wicks. Miura noted how much he appreciates fan input but reiterated the need for collective support, stating, "We all want the same thing—victory. It’s about learning from each other." Nevertheless, Miura and his players face uphill battles as they balance fan expectations with the realities of sports management.
Overall, Miura's recent live appearance on television illustrated the dual avenues of praise and criticism existing within sports culture, demanding management strategies be responsive to both. Adjustments made over the off-season are seen as attempts to mend any disconnects between him, the players, and the fans. For Miura, bridging these gaps is key to not only creating winning teams but also fostering unity and mutual respect off the field.
Looking forward, Miura views the next season as full of potential, armed with the past year's lessons. His confidence, buoyed by public support and the loyalty of his players, has sparked hopes for continued success. "This team is built on experiences; we will only get stronger together," he concluded emphatically, with hopes for the future well reflected as he prepares the team for the next season's challenges.
