ロッテ・サブロー監督（５０）が１８日、全体練習が行われた本拠のＺＯＺＯで取材に対応し、１７日に就任が発表された楽天・吉井理人監督（６１）に言及した。

Manager Yoshii had been in charge of the Lotte Marines until last season, and Manager Saburo had worked alongside him as the second-team manager and first-team head coach. Regarding Manager Yoshii's sudden appointment, Manager Saburo said he was "surprised," but calmly added, "It doesn't really matter who the opposing manager is, because what we do is the same. I don't really care. It's the players who do the work, after all. I'm looking forward to it."

The league season will resume on the 19th, with Lotte playing against Rakuten Eagles at home. Regarding manager Yoshii's tactics, he said, "I think he'll make decisions like, 'He's going to put this pitcher on the mound here.' It will depend on whether that suits Rakuten Eagles players or not. He's a smart guy, so I think he'll be watching and asking around as he goes along." He expressed particular caution regarding pitcher pitching decisions.

Regarding the match, he showed confidence, saying, "It won't be difficult at all. In fact, we know them better. Our coach knows them much better than I do. I think it will be easier for us."

After 64 games, Lotte has a record of 31 wins, 31 losses, and 2 ties, placing them 5th Pacific League. They have a winning record against Rakuten Eagles, who are in last place in the league, with 5 wins and 3 losses in 8 games. They will be hoping to stifle Rakuten Eagles 's comeback under their new manager and build up as many wins as possible.