Hyundai Capital Skywalkers officially announced the appointment of Philippe Blain as their new head coach starting from the next season. The French volleyball expert, currently the head coach of the Japan men’s national team, is set to lead the prestigious Korean V-League team, Hyundai Capital Skywalkers, after an impressive tenure with the Japanese team that includes a third-place finish in the 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), winning the Asian Championship 2023, and qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Blain, who has a rich history in volleyball coaching including a notable stint with the French national team from 2001 to 2012, followed by a role as an assistant coach for the Polish team from 2013 to 2016, is celebrated for his transformative approach to the game. With his approach and expertise, he significantly raised the Japanese team to the 4th place in the world ranking.
Scheduled to take over the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in August 2024, following the Paris Olympics, Blain’s contract extends over three years. In the interim, Italian coach Fabio Storti will join the club to begin integrating with the players and understanding the dynamics of the V-League.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Blain shared his commitment to leveraging his extensive coaching experience to bring success to Hyundai Capital. His move to Korea is anticipated with excitement, both for the opportunity to immerse in Korean volleyball culture and for the potential advancements he brings to the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers. The club expressed confidence in Blain’s appointment, highlighting his transformative impact on the Japanese national team and his deep understanding of Asian volleyball as key factors in their decision.
