“Korean players are very Hardworking” GenG Elmapuddy on Coaching in Korea

In week 4 of the VCT Pacific league, GenG took on T1. The game decided the current rankings of the Korean Region. In the best-of-3 series, The Tiger Nation blew T1 out of the water and doubled down on LCK victory. The game ended in a one-sided 2-0 Victory, with both matches ending with a 13-6 scoreline. After the game, GenG's Head Coach, Chris "Elmapuddy" Tebbit. In an exclusive 1-on-1 interview, GenG Elmapuddy talks about GenG's form, expectations from the season, NA vs. Korean culture, and more. 

Match vs. T1:

Starting with the game, Coach Elmapuddy talks about the good performance of his players. While also emphasizing that the team still made some tiny mistakes and needed to work on multiple things before they were close to being the top team in the region. The team still needs to be better, and the team's sometimes inconsistent. Especially the communications still need consistency, and the team will need more practice.

When asked about the team being over-zealous and pushing extensively, which led to some round losses, Coach emphasized that only a few rounds he felt were the case. Moreover, When a player is feeling it, letting them peek and take a duel helps with confidence, and the line between a round-winning and round-losing play is slim.

Opponents of the day T1:

Talking about the opponents, Coach Elmapuddy believes T1 just had a bad day, which was why the match was one-sided. He believes T1 is struggling with inconsistencies, and they will surely come out to be a better team. According to the coach, GenG got lucky they got the easier T1 which led to a relatively easier game.

Experimentation and Playoffs:

With the win, GenG needs only one more win to qualify for the playoffs. With playoffs qualification almost in sight, Coach Elmapuddy was asked if GenG would experiment with the composition. As a response, Coach said they'd definitely try some stuff out, and with Bind coming in, GenG might experiment with the map. That said, Coach Elmapuddy emphasized GenG's goal of being in the 1st or 2nd spot in the league leaderboard, as that will mean, GenG will need just one win to secure VCT Masters Tokyo and Valorant Champions 2023. Being 1st/2nd will be a huge advantage; every team will try to go for the spot.

Bind map rotation:

Talking about the changes to the map rotation, Coach Elmapuddy is glad for map rotation, as Icebox has been a permaban for GenG. With Bind coming in and GenG's strong position, they might try experimenting with the map pick. Talking about the changes, he thinks little is changed about the map, and it might play the same.

Opponents of the first three weeks:

GenG faced RRQ, DFM, and Team Secret in the first three weeks of the competition, Atleast for the first two weeks, GenG faced relatively easier opponents. And the level of opponents increased gradually to T1. When asked if the fact that GenG facing easier opponents helped the team straighten out the mistakes without realizing comprising a point, GenG Elmapuddy agreed.

Facing relatively easier opponents earlier did help their team. They could focus on the mistakes and get better without having severe repercussions. He also mentions that since two new players were coming in before VCT Pacific, playing stronger teams like DRX would've led to definite losses.

Also, GenG Elmapuddy said Team Secret wasn't an easy opponent and pushed GenG to the limit. Talking about Team Secret's loss to RRQ, he said they could play much better, and he doesn't know what went wrong with them.

Facing DRX:

GenG will next face DRX in the next game. DRX is the strongest opponent for any VCT Pacific team. On playing them, GenG Elmapuddy says they'd need to play the game with little to no mistakes. There should be no communication issue, and GenG will work on ensuring that over the week.

Difference between NA and Korea:

GenG Elmapuddy has been the Coach in NA for the longest time. He coached GenG in Valorant and CS:GO. When asked what the difference is between the two regions he has worked in, he says Korean teams and players are extremely hardworking. They are open to criticism and are eager to make changes. In comparison, NA players are "egotistical" and are sometimes difficult to work with. Additionally, Korean culture is much more professional, and there is mutual respect's roles and work.

On speaking a different language with the players:

GenG Elmapuddy did mention he had an issue initially, especially before going to Brazil. There is a translator, but the nuances get lost in translation. Especially for immediate feedback, it's hard for the Coach to get his word across because of the language barrier. He said there are things in place for him to discuss with the players. Additionally, He and Coach Bail communicate well, so there is no overpowering communication issue between GenG Elmapuddy and the team.

VCT Pacific action resumes on 22nd April. Follow VCT Pacific's Twitter for all the updates regarding VCT Pacific.

Credits: Riot Games // VCT Pacific

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