How kpii works as Team Liquid’s third coach
Team Liquid, one of the most famous esports organizations in the world, has once again found itself in the spotlight for its unique team management system in the Dota 2 discipline. Unlike most professional teams, Team Liquid works with three coaches, each of whom is responsible for specific aspects of preparation and in-game strategy. Damian Sau-jing Chok, known by his nickname kpii, recently shared his thoughts and experience as the team’s third coach.
Team Liquid’s coaching model is radically different from the classic schemes, where a maximum of two coaches are responsible for tactical and analytical preparation. The team’s first coach, William “Blitz” Lee, manages the overall strategy and interaction between the players. The second coach, Mathis “Jabbz” Friesel, is engaged in analytics, analyzing the smallest details of matches. The role of the third coach, currently held by kpii, is to create an organizational foundation within the team.
Damian describes his job as complex and multifaceted: he has to spend hours watching replays not only of Team Liquid’s matches, but also of future opponents. This data helps to develop clear action plans and adjust team dynamics.
— “My job is to be a kind of bridge between the strategies developed by Blitz and Jabbz and the actions of the players. We look for weaknesses, analyze timings and offer alternative options for the game. Ultimately, all this work is aimed at ensuring that our guys go out on the map with as much confidence as possible,” says kpii.
Success at The International and first steps in the team
Damian joined Team Liquid on the eve of the main tournament of the year — The International (TI), which became a real test for the team. Despite the huge competition, Liquid managed to win, becoming the TI champion. However, kpii himself prefers not to take the laurels of success:
— “To be honest, I mainly got to know the team and its processes. We managed to discuss basic things and slightly adjust our game, but the victory at TI is more the merit of the players and the systematic approach of the entire organization.”
Kpii notes that the main focus of his work at the tournament was on analyzing game situations. Replays of matches helped to identify key mistakes and calculate the best options for action in stressful conditions.
— “For example, during breaks, we discussed moments where we could play more aggressively or, conversely, retreat. Such nuances often determine the outcome of an entire series.”
Despite his short stay in Team Liquid, Damian has already managed to appreciate the effectiveness of the system built in the organization. According to him, the presence of three coaches allows for the deepest possible work on all aspects of the team’s preparation:
— “Each of us focuses on our area of responsibility. This relieves some of the pressure on the players and helps them focus on the main thing – victories. I believe that such a structure is optimal for professional eSports.”
However, at the ESL One Bangkok tournament, such an impressive coaching staff has not yet been able to bring the desired results. The team ended up in the lower bracket of the playoffs, which put them in a difficult position. Kpii is convinced that these are temporary difficulties, and Liquid will continue to develop its strengths.
