Context: LG-IM's Head Coach gets routinely criticized in and outside of Korea for frequently using his team's lesser players, which may have contributed to his team's streak of poor results in the GSTL.
This is DongHoon Kang, coach of Incredible Miracle.
As a coach, I do not lack game strategy skills. I still give them and advise them about strategies and communicate my thoughts among my players. Do not judge me by someone who sends players out and lose. With a loss, my players and I grow stronger. I put aside our name value and trust all the my players. I respect them., It is not the results that we show mainly. Do not think lile that. There are still awesome players you guys have not seen and felt yet. We will repay by doing a lot better and show more cool games. We show our gratitude for your continued cheers.
One of the few teams where we see a good variety of players, I think that this is the sign of a good coach. Someone with Code S championships may not be the best player to put in at a certain time.
Look at a player like Losira, hasn't been able to get back to code S for a while, but is absolutely phenomenal in team leagues. Coach Kang knows this and nurtures the skill well. glhf this GSTL, LG-IM will take it all, imo.
On September 08 2012 01:06 Novalisk wrote: Could you give some advice to coaches of western teams? It looks like the players are giving the time but it's not paying off.
he would have to find western teams with coaches first....
LG-Im FIghting. Seed, Nestea, MvP are great players, and we know it. It makes sense to expose their other players in the team leagues. If you think Seed, Nestea, and MvP win every practice game you are crazy =P
On September 08 2012 01:28 FliedLice wrote: What's the point of this thread?
I think I missed something.
I'm curious myself. What triggered the coach to post such a thread?
Some people say that the IM coach does weird choices when it comes to sending out players. He chooses to give some players more stage-experience rather than sending out the top players (today he sent out True when they got MVP/Losira/Seed/Yoda/Nestea/First/MC (probably missed someone, don't hate.(woo math parentheses))). It has backfired in the earlier seasons.
He obviously knows what he's doing, fans were just disappointed he choose someone with lesser experience that lead to the IM losing matches. That's where the "IM coach" expression came from and is probably the reason he defends himself by making this thread.
Watching the TL behind the scenes for the IPLTAC has made me realize how much really goes into lineup decisions that we don't even see. It's so much more than put best player out in best matchup and I hope detractors learn to see that in time.
Nice post. LG-IM fighting! But I think "IM coach decision" is a meme by now and I don't think you can do anything against it even if you explain it reasonably :D
Not an IM fan here (besides Nestea, Losira and Seed), but I've always respected his philosophy in choosing players. It's definitely the best way to build a deep team and it gains them stage experience that would eventually transfer to individual leagues and tournaments.
Well everyone would take stabs at the IM coach because he wouldn't just send out the big name players right away. But to be honest everyone looks pretty stupid now because... look how much the IM players have developed. They have clearly the best group of individual talent, rival only by ST.
Love the IM coach. Don't know why everyone criticises his decisions. If you go back and realise that the players you were badmouthing him for sending out were Seed, Yoda and First, you'll see how silly it all was. There's a reason the reporters voted him the best coach. <3 LG-IM!
How amazing that a representative from a Korean professional progaming team is a member of Teamliquid. I hope this site provides extra priviliges for him for reaching out to us "foreigners" and for giving us an opportunity for a front seat position towards news and content pertaining to LG-IM!
YongHwa looks great with shorter hair. I remember him having almost a Beatles haircut earlier, but he has such a nice face. Oh crap, I'm turning into Wolf.
On another sidenote, LG-IM players have interesting eyebrows.
It's amazing how many talents you have in your team. However it feels like you rely on your individual player skill more than anything (in team league). Don't forget this is a team league and there are a lot of aspects beyond being very talented. I know that you are aware of this, but the result speak for themselves.
And don't worry about it coach Kang. A man shouldn't be shamed for having pure trust in every player on his team. Without your trust, I don't think the team would have been so succesful. Because everyone gets a chance and gets to be part of the team, the skill of your entire team has become amazing. There's not just a couple players who dominate, if you look at LG-IM you see a team where almost everyone looks like in just a few months they'll pop into Code S and dominate. Losing is part of the game, and it's in losing you can often learn the most. And in every interview, your team members always praise you and your wife! I think that speaks for itself.
Good Luck. You should tell LG that some of us have been buying LG products instead of other companies (like samsung) when both companies provide the same option, because we support your team
would never understand why a coach, with three GSL code-s champions under his belt, would ever receive criticism at all. he's done more to help them individually and as a team, than anyone. Nestea, MVP, and Seed wouldn't have their championships without him, and IM wouldn't hold a GSTL and 2 IPLTAC championships.
Thanks for the info, as a fan, im glad you do take on board all the fans say and I am also glad that you can come and speak your mind to let us know your perspective.
You will win GSTL this year I'm sure, you have your own reasons for sending out players that they may not know about so don't not listen to the haters!
Woah, how did the IM coach find out that his gstl picks have been a running joke forever and that he's always been deemed as the worst coach because of it? o_O
On September 08 2012 03:08 MrCash wrote: Happy smilling? What is this sorcecry?
It looks like he's barely restraining himself from beating everyone up though, those eyebrows make the smile terrifying (I mean more terrifying than happy smiling).
Can anyone explain why he sounds so defensive here? I admit I don't follow the team scene super-hardcore, but Seed won GSL and LG-IM just beat TL in the IGN TAC3 (even if it got a little overshadowed by Taeja's all-kill.) What's to be defensive about? Sounds like they're doing amazing.
WOW The coach responds to the constant slating, he obvious reads the LR? lol Glad he answers his critics though but surely he must know that winning the GSTL is the least expecting from his team? They are the Barcelona of SC2 in korean teams after all (escpecially with MC being on their team too)
(Americans who don't know who Barcelona are google them ;
On September 08 2012 03:37 Pandemona wrote: WOW The coach responds to the constant slating, he obvious reads the LR? lol Glad he answers his critics though but surely he must know that winning the GSTL is the least expecting from his team? They are the Barcelona of SC2 in korean teams after all (escpecially with MC being on their team too)
(Americans who don't know who Barcelona are google them ;
The reputation won't go away by making a thread saying that the picks are alright, though. No matter the reasoning behind it, one cannot deny that a lot of the picks from LG-IM are questionable, and some from the previous seasons might just have been plain wrong. If the fans on teamliquid and in korea can see it, then certainly the progamers and coaches are more than aware. Until something changes, every match LG-IM plays will be a match where I sit and wait for something to go terribly wrong, and it does take away a lot of the excitement I feel from other teams that nearly always have well thought-out picks, such as FXO or TSL.
On a positive note I like that you take the time to address the fans like this, it shows you care about the teams reputation and how you as a coach are perceived amongst your fans. I hope it doesn't make you too defensive about the situation, but rather make you and your team have a discussion about strategy and improving on it.
On September 08 2012 03:42 shabby wrote: The reputation won't go away by making a thread saying that the picks are alright, though. No matter the reasoning behind it, one cannot deny that a lot of the picks from LG-IM are questionable, and some from the previous seasons might just have been plain wrong. If the fans on teamliquid and in korea can see it, then certainly the progamers and coaches are more than aware. Until something changes, every match LG-IM plays will be a match where I sit and wait for something to go terribly wrong, and it does take away a lot of the excitement I feel from other teams that nearly always have well thought-out picks, such as FXO or TSL.
On a positive note I like that you take the time to address the fans like this, it shows you care about the teams reputation and how you as a coach are perceived amongst your fans. I hope it doesn't make you too defensive about the situation, but rather make you and your team have a discussion about strategy and improving on it.
Every coach makes a questionable pick , but i am sure that there are good reasons or strategy behind them . January makes questionable picks all the time , but she is one of the best coaches out there .
On September 08 2012 03:37 Pandemona wrote: WOW The coach responds to the constant slating, he obvious reads the LR? lol Glad he answers his critics though but surely he must know that winning the GSTL is the least expecting from his team? They are the Barcelona of SC2 in korean teams after all (escpecially with MC being on their team too)
(Americans who don't know who Barcelona are google them ;
I find that rather insulting. I have a FC Barcelona Football with the signature of every player along with the cert of authenticity thank you very much!
I think it's awesome that the LG-IM coach is responding to all the hate. Maybe snowbird or jon said something to him? We all know they read the LRs.
On September 08 2012 03:36 ScienceGroen wrote: Can anyone explain why he sounds so defensive here? I admit I don't follow the team scene super-hardcore, but Seed won GSL and LG-IM just beat TL in the IGN TAC3 (even if it got a little overshadowed by Taeja's all-kill.) What's to be defensive about? Sounds like they're doing amazing.
they haven't done well in the GSTL since May last year
Just by chance, I have trouble picking out all of the faces here. Anyone willing to go through and name them in left to right order starting from the top left?
I know it's a lot to ask, but if someone could do this I would greatly appreciate it.
people can criticize this dude all they want but look how great all his players turn out. Maybe the time given to them in GSTL really does help them improve and get better at playing on the bigger stage.
honestly with LG-IM's results in the GSTL, fans have all the right to criticize his coaching decisions, and in turn he has all the right to defend himself
On September 08 2012 07:09 Waxangel wrote: honestly with LG-IM's results in the GSTL, fans have all the right to criticize his coaching decisions, and in turn he has all the right to defend himself
Basically this. I don't see any party in the wrong here.
Also that picture in the OP is really, really awesome.
People bash on IM for trying to send players in weird situations, but we dont know how they do in practice, and if they need stage experience, it's really easy to sit on a chair and bash such high skill sc2 teams battling, but I'm pretty sure IM will dominate in the future, they play the long game, when you see guys like MVP (even Yoda this GSL), Nestea, guys that will very rarely cheese even if that means taking a risk versus really high level opponents, you know they are for real and try to be as stable as a macro god can be, keep it up IM, and yeah the coach seems to be really present for his team and always supportive, keep up the good work!
On September 08 2012 07:09 Kraidio wrote: Just by chance, I have trouble picking out all of the faces here. Anyone willing to go through and name them in left to right order starting from the top left?
I know it's a lot to ask, but if someone could do this I would greatly appreciate it.
Sending unestablished players is a great way to build depth on top of preparing them for the pressure of individual leagues. With three star players and a top sponsor LG-IM isn't going anywhere so I think the coach is smart, personally.
On September 08 2012 03:36 ScienceGroen wrote: Can anyone explain why he sounds so defensive here? I admit I don't follow the team scene super-hardcore, but Seed won GSL and LG-IM just beat TL in the IGN TAC3 (even if it got a little overshadowed by Taeja's all-kill.) What's to be defensive about? Sounds like they're doing amazing.
they haven't done well in the GSTL since May last year
Basically it seems they dont really have much stock in the prize money and they throw people out there who need stage experience, trial by fire. The actual competition itself is irrelevant. To him anyway.
I don't think this thread was necessary, In my opinion LG-IM consist so many amazing players, a caliber of Code S champions so there is no need for the coach to worry about anything but keep doing what he has been doing so far because it has definitely worked. Just because there is no results doesn't mean it's a bad thing.
On September 08 2012 07:35 Anta wrote: and why do they all look like they have a wig?
Koreans have been doing this thing where they cut the hair to like a razors edge, really perfect hairline. And then they treat the hair with gel in such a way where it actually kind looks dirty and oily rather than clean. Not a fan, sometimes the women get it too.
The one with the best hair here is definitely front and right, I forget what his name is.
Huge respect to the staff at LG-IM. At the end of the day, it's this team that has more championship trophies than any other. I watch the GSTL to see newer/less known players have their chance on the stage, and one thing I can always rely on LG-IM for is this opportunity to see players that aren't necessarily GSL stars.
I had my favourite team badge as ZeNEX because I love supporting underdogs (same reason I enjoy seeing LG-IM's lesser-knowns play in GSTL) and switched it to StarTale when they absorbed ZeNEX. Now, I'm changing it to LG-IM to show support to coach DongHoon Kang.
i do also like his thinking about this. This would definitely make his other players obtain more exposure and motivation to become better. I like to do this with UC Irvine's CSL matches as well =]
On September 08 2012 07:56 mongmong wrote: I actually support coach Kang's philosophy when it comes to GSTL matches.
Sure, sending out players like MC, MVP and Nestea will make games much easier for him, but
why not give chances to up and coming players?? A lot of you might say a good player should be
able to qualify for code A, which is utter bullshit cuz Code A prelim is one of the hardest prelims , even
great players like DRG struggled to get past prelims. Gaining an experience in broadcasted matches gives players
confidence. In a word, coach kang is making a long term investment here. Lets just wait and see.
this is exactly why korea is stronger than most of the world, The foreigner scene doesnt attempt to ever make long term investments, teams care about their ROI when they sign a player and thats it. This is why LGIM will truly find the next champion before the rest of the world.
On September 08 2012 07:43 Rokoz wrote: I don't think this thread was necessary, In my opinion LG-IM consist so many amazing players, a caliber of Code S champions so there is no need for the coach to worry about anything but keep doing what he has been doing so far because it has definitely worked. Just because there is no results doesn't mean it's a bad thing.
Obviously there are a lot of people that don't feel that way, otherwise this post wouldn't exist.
On September 08 2012 07:43 Rokoz wrote: I don't think this thread was necessary, In my opinion LG-IM consist so many amazing players, a caliber of Code S champions so there is no need for the coach to worry about anything but keep doing what he has been doing so far because it has definitely worked. Just because there is no results doesn't mean it's a bad thing.
Obviously there are a lot of people that don't feel that way, otherwise this post wouldn't exist.
I don't think very many people actually dislike him for the way he coaches... it's more of a running joke that the... less intelligent crowd take in the wrong direction. I'll make the joke all the time when he sends out a random with Seed/Mvp/Nestea on the bench, but everyone (with half a brain) knows that giving the lesser players more exposure is more important than sending out your top ranked players non-stop. The very same top players that are probably practicing for their GSL Code S matches and don't want to reveal their prepared strategies or haven't practiced or studied vs that particular player and/or his race. The very same top ranked players that will be studied and prepared against extensively due to their massive amount of exposure..
There needs to be an ESF vs Kespa teamleague. I wanna see the lols that happen when Coach Kang goes up against January (coach of Samsung Khan for you SC2 guys).
On September 08 2012 07:09 Waxangel wrote: honestly with LG-IM's results in the GSTL, fans have all the right to criticize his coaching decisions, and in turn he has all the right to defend himself
Eh, I don't see anything wrong with his post really, but I would rather he defend himself with results
I do respect his coaching ability and trust him if he thinks he needs to sacrifice a few matches to build a stronger team in the long term, though.
I actually appreciate a coach who does not always send out their best players and allow the lesser skilled players to hone their skills and get a chance to show it on stage. Much respect to him.
Like in football, you don't always send out your best players. Coaches have some tactics and aren't dumb, it's ridiculous when people assert something as if they know it better than an expert like a coach. So to the people who are critical, be a bit more modest, because you very likely have no idea what's going on backstage. This applies to all sports imo and is so annoying.
Listen I love IM, I love Nestea and Seed and I have been an IM fanboi since Nestea won Open Season 2.
I respect Coach Kang and no one can ever argue that he hasn't produce more individual championships than all the other teams, and it is wonderful that he is posting on TL <3
That being said we have to objectively consider IM's historical performance in the GSTL:
Feb 2011 - Winners! March 2011 - Runner ups! May 2011 - Did not qualify T___T 2011 Season 1 - Third Place in Group B, out the first round of the playoffs. 2012 Season 1 - Eliminated the second round by NSH.
Having watched every single one of their GSTL matches, I believe to some extent the criticism is justified.
I am not saying Coach Kang shouldn't send out lower tier players in the earliest matches in a series, but if he truly wants to show us as many "great" matches as possible, he should be picking the players that will guarantee the team's advancement to the later rounds of the tournament. This is especially true when IM is already down a few matches in a series or they are at risk of being eliminated.
There is no doubt in my mind that if IM had made it to the finals last season instead of Slayers there is no way they would have been all-killed by Gumiho
Good luck Coach Kang, we will always cheer for you and your players! Just sometimes your strategic priorities can break our hearts :\
I used to dislike the LG-IM coach just because his team lost in team leagues so much but recently, I've begun to like him. I remember reading an interview saying that he trusts his players more than most coaches, as he plays the player who really wants to play, as opposed to playing to win. You are a great coach, Coach Kang, and I hope you show great success in the future!
He can't be such a bad coach, since he has prob the strongest team atm and this is comes not only from bringing good players together and calling it a team. They also beat team Taeja not to long ago, and i think if a teams wins it's like 50% of the coach, who prepares his players.
I think it's sad that the LG-IM coach felt the need to do this. 8 GSL championships on the one team (10 if you count MC) and people question his ability, no other team even comes close to that.
Yes, they don't do so well in GSTL, but does it really matter? I get the feeling he wants to give the other players on the team some experience, which is totally valid. It's not like MVP and Nestea are lacking time spent in the booth.
Coach Kang, I really respect your values, giving everyone a chance to show their potential and to gain booth experience. Keep up the good work!
I also want to say something to those who have criticised LG-IM's roster choices. If you were in a team of superstars, how would you feel if you were never picked for games? How would you feel if you never got the opportunity to prove yourself because in the opinion of the public, there are better players on your team? Start making some sense guys! Winning at all costs mentality is not the right one for everyone, and is certainly not the policy of LG-IM. Please respect that!
Like I've pointed out many times - the gstl is a minor competition compared to the gsl. It makes sense to send out weaker players to give them exposure and more importantly motivation. This 2nd string players are extremely important as support to the top players. Many ppl in TL are simply short sighted
On September 08 2012 11:36 Chriscras wrote: Listen I love IM, I love Nestea and Seed and I have been an IM fanboi since Nestea won Open Season 2.
I respect Coach Kang and no one can ever argue that he hasn't produce more individual championships than all the other teams, and it is wonderful that he is posting on TL <3
That being said we have to objectively consider IM's historical performance in the GSTL:
Feb 2011 - Winners! March 2011 - Runner ups! May 2011 - Did not qualify T___T 2011 Season 1 - Third Place in Group B, out the first round of the playoffs. 2012 Season 1 - Eliminated the second round by NSH.
Having watched every single one of their GSTL matches, I believe to some extent the criticism is justified.
I am not saying Coach Kang shouldn't send out lower tier players in the earliest matches in a series, but if he truly wants to show us as many "great" matches as possible, he should be picking the players that will guarantee the team's advancement to the later rounds of the tournament. This is especially true when IM is already down a few matches in a series or they are at risk of being eliminated.
There is no doubt in my mind that if IM had made it to the finals last season instead of Slayers there is no way they would have been all-killed by Gumiho
Good luck Coach Kang, we will always cheer for you and your players! Just sometimes your strategic priorities can break our hearts :\
Relying on star players does not make for a strong team. A strong team is one which has a lot of depth to it, and you won't get that if you don't give others the opportunity in the booth. Wouldn't be surprised to see LG-IM completely dominate the team leagues in 2013 at this rate, as other teams crumble when their 1-2 stars get knocked out.
It's a long-term investment, and with LG-IM already having dominant results in individual leagues, I don't think they're too concerned about the short term results they get in the team leagues.
I don't think sending out B-teamers is really a problem, I think it was WCS where I last saw dreamertt play and his play has improved by leaps and bounds, the team seems to be rising and rising lately.
On September 08 2012 11:36 Chriscras wrote: Listen I love IM, I love Nestea and Seed and I have been an IM fanboi since Nestea won Open Season 2.
I respect Coach Kang and no one can ever argue that he hasn't produce more individual championships than all the other teams, and it is wonderful that he is posting on TL <3
That being said we have to objectively consider IM's historical performance in the GSTL:
Feb 2011 - Winners! March 2011 - Runner ups! May 2011 - Did not qualify T___T 2011 Season 1 - Third Place in Group B, out the first round of the playoffs. 2012 Season 1 - Eliminated the second round by NSH.
Having watched every single one of their GSTL matches, I believe to some extent the criticism is justified.
I am not saying Coach Kang shouldn't send out lower tier players in the earliest matches in a series, but if he truly wants to show us as many "great" matches as possible, he should be picking the players that will guarantee the team's advancement to the later rounds of the tournament. This is especially true when IM is already down a few matches in a series or they are at risk of being eliminated.
There is no doubt in my mind that if IM had made it to the finals last season instead of Slayers there is no way they would have been all-killed by Gumiho
Good luck Coach Kang, we will always cheer for you and your players! Just sometimes your strategic priorities can break our hearts :\
Relying on star players does not make for a strong team. A strong team is one which has a lot of depth to it, and you won't get that if you don't give others the opportunity in the booth. Wouldn't be surprised to see LG-IM completely dominate the team leagues in 2013 at this rate, as other teams crumble when their 1-2 stars get knocked out.
It's a long-term investment, and with LG-IM already having dominant results in individual leagues, I don't think they're too concerned about the short term results they get in the team leagues.
GSTL is Winners League format which means that having 1-2(3, in IM's case) star players is quite viable.
IM has 2 live finals wins, 1 online win, and a live second. That is statistically the best of any team. Haters just gunna hate.
The truth is that Yongwha has better GSTL record than MVP or Nestea. People just assume they can win on command but they are hugely preparation based players.
Last GSTL, they lost in the first round by playing Losira, yoda, happy, mvp and nestea. That's 5 code s players! What do you want him to send in? They were eliminated while playing yoda, yongwha, seed, happy and nestea. They are all code s except for yongwha, and YONGWHA was the only one to get any kills!
Reasons for this "poor performance" (actually the best of any team), is partially that they practice mostly for individual leagues, where they have wild success, but mainly that they are just so damn successful in individual leagues that anything besides 8 GSTL's seems lackluster.
On September 08 2012 11:36 Chriscras wrote: Listen I love IM, I love Nestea and Seed and I have been an IM fanboi since Nestea won Open Season 2.
I respect Coach Kang and no one can ever argue that he hasn't produce more individual championships than all the other teams, and it is wonderful that he is posting on TL <3
That being said we have to objectively consider IM's historical performance in the GSTL:
Feb 2011 - Winners! March 2011 - Runner ups! May 2011 - Did not qualify T___T 2011 Season 1 - Third Place in Group B, out the first round of the playoffs. 2012 Season 1 - Eliminated the second round by NSH.
Having watched every single one of their GSTL matches, I believe to some extent the criticism is justified.
I am not saying Coach Kang shouldn't send out lower tier players in the earliest matches in a series, but if he truly wants to show us as many "great" matches as possible, he should be picking the players that will guarantee the team's advancement to the later rounds of the tournament. This is especially true when IM is already down a few matches in a series or they are at risk of being eliminated.
There is no doubt in my mind that if IM had made it to the finals last season instead of Slayers there is no way they would have been all-killed by Gumiho
Good luck Coach Kang, we will always cheer for you and your players! Just sometimes your strategic priorities can break our hearts :\
Relying on star players does not make for a strong team. A strong team is one which has a lot of depth to it, and you won't get that if you don't give others the opportunity in the booth. Wouldn't be surprised to see LG-IM completely dominate the team leagues in 2013 at this rate, as other teams crumble when their 1-2 stars get knocked out.
It's a long-term investment, and with LG-IM already having dominant results in individual leagues, I don't think they're too concerned about the short term results they get in the team leagues.
GSTL is Winners League format which means that having 1-2(3, in IM's case) star players is quite viable.
Not against a team with strong depth. Relying on all-kills, 3-kills, etc., while they do occur, isn't very stable. There's also no guarantee that StarCraft 2 team leagues will remain winner's league format. Interested to see what Proleague does in their upcoming seasons, if they invite eSF teams to participate. If so, star players alone won't be able to carry a team.
Seeing as Kang continuously involves the whole team and not just stars makes me respect him all the more, especially when short-term goals are missed. He makes sure he has a team and not a conglomerate of stars and dishwashers and he has the balls to take the losses it needs for confidence to build up. Boasting that many titles and not being afraid to put trust in lesser known players makes them easily one of the most attractive team out there. And it makes Kang the most sympathetic coach in my book, caring for his boys not only behind the scenes but also when shit is on the line. Mad props!
I appreciate this coach doing this, its not all about the stars of the team, everyone needs a chance and I respect him as a coach, we should all give him a break
Yonghwa's all-kill against Fnatic is in great part the result of constantly throwing the guy into the booth. He had some good initial performance back at the start of 2011 when everyone was still learning the game, then dropped off for a long time showing only shaky results in GSTL and online tournaments like the ESV Korean Weekly. He continued to receive stage experience despite his performance, and the benefits are starting to show themselves. Between his excellent MLG run recently and tonight's all-kill, Yonghwa's track record is starting to catch up with some of the more decorated players on his team.
Instead of having a dishwasher, IM has yet another player they can call on at any time to take down nearly anyone, and he isn't even a GSL champion. Can't wait to see some of IM's other B-teamers show strong performances like this. It's gonna happen.
I'm a little late to the thread, but I wanted to say thank you Coach Kang for stepping outside of the comfort zone and creating a thread on a foreign website in a language not your own to communicate to the global audience.
Also, I think your results so far this season and in IPL TAC should speak for themselves. It's a great thing to give chances for your players to show their abilities.
I'm still a Prime fan, but good luck this season IM!
P.S. Anyone that doubts your methods should just take a look at the trophy room.
On September 08 2012 16:26 Daswollvieh wrote: Seeing as Kang continuously involves the whole team and not just stars makes me respect him all the more, especially when short-term goals are missed. He makes sure he has a team and not a conglomerate of stars and dishwashers and he has the balls to take the losses it needs for confidence to build up. Boasting that many titles and not being afraid to put trust in lesser known players makes them easily one of the most attractive team out there. And it makes Kang the most sympathetic coach in my book, caring for his boys not only behind the scenes but also when shit is on the line. Mad props!
Just ignore the haters IM coach. People will always find something to complain about, even if you are the best coach in the world with a GSL champion in every race.
On September 08 2012 16:26 Daswollvieh wrote: Seeing as Kang continuously involves the whole team and not just stars makes me respect him all the more, especially when short-term goals are missed. He makes sure he has a team and not a conglomerate of stars and dishwashers and he has the balls to take the losses it needs for confidence to build up. Boasting that many titles and not being afraid to put trust in lesser known players makes them easily one of the most attractive team out there. And it makes Kang the most sympathetic coach in my book, caring for his boys not only behind the scenes but also when shit is on the line. Mad props!
Exactly, IM, FXO and ST do this quite a lot. They might pick "wrong" some times, but it builds the team in a different way. We get to know so much more of the teams and you see who the teams actually feel are "snipers" or godly players in practice, but without experience.
I think that post was really awesome, and really appreciate it being posted on TL! As others have said. it's really good to see a coach willing to trust their players and grow their whole team.
I wonder of Coach Kang posted something similar on a korean message board given that he seems to get flak from pretty much everyone. I think there's always going to be people grumbling when he sends out what appears to be weaker players because to some fans it's all about who can win right now vs investing in players for the long term. I don't envy him the task of balancing out when to send out players for experience vs when he must pick a strong player/ a sniper but he seems to have it figured out as evidenced by sending True for experience and then Seed to snipe jjakji the other day. Hopefully this GSTL season goes well for IM and we get a combination of good results and the team growing stronger overall.
I did think he made some strange decisions in previous GSTL's, especially the earlier ones when it came to sending out IM's stronger field, but recently every decision he makes seems to be spot on. The criticism in Korea must be bad if he feels he needs to explain himself and defend his decisions, which is quite sad. Coach Kang fighting!!
When you have monsters like Seed, First, NesTea and fucking MVP on your team it's not even a real risk to send out the lesser experienced players first.
On September 08 2012 20:55 Grapefruit wrote: When you have monsters like Seed, First, NesTea and fucking MVP on your team it's not even a real risk to send out the lesser experienced players first.
Nice of him to post on TL about stuff since most of the time we hear about crap from translations from Korean sites. I wonder should Korean teams hire people to do PR for them outside and improve their reputation. Like smaller teams have a hard time getting fans like nshoso for instance. Anyway it just seems like a missed opportunity.
He didn't need to make a lot of great decisions in today's match. I can just imagine IM coach saying "Come on YongHwa, I had a plan for when you lost!" I'm sure he's very happy about the results though.
On September 08 2012 20:55 Grapefruit wrote: When you have monsters like Seed, First, NesTea and fucking MVP on your team it's not even a real risk to send out the lesser experienced players first.
If Hirai sent out Seed a year ago for an ace match over NesTea or MVP he would have got destroyed on TL, but now everybody knows it's usually the best choice .
On September 08 2012 23:19 FlukyS wrote: Nice of him to post on TL about stuff since most of the time we hear about crap from translations from Korean sites. I wonder should Korean teams hire people to do PR for them outside and improve their reputation. Like smaller teams have a hard time getting fans like nshoso for instance. Anyway it just seems like a missed opportunity.
Exactly. I think this is why every time a Korean progamer or team coach posts on TL we all get warm fuzzies. Korean teams reaching out to the global SC2 community is a great thing, and I hope it happens more often. (For that matter, how 'bout them Taiwan and China teams?)
It would also help the Korean teams leverage their sponsors and own brand quite well - they often times may not be able to express it well to English speaking audiences but their players are usually pretty good at representing their teams and sponsors. (KeSPA players more than eSF, but I think KeSPA focuses a little more resources on teaching players on public presentation.) I mean, look at EG - they are probably one of the best teams at making sure you know who they are, who their sponsors are, and (at least, mostly) they try to focus on presenting the game, their sponsors, and themselves in a positive light. (Except Idra... but he's gotten better.)
Okay, enough derail from me... On Topic, once more great Kudos to LG-IM's coach for reaching out to TL. Even if it's just to say "quit yer bitchin', I know what I'm doing".
On September 08 2012 20:55 Grapefruit wrote: When you have monsters like Seed, First, NesTea and fucking MVP on your team it's not even a real risk to send out the lesser experienced players first.
On September 09 2012 01:44 willoc wrote: How are we supposed to judge you if not by how you coach?
I would argue he has done a really good job as a coach. Look at how many good players IM has. IM isn't a one man team like MVP in the third GSTL. IM.MVP can only play so much with his wrist conditions, so all the other IM players have to pick up the slack, and they have. + Show Spoiler +
If I ever ran a pro-team, I would likely model it after the LG-IM style, every team has really good players, LG-IM has great practice rutines, but more importantly, he gives his underexperienced players time in the booths playing, which is huge.
Oh, and didn't they just win the last IPL Team League Season 3? The one that gave as much money to 1st place as the GSTL? I don't think they're doing that poorly in team leagues...
Every time i see a picture of an entire korean team i feel bad for 70% of the people on the picture because they work HARD and they aren't recognized at all outside korea. The big names got too big shadows for the sun to shine everywhere.
IM coach just wants the other players to have TV experience to boost their confidence and start winning games both individual and team. Good job coach IM
On September 09 2012 01:41 Chicane wrote: Damn a direct response. I think I just feel bad he had to respond directly like this hahaha. Oh well, best of luck to IM.
After two nights in a row of hearing even the GSTL's own caster(s) trash talking him on the matter it's easy to understand that he might want to defend himself despite the absurdity of the attacks. I do not think he "had to" respond though. A team coach should not concern himself with the opinions of those who do not understand his sport no matter how many of them want to play armchair general on the topic.
Great coach that looks for the future and not for immediate gain.Team results might not be the best at the moment, but i am sure we will see great things from IM as a team.
On September 09 2012 01:44 willoc wrote: How are we supposed to judge you if not by how you coach?
How can you think that there's nothing more to a coach than deciding what players to put out. IM has 3 GSL Champions, of all races on top of that. No other team has anything like that and you can be damn sure that the Coach has a part in this.
He clearly isn't a bad coach, considering the individual talent he has helped raise. With winning IPL TAC and showing an excellent performance in this GSTL prelim round, everyone on the team seems very eager to get rid of that "can't perform in the team league" stigma. Best of luck to IM.
8 GSL championships from 3 different players, plus two second places, as well as a sponsorship from one of Korea's biggest companies. He must be doing something right.
On September 09 2012 05:20 Eufouria wrote: 8 GSL championships from 3 different players, plus two second places, as well as a sponsorship from one of Korea's biggest companies. He must be doing something right.
This.
On the plus side, I do love my LG monitors, so it makes it feel like I support SC2 now :D
Ignore the haters and critics, how can people who don't spend the majority of their waking day living with and coaching their players know what's best for a team? The overall results speak for themselves.
I think it is great that he gives his inexperienced players some chance in the booth. Giving these younger players some play time builds their confidence and give them a chance to prove themselves. Also, it is a long term thinking, grooming the team as a whole rather than having the same few big named players come out all the time.
I've criticized the coach before, politely, for losing a series with, I think, both GSL champions on the bench. I do it because I'm a fan. You guys foster the best players, and we just want to see them play. But the coach knows best, and I like his style.
And last night with YongHwa just goes to show that there is no reason this team should not win it all. GLHF!
Context: LG-IM's Head Coach gets routinely criticized in and outside of Korea for frequently using his team's lesser players, which may have contributed to his team's streak of poor results in the GSTL.
oh ... that actually helps alot
didn't know that and like the state of mind which is shown here.
like: "we are a team and not just frontrow ballers!"
looking toward the future, IM's strategy makes sense; playing your lesser knowns now to build their strength and confidence so later you end up with a team that has no weaknesses.
even now the "weaker" players on IM are showing that they are becoming really good
Even as a IM fan i had doubts about your decisions before, and they were a big joke here on the forums, but as of now you are the one making fun of them :D
EPT![[image loading]](http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/10468_360981770647242_2121671577_n.jpg)
Best of luck in GSTL, you've got a sick lineup and will probably go very far in the competition. 
