Ex-Florida Mayhem coach R2der responds to criticism by his former players
L: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment, R: Kongdoo EsportsFormer Florida Mayhem coach Choi ‘R2der’ Hyun-jin has responded to criticism of his coaching by his former players.
After Florida Mayhem announced they were parting ways with R2der, former Mayhem player Johan ‘CWoosH’ Klingestedt – now a head coach himself for Contenders EU Season 3 champions Team Gigantti – tweeted a scathing appraisal of R2der’s coaching, saying that letting him go was “one of the best decisions Mayhem has done.”
R2der has now responded to the accusations, apologizing to the players who felt hurt but also explaining the difficulty of the circumstances in which he was working.
After originally being brought on as an assistant coach, R2der was forced to coach alone after ‘Mineral’ took a step back for health reasons. The team was also without an interpreter for some time.
Consequently, R2der focused on the strategic element of the team, but acknowledges that he failed in other aspects required of a well-rounded head coach.
But I was only concerned about the strategic aspect,I think it's my fault that I didn't take care of the players It was very difficult for me to work alone and I'm sorry for the players who hurt my pride
— r2der (@r2derOW) January 23, 2019
At the end of the league schedule, an interpreter came. Before that, there was conflict with my players because of my unskilled English.
— r2der (@r2derOW) January 23, 2019
I will try really hard to fix my mistakes and I will always cheer for Mayhem to do well.
— r2der (@r2derOW) January 23, 2019
The Mayhem had a difficult season, saved from dead last only by the extreme failure of the winless Shangai Dragons. Despite the pedigree of the team formerly known as Misfits, they never really looked in contention against most of the league.
Florida Mayhem have undergone a major rebuild after their disappointing first season. Only three members of the Season One squad remain, with the once-Swedish line-up now made up mostly of South Korean players.
Season Two of the Overwatch League is due to kick off on February 14, and Florida Mayhem’s new line-up will make its debut on February 15 against newcomers Atlanta Reign.