About Ancient and the team's map pool
zonic: Of course, we go into every match aiming to win. The second and third maps of this match were very disappointing, and our third attempt at Ancient, unfortunately, still did not work out.
As for why we still believed in this map and picked it for the third consecutive time—after returning to the hotel, considering the one-day break between the two matches, we also analyzed it a bit. Additionally, we genuinely needed to test our map pool.
I've had many conversations with karrigan, and we both agree that a team can't rely on just one approach forever. Our previous roster actually tried this kind of strategy. If we always pick Dust2 without thinking, we'll definitely run into trouble in those major tournaments where we really need to aim higher. We need to play more official matches on Ancient. Clearly, there's still a lot of work to be done on that map.
The difference between karrigan and kyxsan
zonic：Clearly, karrigan prefers to create more chaos across the entire map, while kyxsan's playstyle is more structured. For example, under kyxsan's leadership, we might first control mid, then decide on the next step—either attacking a bomb site or slowing down the pace to wait for the opponent to make a move.
Regarding the main differences in how the two of us call strategies on Ancient, our current issues on this map actually exist on both the T side and CT side. We've been having some difficulty finding the right approach and might be slightly behind the current meta. So we need to go back to the basics and analyze the matches in more detail.
About kyousuke
zonic：As for kyousuke's individual performance and the challenges of coaching him compared to more mature and stable players—he is still very young, and I don't want to be too harsh on him. He has a lot to learn, but he listens very attentively and always gives his best effort. I'm truly proud of him.
After karrigan joined, we did a lot of work on Inferno. In the past, kyousuke always said he hated this map, but now he actually wants to play more on Inferno.
Now he is experiencing some difficulties on Ancient, a map that used to be one of his favorites. So we need to go back to basics and analyze what areas, both individually for him and for the team as a whole, can still be improved.
zonic: I have to play the role of both a strict and gentle mentor at the same time. Sometimes you want him to analyze opponents' movements in the software and also review his own matches. He is just stepping onto the starting line of his career right now.
When he first joined the club a year ago, he did have serious issues with off-field discipline, such as frequently being late. However, he has done an excellent job in improving himself in this regard, and his communication skills are now at a very high level. We train on this part every day, so sometimes I have to be like a strict father, while other times I need to offer him understanding and support.
How to balance requiring him to play perfect, systematic CS while preserving his personal freedom is a very complex process.
Sometimes I even wrestle with myself: should I point out his another mistake? He is still young, and he should have the right to make mistakes.
Before joining Team Falcons, he had barely traveled anywhere, but now he needs to fly all over the world and constantly communicate in English. We will remain patient, and karrigan is also helping him grow step by step.
His progress has been very noticeable, but we also need to allow him to occasionally play a bad map and go through setbacks. His performance on Ancient isn't ideal right now, but I still have full confidence in kyousuke—he's an excellent player.