Not long ago, Chinese netizens buzzed with rumors that coach kkOma was being generously compensated by Vici Gaming, with a salary five times higher than that of other coaches, and even earning more than iBoy – the top star of VG.
However, it seems that the remuneration kkOma receives does not correlate with his power at VG. According to sources from Baidu, kkOma and the Vici Gaming coaching staff are experiencing deep conflicts with the team’s management, as he has no authority to participate in transfer policies or intervene in the team’s personnel system.
All plans for player transfers are decided by the team’s leadership, while kkOma is only tasked with managing and operating the team. The swift failure of the deal to acquire Tarzan from Griffin is believed to be due to this reason. kkOma is very eager to have the services of the fellow countryman, but VG has said no.
In reality, kkOma has long ceased to be just a coach; he is almost a human resources manager in his final years at T1.
Under kkOma’s leadership, many Korean League of Legends stars have risen to fame in T1 colors, most notably the golden generation including Marin, Bang, Wolf… and later Huni, Effort… In other words, kkOma had almost complete authority in planning transfers, seeking talent, and choosing T1’s lineup, something he currently does not have at VG.
The wave of dissatisfaction regarding the rift between the coaching staff and the owners of Vici Gaming has been clearly expressed when Cube – the top laner of this team publicly declared his desire to leave, and even iBoy is under suspicion of having a “bad attitude” and is on VG’s transfer list, despite the fact that this marksman has only just joined the team halfway through the season and is even serving as captain.
Vici Gaming had a pretty decent Spring Split, as they were in the playoff contention group, a significant improvement from their last place position in the LPL Summer 2019. However, it seems that these positive effects will not last long if the internal conflicts of this team are not resolved satisfactorily.