WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT of Coach John Michael "Zico" Dizon's retirement from the MLBB esports scene, questions were raised on what truly happened from behind the scenes.
Coach Zico revealed that he was burnt out on his official post, and he dug deep into his decision in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
"Sa akin nabur-burn out talaga ako siguro kasi galing din sa talo. Syempre yung confidence ko rin parang bumaba. Pero hindi totally dahil doon," he reiterated. "Talagang napagod lang ako kasi ang tagal ko ng nasa MLBB scene, walang pahinga-hinga."
Being the head coach, Zico has a lot of responsibilities. Besides being the main tactician, MLBB coaches are also the ones responsible in disciplining, handling, and motivating the players.
"Siguro overall, sa time ng practice pati workload. Iba kasi yung stress talaga na binibigay e. Lalo na kapag coach ka, syempre yung responsibility din na hawak ko, limang tao yung umaasa sa iyo. Nakakapagod sobra," reflected the former Burn X Flash coach.
What's next for Coach Zico
With his recent post and his comments about the role, does this mean that Zico is officially done with esports? Here's what he revealed to SPIN.ph.
"So parang done na ako sa phase na...syempre we all have to make a living, kailangan i-sustain yung pamilya natin. Para sa akin, mas may nakita akong opportunity na kayang higitan yung kinukuha ko sa esports."
He clarified: "Although masaya naman pero gusto ko talaga mag-laylow muna."
As of now, Zico's plans involve the following, going live on social media and being involved in a business venture.
"Sa ngayon wala pa e, siguro magstre-stream muna ako kasi plan ko mag-business so yun muna yung ifo-focus ko ngayon habang nagpapahinga rin," explained the former MLBB coach.
He added: "Yung cousin ko may restaurant na siya so nagpa-plan kami before pa lang. Like 2021, mag-franchise or business partner. So iyun yung pag-uusapan namin in the mere future."
Conversations with Dogie and H2wo
Before traveling overseas to coach MLBB teams, Zico once worked under Setsuna "Akosi Dogie" Ignacio during his Nexplay days.
The connection between the two of them remains as Zico contacted Dogie for advice.
"Nag-usap kami madalas. actually before ako mag-retire, kasi pag-uwi ko mga October, bumisita ako sa kanya, sa Pangasinan. Tinanong ko siya, kinausap ko siya personally, sabi ko 'Boss D, ano tingin mo? Parang gusto ko nang mag-quit e," expounded Zico.
"Sabi niya, 'Ituloy ko pa, tapos after nun, sabi ko sige tapusin ko na contract ko.' Kaso recently lang, napag-isipan ko parang pagod na talaga."
Then when talking about his former players, he narrated that he had conversations with the likes of John Paul "H2wo" Salonga, Renejay "RENEJAY" Barcarse, and Michael "MP The King" Endino.
He wished the latter two all the best in ther M5 journey.
As for H2wo, Zico hinted on some movements centered on him.
"Si H2wo yes, nag-usap din kami kasi tinanong ko rin siya kung gusto niyang maglaro e. May kumukuha sa kanya na mga teams pero hindi natin alam kung anong gagawin niya."
Who are those teams? According to Zico, "Iba-iba meron ding MPL PH."
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