BERRY Departs from SAW

The decision comes at a time of significant changes within the organization, marked by the recent benching of Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing. As we delve into the details of this development, we examine the circumstances surrounding BERRY's exit, his impact on the team's performance, and what lies ahead for both parties.

BERRY joined SAW in May, stepping into a unique position as the head coach of a Portuguese team, despite his extensive background in the Danish Counter-Strike scene. His arrival was initially seen as an experiment, bridging two distinct esports cultures. Despite this seemingly unconventional match, BERRY's influence was quickly felt as he led the team through several pivotal moments in the competitive calendar.

During his brief stint with SAW, BERRY managed to deliver notable performances, guiding the team to an impressive top-four finish at IEM Cologne. This was a milestone not only for SAW but also for the all-Portuguese squad, marking their best-ever finish at a Big Event. His tactical prowess also played a crucial role in SAW's smooth qualification for the Perfect World Shanghai Europe RMR, pushing the team's global ranking to a historic peak of No. 9.

Despite these successes, the team's progress was marred by some setbacks, including underwhelming results in CCT Season 2 Europe Series 11 and ESL Challenger Katowice, where they failed to capitalize on their top-10 status.

Reasons Behind the Split

The official statement from SAW highlighted "differing viewpoints regarding methodology and perspectives for the team" as the core reason behind the mutual decision to part ways with BERRY. The differences in tactical approach and long-term vision were significant enough to warrant this split, suggesting a strategic misalignment between BERRY's coaching philosophy and the team's expectations.

In his own words, BERRY expressed his "deepest gratitude to SAW, the players, and the PT community," and he remains eager to return to coaching as soon as possible. His departure, though abrupt, seems to be amicable, with both parties acknowledging the need to move in separate directions to achieve their respective goals.

Impact on SAW's Current Roster

The current roster configuration of SAW consists of:

With Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing now on the bench, the team is undergoing a significant restructuring phase. The addition of André "Ag1l" Gil to the active lineup is a move aimed at stabilizing the team's dynamics following these changes.

SAW's immediate challenge lies in redefining their tactical approach under a new leadership structure. The synergy between the remaining players and any incoming coaching talent will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. The team's recent struggles in the CCT and ESL tournaments underscore the need for a fresh perspective that aligns with their aspirations to reclaim a top-10 spot.

What’s Next for BERRY and SAW?

BERRY’s Future in Coaching

BERRY has made it clear that he intends to "get back into coaching asap," indicating his unwavering commitment to the esports scene. Given his track record and tactical expertise, it is likely that he will soon find a new home within another organization that aligns with his strategic vision. His next move will be closely watched by both fans and teams seeking a seasoned coach capable of elevating their game.

SAW’s Strategic Roadmap

For SAW, the focus now shifts to stabilizing the team and finding a replacement for BERRY who can bring a cohesive strategy to their gameplay. With a roster full of potential, SAW has the building blocks necessary to continue their rise in the international rankings, provided they can adapt quickly to the new leadership and maintain the momentum they achieved earlier this year.

The departure of Danny "BERRY" Krüger from SAW marks the end of a brief yet impactful chapter in the team's journey. While their time together yielded some of the most significant achievements in the organization's history, the divergence in vision ultimately led to this parting of ways. As both BERRY and SAW look ahead to their next chapters, the esports community will be watching closely to see how they navigate these changes and what new heights they can achieve in the competitive landscape.