The upcoming match between T1 and Weibo Gaming is not just significant as a finals match in a World Championship, or about a former champion lifting the trophy again; it also marks a reunion of “old friends.” First, TheShy will face Faker once again, since MSI 2019. Then, an even more special reunion: Coach Daeny will directly lead a team for the first time, returning to the World Championship finals to face his former team – T1.
In T1’s history, there have been coaches who have been linked with the team’s ups and downs, but perhaps no T1 fan can forget Coach Daeny – the most special figure. He was the first and only one so far to “dare” bench Faker while he was the star player of T1. At the same time, Coach Daeny also sparked controversy when he implied that Faker was the member that caused T1’s decline in 2021. Consequently, he became the first coach in the history of SKT T1/T1 and the entire LCK to be “let go” while the tournament was still ongoing.
Recently, Coach Daeny unexpectedly praised his former team ahead of the crucial clash with T1 in the finals of Worlds 2023. He stated: “The more I learn about T1, the more I feel scared of them at this moment. But I must say, they are on the right path that I envisioned back in the day. I came to T1 in 2021 to teach everyone how to play together, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t complete that due to unavoidable circumstances.”
Moreover, the coach expressed surprise at how Faker has identified areas for improvement and further development. Coach Daeny also warned about Keria’s wide champion pool. Many T1 fans likely remember that Keria was the only player Coach Daeny relied on during his short time coaching T1. At that time, Keria was the only position that was never replaced, even as Coach Daeny continuously rotated the lineup.
However, Coach Daeny may have forgotten that Faker is a player with one of the most professional attitudes and diligence in the world of LoL. Therefore, it is understandable for Faker’s performance to dip at times. But he will surely return and be even more formidable. Continuing with T1 to the finals of a second consecutive World Championship is proof of Faker’s resilience and effort.