T1 will begin their Playoffs journey at the LCK Summer 2021 with their first match against Liiv SANDBOX. In the group stage, the Spring 2020 LCK champions were defeated by their opponents in both rounds. Therefore, even though they are still rated higher, fans have reason to worry about a potentially unfavorable outcome.
Recently, T1’s head coach – Stardust, had the opportunity to answer an interview with Korean media regarding the preparations for the match against LSB. The coach confirmed that there are concerns, but along with that, there is also confidence. This is the necessary mindset to enter a do-or-die match.
In the interview, Stardust stated that his team is at least still rated higher in theory and form, and the necessary condition to achieve victory against LSB is that they must execute the ban/pick phase well:
“LSB is an excellent team, but overall our players are rated higher. As long as we do well in the ban/pick phase, I believe we can secure a victory.
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I am analyzing data about the opponent to prepare for the match. I have complete trust in my players; they will use their performance to respond to the expectations of the fans. Yes. All of us are focused on the preparation, 11 players, including Ellim, along with Coach Moment, are all putting in their utmost effort.”
After parting ways with the coaching duo Daeny and Zefa, T1’s gameplay has shown some improvement, however, they still lost quite a few matches, which revealed many lingering weaknesses in their playstyle. The loss to LSB in the second round of the group stage is one example. Many might recall the “miraculous” Baron steal by Effort with Alistar, but in reality, T1 completely collapsed in that match because their late-game composition was utterly helpless against LSB’s champions who had long-term scaling potential.
What Stardust is concerned about is that T1 does not have many options to choose from in the ban/pick phase. The positions of Canna, Oner, or Gumayusi all have certain limitations regarding champion pools, while captain Faker can no longer “win every matchup” like in his younger days. Therefore, Stardust’s response may seem that T1’s conditions for winning are simple, but in reality, this coach understands how much mental effort the ban/pick phase will require from T1.
Concluding the brief interview, Stardust once again confirmed that the match against LSB will be a tough challenge, but T1 members still have reasons to be confident in achieving victory.