‘Faker’ “I’m changing my stance and practicing… I need to improve my game.”

T1 took on DK in the first round of the LoL Champions Korea (LCK) Summer Split playoffs at Jonggak Roll Park on September 9, winning 3:1 to advance to the second round. T1 made mistakes and had crises in the middle of the game, but their focus in the second half kept them ahead of DK, and that was the driving force behind their victory.

Below is the full interview between T1’s acting head coach Im “Faker” Jae-hyun and Lee “Faker” Sang-hyuk.

Q. How did you feel heading into the second round with a 3:1 lead over DK?

Acting Head Coach Im Jae-hyun: We won 3:1, but it wasn’t a clean victory. We don’t know which team KT Rolster will pick, but we will try to make up for our deficiencies as much as possible.

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyuk: I’m happy with the win itself. However, we didn’t play well today, so we’ll make up for it.

Q. How did you prepare for today’s match?

Acting Head Coach Lim Jae-hyun: In red, we planned a strategy to keep the mid and ‘Canyon’ in check when we put in a fixed van.

Q. Regardless of whether you won or lost, what do you think was lacking in your game, and what did you do well that allowed you to outplay your opponent?

‘Faker’: We didn’t react well when we were blocked in the early game, and that cost us, but I think our mid and late game focus was better than theirs, and that’s why we were able to win.

Q. How is your wrist feeling at the moment?

Faker: I’ve been playing with a different stance, so I’m a little more free from the main symptoms. However, it’s still a bit of an adjustment, so I’m trying to improve my performance.

Q. It’s not easy to change your stance. What percentage of your game do you think is better with the new position?

‘Faker’: If it was 100% before, it’s definitely less than before because I’m still in the adaptation phase.

Q. Now you’re facing KT Rolster or Genji. What do you think their strengths are?

Acting Head Coach Lim Jae-hyun: KT Rolster is bold, and Genji is good at running the side.

‘Faker’: I have a similar opinion.

Q. You’ll be facing off against ‘Biddy’ and ‘Chobi’. How do you see these two liners?

Faker: Both players have different styles. I think they’re both good in their own style, and I think they’re both good at making the plays that the team needs.

Q. If your performance was 100 percent when Faker was on the team, what was it like when he was out and now that he’s back?

Acting head coach Lim Jae-hyun: Even before Faker got sick, we weren’t perfect as a team. I think it’s better now because the other four players have recognized their deficiencies and are working on them.

Q. T1 is always looking to win the Rold Cup. What is your minimum goal at this point?

Acting Head Coach Im Jae-hyun: Before ‘Faker’ came back, we felt like we should just go to the Rold Cup no matter what, but now we’re looking to win the Summer regardless of the Rold Cup seeding.

‘Faker’: My personal goal is to improve my performance. With the way we’re playing, I think it’s possible to win Summer. It would be great to win the title, but we need to play better to do that.

Q. Who would you like to play in the Rold Cup? 스포츠토토

Acting Head Coach Lim: I would like to meet Jingdong because we lost at MSI.

‘Faker’: I would like to play against an LPL team because I also have memories of losing to LPL teams.

Q. What’s the last thing you want to say?

Acting Head Coach Lim: I’m not afraid of any team in the second round, and I think we can beat anyone. We will reward you with a good performance.

‘Faker’: I didn’t play as well as I expected today. I’ll make sure to show the performance I want in the next match.