T1 kkOma: “I think our players [are better] adapted to international events. So I think that’s why we perform relatively better.”
Q: Hello kkOma. That match was stressful for me to watch, so that must have been even more stressful for you, I imagine. How high were the emotions?
kkOma: Rather than saying it was stressful, I had faith in my players and I could see them playing to their 100%. Until the Nexus exploded in Game 5, I had confidence that we could win this series.
Q: It was very back and forth at several points. If you were to give one player the most credit for carrying the team through and making the plays when it mattered, who would you give credit to and why?
kkOma: Well, all five players really communicated well throughout the game. It wasn’t just one player carrying and one player stepping up. I think that was a team effort, so I would like to give credit to all the players.
Q: Are you more cautious of TES’ skill level or was AL the more concerning opponent, seeing how TES did worse in Swiss?
kkOma: I think a lot of things can change over a couple of days, regardless of how they played in the past matches and past condition, I don’t think that matters that much. We only have one day to prepare for that match, so I think we have to analyze the opponents well — their matchups, their champion tiers, etc – so we can prepare well. We don’t think that it will be an easier matchup than today.
Q: Is everyone still recovering? How quickly did everyone recover? How were scrims and everything in the break?
kkOma: In terms of condition and gameplay, we’re seeing an upward trajectory from the Swiss stage, so we were able to see some improvements today.
Q: Do you feel bad making everybody watch T1 Gen.G over and over? Because it looks like it’s gonna be T1 Gen.G again. Everyone’s like, “Dude, can we get something different?”
kkOma: We haven’t reached out to the finals yet, nor the opponents. We don’t know who we will be facing in the finals if we go to the finals, as well as our condition compared to theirs. So I think it’s too early to tell.
Q: If you were to face Gen.G in the finals, what are your thoughts?
kkOma: If we were to face Gen.G in the finals, I think our team would be very determined to beat them this time. I’d be very happy if we advance and prepare for the match. If Gen.G and T1 play again in the finals, instead of people saying, “Oh it’s Gen.G and T1 again,” I think both teams will prepare well and eager to win, so I think fans will have a rather enjoyable match.
Q: How has coaching changed for you after becoming a father? And how does it feel for you as a father being here?
kkOma: *Laughs* This is a difficult question. I feel like I should be nicer, more gentle, and a better father to my family when I go back because I’m away for so long. But aside from that, over the years, I feel like [I’ve developed] a more comprehensive and wider perspective going into the competition and the tournaments and how to complete this job in general. I’m not sure if this is a family thing or if it’s because I have a long career, but I think my perception has changed.
To my family, I’m really sorry — especially to my wife — because I [haven’t] been there for her; I’ve been away for so long.
Q: Is LCK just starting to pull so far ahead of every other region? What’s happening with that, and why?
kkOma: Every year, orgs may build their team very differently so it really depends on how the teams are built. I think it’s hard to predict if this is a long-term thing now. But this year, I think the LCK teams who participate in Worlds are strong. So I think it’s fair to say that this year may be that case.
Q: Is “T1 magic at Worlds” there for you too — that you just know that this team has the ability to win every time and will just make it far at Worlds every time?
kkOma: I think even though we had some low points in the previous matches, I think our team consists of very talented and experienced veterans, so I always have faith that they can come back and do better. If we perform our best, we are able to beat any team in the world. That being said, I think I do have that faith. The quote that I always have in my mind is: “Don’t be rushed. Always have some space and have some time to settle down, and the results follow.” That’s the mindset I have.
Q: If you had to pick the best player in the world, not on T1, who would you pick?
kkOma: I don’t want to mention a specific player…
Q: Peanut recently said that it feels like Chovy has no flaws. Domestically that has seemed more true than at internationals, especially against T1. Is that more because of T1 or Chovy?
kkOma: I think our players — even though they really try hard and they concentrate domestically — are more adapted to international events. So I think that’s why we perform relatively better.
Q: The coaches at T1 have a lot of pressure, a lot of eyes on them. Does that weigh on you? How much does that affect your mindset when you’re at the tournament?
kkOma: Every team or community, even society in general, has their unique aspects. Being in T1, you know, it does come with that pressure. People see things differently, so when I returned to T1, I had that in my mind as an expectation; I am aware of such criticism and pressure. But I made that decision to come back because I wanted to return [regardless] to be with Faker and be with this team again. I think as a head coach, I’m okay with it. I just hope our players don’t get affected that much by such criticism [and pressure]. Of course, I guess I get stressed — but it’s quite unavoidable.
Transcription assistance by @rysaphine
Header Image via Riot Games
