Q: What is your overall assessment of the match?
Hirai: This was the last match of the regular season, so we originally expected to show good competitive form, but the actual performance was not ideal. Therefore, we feel very regretful and need to improve our performance again.
BeryL : There were many favorable situations today, but we didn't make good judgments in some scenarios, so the advantage we originally had was lost quickly. It's quite regrettable.
Q: Coach, what do you think was the reason for today's defeat?
Hirai: Recently, we have been hovering between wins and losses. Today's defeat was very similar to previous situations. As I mentioned before, when we are in an advantageous position, or when utilizing the strengths of our lineup and executing our roles, we did not do well. There were many times when we should have advanced slowly with clearer objectives, but when these aspects are not done well, the match results will be like today. Recently, in training and matches, I felt we had improved, but today these problems surfaced again. I believe we can readjust these issues in the coming time, but it also serves as a good self-check.
Q: What is your overall assessment of the regular season?
BeryL : Strong teams are still at the top, but from a player's perspective, I feel that if I performed better, we could have won many matches. So, looking back at those lost matches, the only reason I can think of for our losses is that we played too poorly. However, in the matches we won, I didn't feel we performed particularly well; we just did what we were supposed to do. This thought has made me reflect a lot this season.
Hirai: Looking at the entire season, in the spring split, we focused on solving some internal issues within the team. But after the summer split started, these issues seemed to reappear, affecting the team's internal trust and leading to consecutive losses. However, despite this, we managed to resolve these issues well and became a stronger team, which is a great achievement. So, we were able to end the regular season this way. However, matches like today's cannot happen again, this is very clear. The players are also aware of this. Although we have discussed this a lot before, we will continue to delve deeper into it. The players will also communicate and share more, striving to make the team better in the remaining time.
Q: What changes or improvements are needed before the playoffs?
Hirai: Although there are new versions being released, which will definitely have some impact on lineup combinations and BP, the most important thing is whether we can effectively execute our roles in the match after determining the lineup and selecting heroes. Whether in the early, mid, or late game, maintaining this awareness and executing it, while also letting teammates understand and communicate together, is crucial. If we can do this, I believe we will continue to perform well in the playoffs and hope to carry this into the World Championship qualifiers.
Q: What are your thoughts and resolutions before the playoffs?
BeryL : As the coach said, the version changes do make us feel a bit strange when preparing for the playoffs. For example, in the LPL, their regular season and playoffs use the same version, while we have a version update every two weeks, which can bring significant changes or not. In this case, I think it's okay if we can maintain the same version, but from a preparation standpoint, if the changes are too big, it will be difficult to cope. And there will be a new version when it comes to the World Championship, so as a team preparing for the playoffs, I feel that patch versions don't need to change too much. Although I don't quite understand why we need to change versions so frequently, finding ways to cope with changes is also part of our job, so we will strive to adapt to the direction of the version and do our best to perform well in the playoffs.
Q: Do you feel pressured facing a potential telecom war in the playoffs?
Hirai: No matter which team, any team that can make it to the playoffs is strong. I believe that no team can be underestimated. We must first ensure our own fundamentals are solid, and at the same time understand the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents. Only then can we play a real match. If we lose a match like we did today, it is absolutely unacceptable. Personally, I hope to compete against DK again because I have great confidence in our strength and want to face them once more. I hope they can see this interview and choose us. However, it also depends on DK's choice. If the opponent is T1 , we will also be prepared and strive to win. I think what's more important is whether we can perform at our competitive level. If the players can showcase their skills, I believe we can play an exciting match.
Q: Do you have anything to say to the fans who support you?
Hirai: Although this was the last match of the regular season and the result is somewhat regrettable, we will work harder to perform well in the upcoming matches and look forward to returning to the stage again. Thank you, everyone.
BeryL : There have indeed been many crises during this summer season, but there have also been many pleasant moments. Although it has been an interesting yet challenging summer, the season is not over yet. We will continue to work hard to make this journey go further. Thank you, everyone.
