LCK: T1 were reassuring the fans after their loss to KT Rolster. Will Faker make the playoffs?

The weekend LCK program had on its menu the traditional duel between T1 and KT Rolster, which, due to T1’s problems, was not balanced.

Normally, even in the days when T1 ruled LCK with an iron hand, the most famous esports derby on the planet would have been an attractive affair. It’s just that T1 are now in their third week without their biggest star, Faker, and it’s impossible to say that it’s been any kind of performance hit parade.

T1 have a 1-7 record since the absence of Faker. Their performance has declined rapidly and the loss of their leader is noticeable. Unfortunately, the team can’t spark the crisis.

Apart from the substitute Poby who was called up at the last minute, the world class players are unable to grab important wins. At least against weaker teams.

The dismal performances are obviously taking their toll. Temperamental fans certainly don’t spare their darlings. Instead of the expected weakening, questions about the team’s preparation are multiplying. With the long-term absence of a team leader, the Korean giant could have adapted better to the current momentum.

“Our performance in games is at odds with what we practice in scrimmages,” Keria said in a postgame interview. Not only he but also interim coach Tom, who was assisting Bengi, had to explain another scoring foul. For T1 fell to age-old rival KT Rolster, a clear 0-2.

When will Faker be back?

Next in the interview, reporters asked why the team can’t find chemistry. ” We have lost our natural leader and we are unable to please each other,” agreed Keria and Tom. Although the team has inner strength and can prepare for situations, it is clear that the team is missing something extra.

Unnecessary losses and some indiscipline are costing the team a lot of strength and they are falling down the table. Moreover, the currently fifth placed LCK team will still be hoping for a merciful draw for the first round.

The fans are gradually agreeing on one thing as the games progress. Even if Faker returns before the playoffs, it is highly likely that T1 will chew their way through the regional qualifiers to still make it to Worlds. Eventual playoff success and certainty of outright promotion seems unrealistic at the moment.

But the main focus of the post-game interview was traditionally centered on the return of Faker. “Before Bengi left, there was talk of a two-week absence,” Tom said in the context of the biggest star being out for three weeks.

“I hope he’ll be back before the playoffs,” the coach added. T1 has two games left in the regular season. First, they will challenge Kwandong Freecs on Wednesday and then Liiv Sandbox on Friday to finish.

Whether the biggest esports star on the planet will return for the series with Kwandong remains to be seen. One thing is for sure though, the team needs to kick-start its tarnished reputation once again.

Source: LCK, LCK Global, Leaguepedia, KORIZON Esports