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1 year ago
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Team Liquid coach William "Blitz" Lee noted the difference in atmosphere between the previous edition and the current version of the squad.
Blitz said that the group is more confident and coordinated than before, with players contributing more thoughts about the game and talks centered around Dota 2.
Blitz went on to discuss positive changes in carry player Michael "miCKe" Vu, captain Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi, and offlaner Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg in depth.
Having finished third at The International 11 (TI11) toward the end of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22, Team Liquid had started to gain traction. Nonetheless, it was debated if carry Lasse "MATUMBAMAN" Urpalainen's retirement would have an impact on the squad, but the acquisition of Micha "Nisha" Jankowski has not only maintained the team's form but appears to have elevated it to another level. The recent unbeaten success in Tour 3 of the DPC 2023 attested to this, and Liquid's coach William "Blitz" Lee discussed the differences in the atmosphere between the previous edition and the current iteration of the team. Blitz stated that the squad is more confident and organized than previously, with players putting in more novel ideas surrounding the game.
Blitz believes Team Liquid has changed in a positive manner in the DPC 2023
During the Cap & Blitz Podcast, Austin "Cap" Walsh remarked how Team Liquid's performance had improved from the outside view, and Blitz concurred, noting that there had been a difference in that they were more confident now.
“Even though we were 7-0 or 6-1 last season, I think part of the reason why it feels different is a few things. One, this feels a lot more sustainable because I feel like the guys finally got the monkey off their back and they are not nervous anymore.”
Blitz then went on to speak specifically about Liquid's carry player Michael "miCKe" Vu, who has become calmer than before and is no longer overwhelmed by game outcomes.
“For example, miCKe would get really nervous before games and part of my job was always making sure to hype him up and help him get over losses and understand that it’s not the end of the world that we lose a series and it’s not his fault because he’d get so down on himself and nowadays, he just floats. A loss or a win doesn’t matter.
He’s really calm and in his zone and he’s excited to play whereas, before TI, I felt like every game was a struggle for him to not throw up. Nowadays, I just feel like he’s just clean.”
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As Blitz also mentioned, his connection with captain Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi has strengthened since the two players have matured beyond their dramatic selves and no longer get too involved in trivial concerns.
“Me and Aiden in the past, I felt like we used to make a lot of big issues out of nothing, and nowadays a lot of our friendship just boils down to - I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that and he’ll say - oh my bad and then he’s like - do you need to talk about it further, I’m like - No, I’m good and he’s good too and we just get over stuff.
Whereas in the past, it felt like every discussion had to be huge, explosive, dramatic, emotional, you know - how could you, I’m so sorry. We don’t have that. We are both dramatic people in general. We are both emotional people, I would say.”
As a result, Blitz believes both of them have grown in maturity and are able to resolve issues quickly now, whereas before, they would spend days trying to get things settled between them.
Furthermore, offlaner Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg has taken more responsibility when it comes to drafting and leading the team, which has lifted the load off iNSaNiA's shoulders. This has helped considerably since Blitz explained that iNSaNiA used to play other roles as well last year in ranked games just to gain a deeper understanding of their dynamics. The discussions now revolve a lot more around Dota 2 than before, with all players sharing their ideas.
Team Liquid will seek to capitalize on the positive change at the upcoming Lima Major 2023. The Major begins on 22nd Feb.
