cadiaN: "I'm not too satisfied about [missing events]"
Liquid had a tough task against Spirit in their opening match at BLAST Premier Spring Groups 2024, but in their winner's match versus GamerLegion they showed exactly why there is so much excitement about their new roster.
After the game, we spoke to cadiaN about language barriers on the team, working with zews, and how he feels about Liquid's limited tournament schedule in the first half of the year.
Yesterday you guys had a tricky start but today was much stronger, how are you looking at the game versus GamerLegion?
Yeah, I think that some of the jitters from the first game were gone and I think a few more agreements were also being upheld throughout the game today. I think we played a way better game today and individually I was hitting a few more shots.
I was definitely struggling a lot yesterday, it's been a long time since I've had that kind of feeling in a game, but I think with the new language being spoken and some hectic communications at times, it was time for me to find my groove and some of those things were better today and that made me and my teammates play better.
Touching on the language element, you've been communicating in Danish for years but you're no stranger to English being the language of a team thanks to your time on Rogue, what's it like going back to English?
I think, for me, some of the things aren't so difficult. It's more the small communications in 3v3s where I'm telling someone to come towards me or how we're going to do the things which aren't agreed upon. I think overall, just talking CS and having conversations is no issue at all, but there's definitely some room for improvement.
Also, now with more voices in the team, maybe it was easier for me in Rogue because I was picturing everything whereas now I have to take things in from the other guys.
Do you think there will be much of an IGL style change as a result of the language change?
Yeah, there's maybe going to be a little more simplicity at times. I think that's kind of what the other international IGLs have said, it's harder to play perfect.
Photo: Stephanie LindgrenHow's it feeling in the team now you've had some time together?
It feels good. Of course, there's a long way ahead of us, but our main goal is to improve each and every day. It's a boring answer, but it's the true answer [laughs].
zews has come in as the coach, someone with a different character to Xizt, what are the main differences for you?
I think that it's still early days with zews, but he's doing a very good job. He's leading with a lot of things outside the server too, he's good at setting the tone of the day and being more direct, he's one of the most direct coaches I've had. I think it's great to have him, I look forward to being able to develop under his wings.
You missed out at the qualifier for IEM Chengdu and you won't be at IEM Katowice either, does that give you more chance to prepare for the Major?
Yeah, maybe more progression for the Major but less match preparation. If we go to the playoffs at the Major it will be the first time we play on a stage together, so, it's going to be difficult.
There are fewer tournaments for us to play now because of how the rankings were updated, I'm not too satisfied about that, but it is what it is and we have to use our time the best way that we can.
JT said in an interview with us recently that there isn't a rivalry between Complexity and Liquid anymore, do you think there is one or do you think it's wider because of skullz, FURIA, and the Brazilian ties?
For me, there's no rivalry with anyone, but I guess that can be built over time. It's going to require the intense matchups, maybe the beef and history and stuff like that. Right now, we don't have a rival but ask me again in six months.