It's fair to say Bad News Eagles have become notorious for their relentless aggression.
That, though, worked against them in the case of Apeks, who like a judo player (or Judoka, apparently) used that strength against them.
"But I knew we prepared really well for them, they’re easily readable. We knew that there was going to be duels everywhere, and we said “let’s fucking take them, and if we take them, take them together”".
That's what jL told BLAST.tv after their victory to move into the 2-1 bracket, as he climbed back up to the top of the scoreboard where he has spent so much of his Apeks career.
"I always like aggressive games, I’m an aggressive player myself, not to be rude or to brag but I know I shoot better than these guys, and they win on their momentum and their teamwork but once they face good aimers, as good as them… we played like a team. We just out-aimed them, and out-teamed them".
Fair to say he wasn't lacking confidence; even after a self-admitted "rough game, to start with". Albeit, he also explained that he had had dental surgery a few days ago and had had some "sleepless nights".
He smiled, and said: "But now I am rested, and ready to deliver".
The glint in his eye was back. It's crazy what a few wins can do for a man.
jL wasn't particularly happy with his performance in previous days: "I think I just needed a slap in the face, sometimes I get carried away, I just realised that I cannot live off of my past performances or past ratings, I just have to play."
That said, he told us that "that's what [he] did today" and that he was "feeling himself".
Presumably, he meant feeling himself metaphorically. Just like the slap in the face.
He chuckled, "No no, it’s a metaphorical one. It would be really bad if you slapped me because my face is still swollen from the surgery so… it’s fine."
jL ends the interview with the same positivity he started it with; confidence, swagger and belief.
"I think we have a really strong map pool, we know it and I think we shouldn’t be scared of anyone. If so, people should be scared of us because on a good day…" he trails off, as if delivering a threat too unspeakable for publication.
"I mean we had a bad day yesterday with Heroic, it was anyone’s game and it feels like we lost to ourselves. I’m just super happy we managed to do it and let’s make tomorrow like it was in Challengers - 3-1 and we have a day off, let’s go Eiffel Tower again!"
When in Paris, do as the French do.
Take a day off to eat some great food and see the tower.
BLAST ApS., Hauser Plads 1, 3., 1127 Copenhagen