On the 7th (KST), SK Telecom T1 defeated Jin Air Green Wings 2-1 in the 2019 LCK Summer Split match. Unlike most people predicted, the game was very close and fierce, but the defending champions managed to secure their first win of the season. After the match, we sat down with SKT head coach Kim "kkOma" Jeong-kyun for an interview.

Today’s match was very close. What do you think made today’s match into a full-set match?

I’d like to give short answers today. There were many things we lacked and need to look into more today.

Faker also mentioned that you’re practicing many different new things after the MSI. How’s practice going?

We’re accepting a lot of feedback, and practicing a lot to try out many different picks. Since it’s early in the season, the atmosphere is quite good. We’re encouraging each other to do better.

Who are you looking forward to the most this season?

I didn’t say much in the spring, but I always have high expectations for Khan. He excels in all important factors of the game: team play, mechanics, and intelligence. What the players show in official matches isn’t everything.

We’d like to ask you about the new mid laner, Gori. What kind of player is he, and in which situation would he be playing?

Although we did register Gori in the roster, we’re still keeping an eye on him. The biggest difference between him and Faker would be that Gori’s a player that’s more shifted towards team play. He would need more time to improve. Other than Gori, we’ll be putting any player on the roster on stage when they’re ready.

You picked kt Rolster as one of the favorites for the summer split. Did you watch their match? What did you think?

Judging only on their opening match… We both played against Jin Air, but it felt that KT gave a lot better performance. They’ve improved a lot for sure, but I’d like to wait and see more.

Many fans miss you on stage since you don’t appear a lot after coach Zefa came. How are you sharing your time with Zefa as the coaching staff?

It’s really difficult to explain Zefa’s coaching since he does so much, but I can say he’s a very talented coach. I just help him concentrate on coaching and draw the big picture for him.

Lastly, a word to the fans?

Our goal for the summer is 1st place in the regular season. To reach that goal, we’ll be running taking all possible routes that are necessary.