In League of Legends, numerous player transfers of professional teams have taken place in recent weeks. The most attention was drawn by the transfer of Martin “Rekkles” Larsson. He was also interviewed by the G2 Esports coach, Fabian “GrabbZ” Lohmann, who couldn’t help but take a jab at Fnatic.
What does GrabbZ say? In an interview with Invenglobal, the discussion revolved around the future of G2 Esports, the transfer of Rekkles to the team, and Luka “Perkz” Perković’s departure to Cloud 9. The coach answered the questions very openly and casually.
He admits that 2020 was not an easy year for the team, also not only because of Corona. According to GrabbZ, what the team missed the most was the fans and the excitement around them. They felt like they were sitting in a living room receiving trophies.
In 2019, it was already evident that many teams were crashing under the pressure of the tournament and playing in front of an audience. The players of G2, on the other hand, were joking around and appeared significantly more relaxed.
However, the interview also touched on current transfers in the teams. At this point, GrabbZ was joking around as well. You can also watch the interview on YouTube:
GrabbZ praises Rekkles and Perkz, mocks Fnatic
How does GrabbZ talk about Fnatic? In the interview, GrabbZ emphasizes that Rekkles is the perfect AD carry for G2 Esports:
We had long conversations together, and the way he sees the game fits quite well with us. No one worries about the in-game perspective; we all know he will be the best AD carry in Europe with us.
However, GrabbZ also sees the possibility that Rekkles could have difficulties fitting in with the other G2 players personally. After all, they joke around a lot, which doesn’t necessarily suit Rekkles. The coach particularly addresses Jankos:
It’s more about how he will fit into the team, but we also have our serious moments in training, where we are a bit calmer until Jankos eats sugar on game days and then goes out to make the whole team in a good mood.
I’m not worried because Wunder and I are quiet people, so Rekkles won’t be the first guy who doesn’t run around the house screaming all the time. I think it will fit perfectly.
The coach also emphasizes that players do not come to G2 just because they earn the most money there:
One thing that annoys me is the topic of money, that G2 should just buy the players, even though they come to us for the atmosphere, the environment, and because it pays off for them. That’s why they come to us.
What does he say about Fnatic? GrabbZ feels sympathy for G2’s fiercest rival, the team Fnatic. According to him, they are losing their cornerstone, and Rekkles is hard to replace.
The coach emphasizes that Rekkles is particularly a mentally strong player who can decide a game on his own in the late game. However, GrabbZ can’t help but make a side jab:
Sure, they [Fnatic] can come in second place, but there is a high chance they will collapse, especially if the first weeks don’t go well.
GrabbZ speculates that Rogue and MAD Lions will strongly compete for second place. He is confident about the first place. Even though the coach doesn’t expect a split of 18-0, he sees his team in first place.
Perkz also gets praise: In addition to Rekkles, the former player Perkz is mentioned in the interview. This year he transferred from G2 Esports for $5 million to the American team Cloud 9.
GrabbZ believes that Cloud 9 will dominate the LCS, just because of Perkz:
Perkz will enhance the entire region. Starting with the solo queue, he will show that the NA “One Trick Ponies” actually need to adapt. He simply has this aura that makes everyone want to put in the effort.
I believe Cloud9 will be really, really strong. I also think he will immediately be the best mid laner in NA; there is no doubt about that.
In international tournaments, GrabbZ only gives the American team a chance if the meta favors them. Otherwise, it seems that other regions will dominate in 2021 as they have in recent years.
