Longzhu coach Kang “Hirai” Dong-hoon said spirits were good among his team after the League Champions Korea summer split opener — and recent reports that might suggest otherwise.
Longzhu defeated KT Rolster 2-0 Tuesday to kick off the LCK summer split. In an interview with OSEN’s Ko Yong-jun, Hirai said everything was going fine with the team, and the players have much more left to show their fans.
“(Jarvan IV) was a pick we prepared,” he said. “I think we’ll be able to show a wide variety of champions this split. The atmosphere, practice, and team life are all very good. I hope the fans support and keep an interest in the players so that this momentum can continue.”
Longzhu was recently embroiled with controversy and criticism after a report last week that former players claimed to be owed money from the organization. Inven’s report also claimed contracts for the team were not finalized until after the spring split started. The news was confirmed by Hirai as well, who said he felt the responsibility to take care of the issues personally, and candidly admitted to the accusations.
With Longzhu going through another rebuild this split in the top lane with Kim “Khan” Dong-ha, Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan in the jungle, and Kwak “BDD” Bo-seong in the mid lane, fans were concerned if the recent news would have a negative impact on the players’ performances. Through one match, everything seemed just fine.
Longzhu’s victory was perceived as an upset, as KT finished second in the spring split while Longzhu finished seventh. KT also brought back its entire starting roster from the spring split, which was dubbed a “super team” in the preseason, while Longzhu continues to work through its new players.