FNC Nightshare on the LEC: "We really want to win [...] It's this split or never"

Fnatic's Head Coach Tomáš "Nightshare" Kněžínek, playing in the LEC 2024 Summer Season

"[MSI] was a wake-up call for our players."

Fnatic is now comfortably sitting in the first position of the LEC 2024 Summer Season and looking towards the league's playoffs. Despite a loss against G2 Esports last week, the team remains undefeated against any other European League of Legends squads and will be aiming to continue this streak against Team Heretics and Team BDS next week. In an exclusive interview, Tomáš "Nightshare" Kněžínek chimes in to discuss his role as head coach, Fnatic's recent improvements, and the team's rebound after a challenging MSI.

Fnatic were handed their first loss at the hands of G2 Esports last Sunday. How are you feeling after this match?

Honestly, I feel okay. I feel indifferent. I was kind of expecting that we might play a bit worse than usual because of our practice this week. So, I guess the expectation just came true.

How do you feel about the team's recent improvement and its chances in the upcoming playoffs?

Well, it all depends, right? If the meta suits us and we keep up our practice level, and if we peak at the right time, I think we will have a huge impact on the playoffs.

During MSI in particular, Noah faced issues with stress. How has it been working with him since then to ensure he performs at his best in the LEC and competes well with other bot lanes?

I think Noah is a really good player, right? In the LEC, he will always be among the top three. It all depends on how he feels when facing opponents and if he puts too much stress on himself. Honestly, if we play G2 or someone he respects, or in international games, he gets more stressed, and it shows in his performance. But outside of that, I don't think he has any issues in the LEC.

With the rise of teams like SK Gaming this split and BDS aiming to win, what are your thoughts on the current state of the LEC? Do you still see G2 and Fnatic as the clear top two, or can SK and BDS contest you?

I think it's Fnatic, G2, and then BDS. Those are the top three teams. Outside of that, I think SK is trying to be among these names, but honestly, I think they're just a bit behind from my point of view. They play really well on stage, so if they continue to perform well, even in playoffs, they are definitely a team to watch. But outside of that, I think the rest of the competition is struggling right now.

Next week you'll face Team Heretics and BDS. How do you feel about these matchups? Do you expect BDS to be difficult or are you confident in your chances?

I think BDS will be a difficult opponent for sure. We will have to prepare specifically for them, both in drafts and strategies, because they like to swap and be very active on the macro side. If you're not expecting it and don't know what to do, it can catch you off guard. As for Heretics, they seem to struggle, but I think they are one of the better teams and should not be underestimated.

Nightshare during the LEC 2024 Spring Finals. Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games

Would you say that MSI served as a wake-up call for Fnatic? Has it played a part in your recent results?

I think it was a wake-up call mainly for the players because we've addressed our consistency issues many times, both in scrims and in official matches. Honestly, it was the final push for them to realize that this is a real issue. We have to make it our top priority to fix it, or it will keep happening. So, we've been mainly working on that this split.

You'll now be heading to the EWC, where you will face the same teams from MSI again. How are you preparing for this tournament? Will it impact your preparation for the LEC Summer Playoffs?

I mean, we see the regular split as preparation for this tournament because we basically travel right after the split ends. So, all that you see is essentially our preparation for the tournament. And I just hope we get to face Team Liquid.

Considering the tournament's format is a single-elimination bracket with best-of-three matches, are you still going into it with the mindset of winning the cup? Or are you treating it more as an afterthought with your focus on the LEC Season Finals and Worlds?

I think we are going in with the mindset that, outside of Gen.G, we can beat anyone. We believe Gen.G is at the top right now, and we need more time or practice to reach that level. But yeah, we are excited to meet anyone. Playing against the best players and the best team in the world is really insane, and you learn so much from those games.

Since joining Fnatic in March 2023, you've seen G2 dominate the league. How badly do you want to win the LEC, and do you think this summer will be Fnatic's split?

I mean, we really want to win, right? But you also need to deserve it. To be honest, G2, with their history and achievements, is simply a better team. It's pretty hard because the people at G2 are doing their jobs very well. I still believe we had a bit worse practice, and you could see it in both individual and team performances—we were lacking a bit this week. But outside of that, I think it's this split or never.

Nightshare at the Mid-Season Invitational. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

You've had an interesting career, starting in the ERLs, moving to the LCS with Immortals, and now coaching one of the best teams in the LEC. How do you see your growth as a coach and in your career, especially now at this high level, possibly heading to Worlds? Does it feel surreal to you?

Not really, it's just a job as always. Every day, from morning to night, you're working hard and not paying attention to anything else. Regarding my growth, I think if anyone looks back even one month, six months, or a year and doesn't feel they were completely boosted a year ago, they're doing something wrong. So, I think I'm growing at a good pace. Sometimes I feel like I'm focusing on certain topics the team needs and then I'm lacking in other areas I used to be good at. It's up and down, but hopefully, overall, it's just up.

Do you stay in touch with your brother Freeze? As he previously was a pro in the LCS, it feels like the two of you have swapped places in a way. Do you still communicate often now that he isn't really involved in League of Legends anymore?

Yeah, we talk almost every day. Honestly, he tries to reach out, but I'm usually busy and don't respond well. He's right about that. But we try to stay in touch as much as possible, although I have to admit it's a bit harder now.

Header Photo Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games