After a very good first week and a slightly more disappointing second week, Gentle Mates secured a victory against Aegis during the LFL Days in Nice. Aslan "White" Panglose, M8's jungler, is very satisfied with his performance and reflects on his journey while sharing his goals.
Impressive match against Aegis, you must be happy after a performance like that?
"Yeah, I'm pretty happy. We had a good draft, so honestly, we were confident during and before the game."
Last week was a bit more complicated, you went 0-2 after starting 3-1. What do you think happened?
"I think we didn't play the matches very well, and we weren't on our best drafts. We weren't on the picks that we had really practiced in scrims. We tried some things in the official matches, and unfortunately, it didn't work out. At least, we're learning, so it's okay. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
You played in Nice at the LFL Days, in a completely different atmosphere. How did you prepare? Did you train differently?
"No, we trained as usual. We didn't change anything about our scrims. Everyone was really happy to be able to play in front of the fans because we had heard that they would come in large numbers. We didn't know how many there would be, and when we arrived, we saw that there were a lot of them. Everyone was excited."
You were in the spotlight, how did it go on stage?
"It was cool, there was a lot of noise, but it was the noise of our fans, so it was super nice and I think it boosted us in the game."
This year, you continue to work with coach Hansen, with whom you have already worked at LDLC OL. How is it to train with him? Are you happy to continue with him?
"Yes, I'm happy because last year, we won the Spring Split and the Summer Split, everyone knows what happened, so I felt like we hadn't finished what we started. I really wanted to do another year with him. He's a coach who is very structured, a bit like a teacher. When we're in scrims, it's a bit like being in class, so it's really easy to work with him."
You had a somewhat eventful off season. According to rumors, you were supposed to go to Barcelona but in the end, you ended up with Gentle Mates. How do you feel with the team, are you happy to continue in the LFL?
"Yes, I'm super happy, I didn't expect it. Basically, I had told myself that if I went to Barça Esport, I found the team wonderful, and so I would still like it there. Finally, I joined M8 and there was my former coach, Hansen, and I was confident in the project. I didn't hesitate for a second."
From TPAA to LDLC OL and now Gentle Mates, you have had a very impressive career for a fairly young player. What are your ambitions?
"I want to win everything and play against the best teams in the world, so Korea, China... I want to win everything, and I know it's still early to say that, but I don't think it's fast, I think it's following the logic of what was supposed to happen. I hope in the future to go to the LEC and play against the best teams. That's what I want."
How do you feel about your level? Are there things you still need to improve?
"Yes, for sure, I can always do better, but I think I'm not far from reaching the LEC level. After that, I'll really have to continue to improve to be able to play against the strongest."
How do you feel about M8's level, not only in the LFL but compared to teams from other ERLs?
"I think we're really a top ERL team. In official matches, sometimes we don't show our best level, it can be because of several factors like stress or pressure, but in scrims, we play really well against very good teams. I think we're a top ERL team, and I think that over time, in official matches, we'll really be able to show our true level."
You played for Karmine Corp during the Coupe de France, you're going to play against them tomorrow. Are you ready to face the Blue Wall?
"It's a very big match, I'm ready, and I think it's going to be fascinating. These are two big teams that are going to face each other. The match is going to be intense and there will be a great atmosphere in the room, I can't wait. After Lyncas, I think he's really strong, but for me, anyway, I can play against anyone, and I'll always feel ready."
You're playing on patch 14.2, there have been a lot of changes. How do you feel about that? Are there picks like Brand jungle that you feel like bringing out?
"I think, in terms of jungle meta, it doesn't change much. And for all the picks, I pick what my coaches tell me to pick so that we can win the game, so if I have to pick Brand Jungle, I'll do it. After, in the team, we have Bao who is a hyper carry, so I think it's more natural if my role with my Rell is tank support, and I don't mind at all."
A word for M8 fans?
"Thank you very much for all your support. Honestly, it's really nice. Today, we saw that there are really a lot of you, it makes us really happy, and we continue to train hard to be even better for the next matches."
