Blacklist International, the defending back-to-back MPL Philippines champion and reigning M3 World Champion, just dropped its second consecutive game to start the season.
But for head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza, there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. After all, they already expected the team to struggle especially now that they’re still at the adjustment stage.
“Ayun nga, makakaranas at makakaranas tayo ng pagkatalo which is nasabi ko na dati sa isa sa mga vlog ni Boss Tryke [Guttierez],” said BON CHAN after Blacklist International’s 0-2 loss to TNC on Saturday night. “Nasabi ko don before mag start yung MPL pa lang na asahan niyo na first two weeks mag sa-struggle talaga tayo.
“Ito na nga, nangyayari na nga, worst na siguro yung two weeks. Sana ‘wag nang umabot pa ng two weeks pero yun nga yung expected ko dahil na sa period pa kami ng adjustment and pati ako,” he added.
The Tier One-backed squad opened its campaign with a 1-2 loss to rival ONIC PH before the sweep from TNC. Clearly, the team is still reeling from the loss of skipper Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and jungler Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, who both opted to skip the season to rest.
But BON CHAN and the rest of his coaching staff are still confident that the young guns can bounce back from the tough opening week.
“May mga tao naman na ano, nandiyan para [suportahan sila] nandiyan si MTB, si Boss Rada, para sabihin kung ano yung lack namin so ayun, bigyan niyo lang kami ng chance,” said analyst and sixth man Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba.
“Ayun sa ngayon instead na mag focus tayo sa pagkapanalo, mas maganda mag focus kami sa pag improve muna ng buong team,” added assistant coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani. “So, mas focus kami don, yung win-loss expected naman na so mas nagfofocus kami more on improvements talaga.
“‘Pag dumating siguro sa time na okay na, saka sila makaka-expect ng mga panalo.”
Blacklist International looks to chalk up its first win against Nexplay EVOS on Friday at 8:00 PM.
