AthleteNews & Updates

Cracks in the Armor: What’s Holding Back Team Liquid PH?

It’s hard to ignore the fact that Team Liquid PH (formerly ECHO), the reigning champions of MPL PH, finished a lackluster fifth place in the regular season of MPL Philippines Season 14. A team that dominated last season and boasted multiple podium finishes, two MPL titles, and a world championship title, now faces questions about their performance. What went wrong, and how did the defending champions find themselves struggling in the regular season?

In an interview with ALL-STAR, Team Liquid PH opened up about the lessons they’ve learned, the hurdles they’ve faced, and why their form this season has been far from the dominant force the league has come to expect.

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Lack of Consistency and Discipline

BennyQt was straightforward about one of the key reasons behind the team’s struggles: inconsistency and a lack of discipline. “Siguro consistency at disiplina, kasi medyo doon kami nagkukulang,” he admitted. “Minsan may mga times na sobrang ganda, tapos ayun, nagkakaroon kami ng konting mali lang naman. Pero napa-punish kami.”

Benedict Gonzales, aka BennyQt, during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.
Benedict Gonzales, aka BennyQt, during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.

Team Liquid’s high points this season have been brilliant, but their inability to sustain this form across all matches allowed their opponents to capitalize on even the smallest errors. BennyQt pointed to their recent defeat to BREN as an example where small mistakes snowballed into a costly loss.

Meta Struggles and Adaptation Delays

One of the most surprising revelations from the team was their difficulty in adapting to the meta—something unusual for a team of Liquid’s caliber, considering they have three experienced coaches and a roster packed with veteran talent.

Coach Tictac acknowledged this as a significant challenge. “Isa pa ay yung sa adaptation sa meta, may times na nade-delay kami. Ang kalaban lang namin is sarili lang din namin,” he explained, highlighting how internal doubts and hesitation led to slow responses to the evolving gameplay strategies.

This echoed KarlTzy’s sentiment, who felt that while the team had historically been ahead of the meta, this season, they found themselves following instead of leading. “Hindi naman sobrang hindi namin makuha yung meta,” BennyQt added, “Pero nangangapa pa rin kasi hindi katulad ng dating meta na sobrang bilis namin nakuha.”

Team huddle during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.
Team huddle during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.

Fatigue and Mental Pressure

Another major factor discussed by the team was burnout. With a grueling season, pressure mounts not just physically but mentally. Coach Tictac mentioned that fatigue played a role in their sluggish performance. “Siguro isang factor yung pagod,” he admitted. The emotional toll of competing at a high level season after season can sap even the best teams of their sharpness.

Jaypee also weighed in on the challenges faced in preparation for the playoffs. “Feeling ko ngayong regular season, nagkulang kami,” he confessed, indicating that the team may not have been as fully prepared as they should have been.

Stronger Competition Across the Board

Adding to their struggles, the league itself has evolved. Jaypee pointed out that every team has improved, closing the gap that once separated champions from challengers. “Marami din talagang nag-improve na teams ngayon, saka lahat na rin ng teams na nakakasabay na rin talaga,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by his teammates, with BennyQt noting how other teams have now set the pace, forcing Team Liquid PH to play catch-up.

Jaypee Dela Cruz during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.
Jaypee Dela Cruz during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.

Eyeing the Playoffs: A Need for Reinvention

Despite the turbulent regular season, all hope is not lost for Team Liquid PH. Their pedigree and championship mindset make them a team that can never be counted out, especially as they prepare for the playoffs. The team knows they need to clean up their drafts, tighten their early-game executions, and regain the mental fortitude that made them champions.

KarlTzy, reflecting on their performance against BREN, pointed out the need for a surprise factor. “Need namin ng surprise sa BREN kapag second pick kami kasi palagi kami outdrafted.” Drafts, shot-calling, and early-game execution will be key areas for improvement as they head into the playoffs with renewed focus.

Karl Nepomuceno, aka KarlTzy during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.
Karl Nepomuceno, aka KarlTzy during the match between Team Liquid and Fnatic Onic Philippines on October 6, 2024.