Odoamne talks LEC loss, roster swaps, language barriers

Following Excel Esports’ challenging start to the LEC Summer split with their opening defeat against KOI, we sat down with veteran top laner Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu to gain insights into team improvements, roster adjustments, and strategies to avoid repeating previous split performances.

WIN.gg: What are your immediate thoughts on the loss to KOI?

Odoamne: We demonstrated promising resilience in mounting a comeback during that match. The early game proved particularly challenging as we fell significantly behind, which requires thorough review to understand the specific breakdowns. Our execution didn’t align with our typical practice performance levels, suggesting we captured some positive elements while missing crucial coordination points.

Our early vision control systems showed clear deficiencies that contributed to the deficit. By the 10-minute mark, we faced a four-kill disadvantage with substantial gold disparity, creating limited recovery pathways. We identified one potential opening for resurgence, though comprehensive analysis requires objective game review.

At that point in the game when Excel were 4-kills down, is there a part of you that started to worry that it will be another split like Winter or Spring, or are you able to shut out any thoughts like that during the game?

Definitely not – there’s no internal voice suggesting a repeat of previous split struggles. Being the opening match of Summer, numerous developments remain possible over coming weeks. If results mirror earlier splits, we’ll adapt accordingly and assess progress after several weeks of competition.

How have you found the addition of Peach to the roster?

His development trajectory shows significant positive progression. His autonomous playstyle creates new strategic dimensions, shifting our team dynamics toward supporting his initiatives rather than traditional jungle-centric approaches from previous splits.

Initial English communication barriers presented challenges due to limited prior exposure. Compared to his initial integration period approximately six weeks ago, communication fluency has improved substantially. His integration appears successful with playstyle compatibility, though current circumstances remain demanding given our split history.

It’s been a while now since Hidon joined as head coach, and you’ve recently boot camped in London, do you feel he’s had the time to be able to stamp his authority on the team?

His leadership presence was established immediately upon joining. The Spring split provided limited development time for implementing his strategic vision. The extended break between splits combined with London bootcamp created optimal conditions for directional progress.

Despite today’s result, our gameplay demonstrates enhanced consistency levels. His influence has generated positive transformation since assuming coaching responsibilities.

What would you say has been the biggest thing he’s changed/implemented?

He introduced comprehensive structural frameworks for practice optimization. His systematic approach to improvement implementation creates clear daily development objectives, contrasting with previous unstructured scheduling and improvisational approaches.

Patch 13.11 has seen a lot of focus on Zeri/Yuumi, how have you found the meta on the other side of the map in top lane?

Current top lane dynamics position the role as the compositional binding element. With enchanter dominance in bot lane meta, teams require engagement and frontline capabilities that frequently fall to top lane due to jungle ban pressures. This explains the global trend toward tank selections in top lane – not due to champion weakness but accessibility for fulfilling team composition requirements.

The team’s approach to Summer split demonstrates significant evolution from previous campaigns. Key improvements include enhanced communication systems, structured practice methodologies, and adaptive playstyle integration. Understanding these class dynamics becomes crucial for competitive success.

Professional teams must balance immediate performance with long-term development. Excel’s focus on systematic improvement rather than reactive adjustments suggests sustainable growth potential despite challenging opening results.

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