Look Sports Media – Following a remarkable four-game win streak that has propelled Los Ratones firmly into LEC Playoffs contention, AD Carry Juš "Crownie" Marušič has unequivocally declared his confidence in both his own abilities and his team’s potential. In an exclusive interview, Crownie reflected on his journey back to the premier European League of Legends circuit, the unique pressures of playing for Marc "Caedrel" Lamont’s squad, and the team’s gritty resilience.
Despite a recent setback against Natus Vincere (NAVI), Los Ratones showcased their formidable prowess with crucial victories over Movistar KOI and G2 Esports. Crownie, however, didn’t shy away from dissecting the loss to NAVI, attributing it to critical misplays and a flawed draft. "We had a few plays, but execution was key, and if you don’t execute, it’s over," Crownie explained, pointing to a pivotal misstep after the second Drake that allowed NAVI’s Ryze to dominate. He acknowledged NAVI’s systematic and well-prepared approach, noting their coordinated jungle invades and support roams, which made them incredibly difficult to counter, especially with Los Ratones’ "delicate" draft composition.
The team’s current success, Crownie believes, stems from discovering a cohesive playstyle. While admitting they "deviated" slightly against NAVI, he emphasized the importance of sticking to their strengths and maintaining team synergy. This newfound consistency wasn’t immediate; Week One was plagued by nerves, but strong scrim performances hinted at their underlying potential.
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Crownie also shed light on the intense work ethic driving Los Ratones, particularly after a disappointing end to the previous season. He described the team’s approach as a "limited-time-only" mentality, pushing everyone to operate at "200 miles an hour." This urgency, he suggested, differentiates them from teams with a full year to plan, fostering an environment where "everybody’s really grinding."
Individual efforts have been central to this resurgence. Crownie singled out top laner Baus, praising his exceptional dedication. "He’s been grinding the hardest in the team," Crownie stated, highlighting Baus’s commitment to solo queue and 1v1s off-stream, as he adapts his unique playstyle to the tank-heavy, team-oriented LEC top lane meta. Similarly, playing alongside veteran support Rekkles has been a positive experience. Crownie lauded Rekkles’s proficiency in ranged matchups and attributed their generally strong laning phase to their combined experience.
For Crownie personally, this return to the LEC stage is a profound vindication. After years away from the league, he openly questioned his own capabilities. "I wondered all these years, when I wasn’t playing in the LEC, if I was good enough. I think I am good enough," he declared, a statement echoing his initial confidence. Beating former teammates and his old organization, Shifters, further sweetened his comeback.
Navigating the extreme highs and lows of social media, which Caedrel recently described as being at its worst, has been another challenge. Crownie admitted to facing unprecedented levels of criticism, alongside immense support. He stressed the importance of "limiting the outside noise" and maintaining "resolve," trusting in one’s instincts and the team’s core identity.
Looking ahead, Crownie views Los Ratones as a "middle of the pack" team, heavily reliant on draft execution and playing to their established style. With two crucial games remaining against Vitality and SK Gaming, the goal is clear: secure at least one more win to solidify their playoff spot. He acknowledged Vitality’s strong early game, a potential weakness for Los Ratones, and SK’s distinct playstyle as challenges they must prepare for.
Despite the immediate focus on qualifying, Crownie expressed excitement for the prospect of best-of-three series in the playoffs, hinting at "stuff prepared" for the deeper strategic layers of multi-game matchups. The team’s mood remains positive, having successfully brushed off previous setbacks, including an 0-3 week. Crownie’s unwavering belief and Los Ratones’ collective drive set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to their LEC split.
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