Natus Vincere’s run in
VCT EMEA Stage 1 came to an end last week
despite a victory over Karmine Corp. With a final record of two wins and three losses, the team had already been eliminated from playoff contention following a turbulent split, during which NAVI were unable to field their Saudi recruit, Abdullah “
ExiT” Al-Twaijri, due to visa issues.
Despite the chaotic nature of the split, former player and now head coach Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov remains relatively optimistic about what lies ahead. Speaking with Sheep Esports, he reflected on the key positives to take away from Stage 1.
What’s your first feeling after this win against KC?
Kyrylo "ANGE1" Karasov: “Satisfaction, because a lot of things that we prepared worked, but at the same time, there were a lot of not clean rounds happening, and we won too many rounds because of individual performance, not because we were good as a team, so mixed.
Your team was already eliminated before the match. Do you feel like your players played with more freedom or knowing they were eliminated?
ANGE1: Both teams were eliminated; it was equal freedom for both teams. To be honest, I think the mood was a bit easier. We weren't angry after losing rounds and stuff, so probably a bit, yeah.
How would you describe Stage 1 of your team in a few words, given the circumstances you played with the roster changes and the results?
ANGE1: In a few words, it was a mess. We didn't have the opportunity to actually build the proper structure, so we were inconsistent, but despite all the problems and troubles, I think I'm happy with a lot of stuff. We learned a lot. Usually people say they learned a lot, and actually that doesn't mean it, but we actually learned a lot. I think we found a lot of comfortable picks, a lot of ways to play certain maps. So despite us being eliminated, I'm looking very optimistic in the future.
If you could tell three positive points that you learned from stage one that will help you for the EWC Qualifier or for Stage 2, what would they be?
ANGE1: We found comfortable agents for all the players, also for ExiT, because we played with him for a while, and some of our picks were adapted for ExiT to be comfortable. The second positive thing is that the player's individual shape is very good. We are winning approximately 2-3 rounds per game just because of individual performance, and it's good; it has to be this way. And third is our mentality. Despite us being eliminated, our emotions are not taking over, we're not tilted, we played well, great, we've been good teammates to each other. These are three good things.
As you said, you were inconsistent because you weren't able to build a strong structure, and ExiT wasn't there. But if you had to name the main problem in the games you play at this stage, what would it be?
ANGE1: The main problem that we were solving was finding the proper way of playing the game for the team. Because we have Caide (Caide "chloric" Heaton), he's an American IGL, we didn't work with him much before, so we were looking for the proper way for the team to play, and as I told you before, I think we found it, or at least we're close to it. I'll put it this way.
Regarding ExiT, he still hadn't been able to play with you during this split. First, how is this situation going right now? And do you think you'll be able to play during Stage 2 or during the EWC qualifier?
ANGE1: We are 100 % sure that we will play with ExiT for the EWC qualifier. It just depends on whether he will come to Berlin or if he will go to some other country where he doesn't need a visa, and he will play from there with us. So we will play ExiT for EWC no matter what. And then, I hope this break for one and a half or two months will be enough for the German embassy in Saudi Arabia to finally give him his visa.
Did you expect it to be that hard when you picked him up in the offseason to actually make him come to Berlin for the Stage 1?
ANGE1: No. I'll be honest, we didn't expect that Trump would start a war in the Middle East, and embassies will be closed. Because, as I understand, this is the main reason why the embassy was closed for two weeks, and then there were a lot of people who applied, so there is a lot of land. So unfortunately, it was out of our control, and there was nothing we could do.
Did you feel like you had a solid backup ready if a problem like this was happening?
ANGE1: We always had a plan B and plan C. We even played with Kolosha (Herman Skrypka) in the EMEA Clash before this stage. So we had a plan B in case something would go wrong. And I think it's the most solid option you can get right now on the market. The guy without a contract, the guy who you can get immediately for a few games.
ANGE1: Yes, as short as this. I knew he was a very good player. I knew the things which we needed to overcome for us to play. So yeah, everything was expected.
His former teams were saying that he was a really talented player, but his main issues were communication problems. Do you share the same feeling from what you’ve seen from him?
ANGE1: Yeah, he's an insanely talented player, he's talented like top 5 in EMEA for sure. But yes, if he would learn English on a better level, it would be easier to work together.
On a personal side, it’s still your first year as a head coach, what did you learn so far from this experience with all the circumstances being not the best, with a lot of roster changes and the result being difficult?
ANGE1: I'm in the constant process of learning. I think the first year when you're coaching is more an adaptation period when you learn how to deal with the players, how to make sure they're playing the way you would like them to be played. At the same time, you learn how to make sure they're playing the most comfortable way for them, that the IGL is calling the way he would like to call, that the players are in the same position and roles. So basically this whole year for me has been a constant learning that's 100%. I know it and I'm doing it.”
