karrigan: “I have to constantly adapt to the team, and they have to adapt to me.”

You always have to find a balance in terms of how much emphasis you want to put on counter-strategies. I think Team Vitality is very good at what they do. And even though we had the upper hand, they were ultimately able to get back into the game on Dust2. So, of course, there was some preparation. We had a few days, and we prepared well for the maps that might be played and for the entire best-of-three series as a whole. So yes, I think it was a very enjoyable match.

I got back to the hotel very late. Of course, I did a little prep before going to sleep. I usually like to prepare the day before, but this morning I had to put in some extra work on my prep. At the same time, it was important not to overdo it with prep and just keep our momentum going. Energy levels are also very important when you get this far in a Major. So yes, I hope we’ve just found a good balance. 

That’s a question best asked of the players. I think I communicate very actively with the team, but at the same time I give them freedom. Every day when I wake up, it’s a constant struggle to find that balance. I need to stay in control of the situation, but at the same time, I need to give the players control. When the game is going well, many players want to take the initiative, and that’s when they’re given a lot of freedom. But it’s precisely in those moments that the game can get complicated if we stop working together and start playing off each other. That’s why every time we start a match, right from the first round, I assess the team’s condition. That’s exactly why I say I need to get to know this roster. I need to understand its weaknesses and its strengths. And with every game we play, I learn more about myself and how I need to lead this team. Because I can’t just be myself. I need to constantly adapt to the team, and they need to adapt to me. And so far, everything’s going well at this tournament.

I don’t think about it too much. We knew the final at the Astana tournament would be tough. Team Spirit was playing absolutely great back then. We had a very close match against them on Dust2. The first map of that final was a very interesting game. So now, I think we’re better prepared. We’re the kind of team that learns from every game we play, every victory, and every defeat. We’ll see if we’ve managed to learn anything. But after yesterday and considering how my performances at Majors usually go, this is all going to be very interesting. Either way, today we’ll see which way things go. But I think we’re in for a really good match. At least, I hope that’s the kind of match the viewers will see.