TaZ: NiKo feels very candid; he craves victory
Wiktor Wojtas | TaZ gave an interview to a foreign media outlet regarding his joining as a coach in G2. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: You've joined the prestigious G2. What are your thoughts on this new journey in your career?
A: Firstly, I'm excited about the challenge. I've always enjoyed challenges as they make me better. I'm happy to be with these people; I arrived at the end of boot camp, but everyone has been amazing, making me feel at home. It's a good start, isn't it? Feeling welcomed and being on the same page in day-to-day matters gives you enough room to improve.
Q: Some consider this a big gamble for G2. What's your perspective?
A: I don't see it as a gamble. From G2's perspective, it might be high-risk, high-reward. If they needed a coach who could teach Nikola Kovač | NiKo and Ilya Osipov | m0NESY how to play, then I wouldn't fit in. My responsibility is to improve G2's fundamentals; the rest is up to the players themselves because they're all excellent. I like working with people who are smarter than me, as I can learn from them. That's my main advantage in making the team better. While I understand some external views, I don't concern myself with them. I like G2, and I'm glad G2 believes in me.
Q: Coaching m0NESY, who was not even born when you were playing CS, how does it feel?
A: It's fantastic to have a player like him on the team. His in-game experience surpasses his appearance. Seeing him so open and cool makes me happy.
Q: Tell us about the communication with G2's management? What are their goals? What are your responsibilities? Do you have authority over roster changes?
A: As a coach, my first task is to understand the team's needs. Time is short right now, and I need to get to know everyone. I'm not here to shake things up; I'm here to make the team better. I'll do my best at that, and my mindset is very open.
As a player, I had high demands for myself and others because I believe in leading by example. It all comes down to trust. If they trust my judgment, that's perfect.
Q: Have you identified any issues the team needs to address?
A: I've identified a few and shared them with the players. But I can't go into detail; I can't make changes before BLAST and disrupt the team's preparations. Maybe G2 won't change, maybe there will be small changes, or perhaps significant adjustments. But that requires thorough communication with the players.
Q: How do you view Rasmus Nielsen | HooXi's leadership?
A: During boot camp, I think HooXi performed excellently. He should believe in himself, but in fact, it's easy for any player to become the scapegoat, especially in leadership roles. There are different types of leadership—some need space, some create space for the team. I believe HooXi has his own understanding of CS, and he's intelligent with a vast gaming knowledge.
Q: How's the team's atmosphere when you met the players?
A: The atmosphere is great; everyone is outgoing. I like to fist bump, have a good laugh, crack jokes, and then talk about serious matters. I also appreciate working with sincere people; you can figure out their preferences. Perhaps it's too early to see anything substantial in just a few days, but my first impression is good, and I'm looking forward to the coming year.
Q: How's your handover with Swani going?
A: I want to learn as much as possible from Swani to understand G2. I didn't interfere with this competition; if they ask for my opinion, I'll give it, but I won't actively disrupt the team's preparations.
Q: Before accepting the G2 offer, did you speak with NEO or kuben?
A: No, when I retired, I didn't consider coaching. If I had to, it would have been for G2. But I didn't expect an offer from G2, especially after their Katowice and Cologne victories.
Q: Some believe you'll be a motivator for the team rather than a tactical creator. Do you agree?
A: When playing, I'm indeed a loud person. I'm someone who never accepts defeat, but time will show my qualities beyond being loud.
Q: In G2's upcoming matchups against FaZe or ENCE, will you meet NEO and kuben?
A: No, because Swani is the current coach for G2. I'm excited about the upcoming matches because back when I started, NEO and I had fierce competition. Now, unexpectedly, we're opponents in the coaching seat.
Q: What's your impression of NiKo?
A: I haven't seen NiKo's alleged arrogance. I feel he's very candid, eager for victory, and determined. That's all that's needed for success. Work hard, believe in the team, believe in your talent, and leave the rest to me.
Q: Completely off-topic question, have you talked to siuhy? How do you see this player, his mindset, and his approach to the game?
A: Not yet. Before he joined Izako Boars, I had considered bringing him on board. But someone (his former teammate) said he was toxic, so it didn't go further. But later, every time I think of someone, I won't easily believe external opinions. I'm glad he proved those people wrong.
Q: Goals for 2024?
A: Win as many games as possible. Hopefully, by the end of next year, people will find G2's games exciting, thrilling, and consider it one of the top teams in the world.
