Player Selection and Approach Philosophy
Silent noted that when creating Team Spirit , it was crucial to immediately abandon the region's typical model where key decisions are player-driven.
The idea was to change the team's working format. Previously, CIS teams were built around players' whims. Here, the management and coaching staff set the direction—like in major sports.
The coach added that during tryouts, attention was paid not only to individual skill but also to team interaction.
We simply observed how players communicated, how they shared information, their character—it was as important as skill.
Korb3n's Role in Team Formation
According to Silent, key decisions regarding player selection were made by the team manager Dmitry "Korb3n" Belov.
Overall, Korb3n selected all the players. He decided who would play and how the team would look.
Silent emphasized that the ability to assess player synergy and compatibility became a crucial part of the strategy.
I think he has a good understanding of players and how they can work together.
Yatoro — Character Over Reputation
The coach mentioned that the public reputation of Yatoro did not match his behavior within the team.
Ilyukha is the calmest and most composed person. He never showed dissatisfaction.
Silent specifically noted the carry's mental resilience and work ethic.
He is very mentally stable and probably the most hardworking player I've worked with.
Collapse — Consistency Without Mistakes
Speaking about Collapse , Silent highlighted his reliability early in his career.
I don't think I've ever seen him lose a lane.
According to the coach, a minimal number of mistakes became one of the player's key characteristics.
He's a machine that doesn't make mistakes.
Preparation for The International 2021
Silent recalled that confidence in the team emerged even before the main tournament of the season started.
Before TI, we played scrims with strong teams, and we had a win rate of about 75%.
The coach noted that even without the status of favorites, the team felt internally ready to compete with the best.
We had the feeling that we could do it.
Series Against Virtus.Pro
The match against Virtus.Pro was one of the key episodes on Team Spirit 's championship path.
We out-farmed them, they used smokes several times and couldn't find kills.
A successful fight became the turning point, after which the initiative completely shifted to Spirit.
After one fight, their advantage just crumbled.
Second Victory at The International — Different Status and Emotions
Silent noted that the second victory at The International felt different due to the team's changed status.
The second victory was not as emotionally bright. We were already favorites, and it was expected of us.
The coach emphasized that the team approached the tournament not as underdogs but as one of the main contenders for the title.
The first time we were underdogs, but the second time we were a team expected to perform well.
Attitude Towards Victories and Future Work
Despite historic achievements, there were no drastic changes within the team.
Everyone took it with a cool head.
Silent noted that victories were not a reason to stop developing.
It's great to win, but we need to keep working.
Airat "Silent" Gaziev's interview clearly shows that Team Spirit 's success was the result of a systematic approach, thoughtful management, and long-term development, rather than a one-time surge in form. This model allowed the team not only to win The International but also to establish itself among the leaders on the global stage.
