Aleksib: NAVI focused on playoffs, not Major celebrations

NAVI captain Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen said the team did not celebrate improving its position in the Major qualification race after beating FURIA at PGL Masters Bucharest. The players expected to qualify for the Major and were focused on reaching the Bucharest playoffs.

NAVI opened the tournament with 2-0 wins over G2 and FURIA. The victory over FURIA came after the Brazilian team won the event in Malta.

“We were just happy beating FURIA. It was not like celebrating anything that revolves around the Major,” Aleksib said. “Every one of us also expects to play the Major at least.”

NAVI’s first attempt to qualify for the playoffs ended with a 2-0 loss to BETBOOM. The defeat came after the team’s two opening wins.

NAVI now needs a third win to reach the playoffs. “We just need to focus on getting into the playoffs,” Aleksib said. “We need to get the third win and get into the playoffs, and go from there.”

The captain attributed NAVI’s improved performance in Bucharest to team discussions and greater attention to details in its playbook. He added that the players had followed their prepared plans well during the tournament.

Aleksib urged the team to avoid frustration after the loss and prepare for its next match. “We just need to do our best not to lose to ourselves and not to be frustrated and just keep our heads up high and play the best CS we can ever play,” he said.

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