IEM Cologne Stage 3: Players on momentum, tactics and pressure

Four teams arriving in Cologne for Stage 3 of IEM Cologne spoke about recent form, tactical planning and how they handle pressure ahead of group play and knockout rounds. Players and coaches explained changes in leadership, roster impact and communication in practice and matches.

Maksim Lukin, known as kyousuke, described a change in his preparation after Finn Andersen, known as karrigan, took on in-game leadership duties. He attributed clearer tactical roles and steadier practice routines to the partnership, adding that it has helped his motivation and stage performance. “People are saying I have more motivation when I’m playing with karrigan, I think maybe it’s true,” kyousuke said.

Dan Madesclaire, apEX, spoke about personal life ahead of the Major and how the tournament fits into discussions about the Team Vitality place in the sport. He linked a strong Major result to the wider debate over Vitality’s standing in Counter-Strike history and noted the approach to matches has to account for new family responsibilities.

This Major is super important to end the [GOAT] debate for a lot of people,

apEX commented.

Aleksi Virolainen, Aleksib, pointed to recent performances by Drin Shaqiri (makazze) and Ihor Zhdanov (w0nderful) as factors in Natus Vincere winning previously lost rounds. He credited sharper individual decisions and growing confidence from those players for helping the team close tight games. “Now we have the individuals who are bailing us out in crucial moments,” Aleksib remarked.

Coach Dastan Akbayev, known as dastan, described a change in how he gives feedback after working with younger players. He said blunt criticism had not worked with the current roster, so he adjusted his language and timing to communicate more effectively with less experienced teammates.

My players are very young, and maybe when I talk with them like I talk with grown people, it will not work. I changed this.

Team representatives reported that recent roster shifts, leadership roles and coaching adjustments are shaping both practice focus and match preparation for Stage 3. The comments came as squads completed final preparations in Cologne ahead of their opening matches.