Kakafu hopes Monte can keep roster after narrow Cologne exit

Monte coach Alexander “kakafu” Szymanczyk expressed a wish to keep the current roster after the team’s 1–3 elimination from the IEM Cologne Major in Germany, where Monte lost close matches to Falcons and The MongolZ.

The team left the Major after two narrow defeats. On Dust2 they led 11–10 in the decider but failed to close the map. On Inferno their Terrorist side did not secure enough rounds. Monte advanced to Stage 2 of Cologne before being eliminated.

Kakafu contrasted the Cologne performance with Monte’s first top-level event at PGL Astana, where the squad was heavily beaten by higher-ranked teams. He described the Cologne run as confirmation that the team can compete both tactically and skill-wise.

“Obviously, sad in the beginning, but very proud of what we showed here,” kakafu reflected. He added that the run demonstrated the value of structure and belief within the squad.

The coach highlighted several individual performances. He praised AZUWU for answering questions about his form, credited in-game leader Gizmy for creative mid-round calls and command of T sides, and described afro as a second voice who helps with mid-round adjustments and communication.

Kakafu outlined the team’s emphasis on communication and predefined structures for common scenarios, such as XvX situations and rounds with a numerical advantage, and credited those systems with helping Monte compete at a higher level.

On the roster outlook, kakafu warned that strong individual showings can draw interest from larger organisations: “At any given moment, somebody can get bought out or leave, find another opportunity.” He said he values the present group and hopes it will stay together into the next season, but acknowledged uncertainty ahead of the off-season.

He described the players as young and enjoyable to work with and compared the group to a “boy band” on trips. If the lineup remains intact, the coach said the main objective is consistency: moving from occasional strong results to regularly making playoffs. “I always set my sights on being a team that can always make playoffs,” he stated.

Kakafu said continued practice, adherence to coaching plans and the players’ willingness to learn will determine how far Monte can progress.