KSCERATO: FURIA’s schedule is fueling mental fatigue

FURIA’s packed tournament and travel schedule has left the team mentally fatigued, according to Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato. The Brazilian team improved its communication in a win over 9z at ESL Pro League and secured a place on the Spodek stage in Katowice, but continues to deal with exhaustion and limited practice time.

“It’s hard for us,” KSCERATO said. He explained that frustration becomes harder to manage when players are mentally tired. FURIA had complained less during the tournament, especially against 9z, but still lost focus between rounds.

“When you see frustration, you cannot handle it like you used to handle it,” KSCERATO said. “Because you’re so tired mentally that it’s like a snowball.” The team held a discussion before the match and performed better afterward.

FURIA has had little time to prepare between tournaments and trips. KSCERATO estimated that the roster had practiced about 10 maps during the previous month. The team has also worked on strategies during official matches because of the limited practice schedule.

Mental fatigue has affected FURIA’s decisions in rounds. The players discuss their choices frequently because tiredness can prevent them from selecting the best option, according to KSCERATO.

The roster will have some time to rest before the playoffs, although Thursday includes a media day. FURIA plans to reduce its practice load and monitor the players’ condition.

The win over 9z also gave KSCERATO his first chance to play on Katowice’s main stage at Spodek. FURIA is aiming to win the tournament, which is the only major trophy missing from Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s collection, according to his teammate.

FalleN plans to retire at the end of the season. KSCERATO is focused on helping the veteran end his career with a title. KSCERATO’s own contract expires during the summer break next year.

“We’re just living normal, just day by day,” KSCERATO said. “One day it will be over, unfortunately.”

FURIA is also adapting to young player Danil “molodoy” Golubenko’s aggressive style. KSCERATO supports that approach when it is coordinated with the rest of the roster.

“It’s okay for him to be more aggressive, but he has to set the team for this plan,” KSCERATO said. “If he’s doing it alone, it’s just hero, hero things.”

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