NertZ: G2’s season is ‘a tragedy’ regardless of results

G2 are set to open BLAST Rivals against MOUZ after finishing last at their previous two events and losing six matches in a row. MOUZ recently reached No. 1 in the world rankings after winning an event without dropping a map.

NertZ told an interviewer that G2 would not be satisfied with its season even if it reached the playoffs or won its final two tournaments, including the Major.

“For me, no matter what will happen, what kind of achievement we will get, playoffs, whatever, it will not change anything,” NertZ said. “Nobody is satisfied.”

He described G2’s recent struggles as the result of several issues rather than one clear problem. The Israeli rifler identified declining confidence as the main concern, with each defeat adding to the pressure around the team.

“When we are losing, it’s like a snowball,” he said. “Even though the atmosphere is a little bit tense, as a professional player, you need to handle it no matter what.”

NertZ reported that recent team discussions had improved the mood. G2’s short-term plan is to focus on positive moments, enjoy the matches and return to simpler decisions.

“I don’t think it’s about any star or any style or whatever,” he said. “Just making it simple. Try not to play perfect in every situation, and that’s it.”

He compared G2 with MOUZ, where he believes simple decisions and coordinated play have helped the team reach the top of the rankings. NertZ highlighted MOUZ player Dorian “xertioN” Berman and called his recent performances outstanding.

G2 need to stay coordinated when pressure affects their communication and timing, according to NertZ. He rejected the idea that the team must build its system around one star player or a specific style.

MOUZ will also face pressure to remain No. 1, NertZ added. G2 must play with confidence despite its recent results, while the match’s outcome will depend partly on the players’ mental state.

“Right now, they are feeling the pressure to keep being number one,” NertZ said. “We need to show that we have the confidence, and I feel like things will change during the game.”

G2 will remain in Hong Kong for BLAST Rivals before returning home for a few days. The team will then prepare for its next event and the Major. NertZ expects small changes to set rounds and other parts of G2’s game.

He also described Counter-Strike 2 as a mental game in which confidence can affect individual duels.

“If you have this feeling that you’re going to win the duel, you will win the duel most of the time,” he said.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 10.