NiKo: Cologne defeat means expanding map pool with karrigan

Following a narrow loss at IEM Cologne Major Stage 3, NiKo said the result highlighted the need to broaden the team’s map pool and to clean up errors while working with new coach karrigan.

He said the roster had already identified a shortage in maps at events in Astana and Shanghai and will prioritise adding more reliable maps and refining current strategies. “Now mostly what we are focused on after Astana and Shanghai is polishing the game a little bit and making sure our map pool is a bit bigger, because we were very short with the maps at those two events.”

The player said the squad completed a bootcamp but still requires further practice before the Major. “Even though we had a bootcamp, we still feel we need much more work. I left with the feeling that we need a lot more work, but we’re taking it step by step.”

NiKo highlighted karrigan’s impact in improving the team across an event and said the coaching approach fits the team’s immediate goals. “It’s been great having Finn so far, and what he’s very good at is improving throughout the event. This is what we’re looking to do at the Major.”

He referenced his individual form in Budapest, noting strong personal performances that have not always led to wins. “I had a very good first map [against G2] in Budapest too. The game just started going my way, I played very well, took my chances. I felt good. Nothing to prove, just wanted to win. We lost the map anyway, that sucks a little bit, but I’m happy with how I played today.”

NiKo described the Cologne match as a learning opportunity and said the team will review errors with the aim of making play cleaner and more consistent at the upcoming Major. “I’m happy we had such a tight game here already, now we can take a lot from this. If we polish mistakes we did in this game, I would say it should have been more clean, but we’ll see.”