PARIVISION coach eases pressure ahead of IEM Cologne

PARIVISION coach Dastan announced changes to his approach at the Stage 3 media day, saying he will ease public pressure on a young roster ahead of the IEM Cologne Major. The team arrives after group-stage exits at two recent events and a string of disappointing results.

He described the squad as inexperienced and said recent public criticism may have added pressure. “Maybe I need to put less pressure. My players are very young, and maybe when I talk with them like I talk with grown people, it will not work,” he said, and added he will be more measured in on-camera comments while maintaining internal expectations.

The staff paused briefly after the China event and completed a bootcamp in Belgrade. Dastan rated the preparation “9/10” and called the Major an opportunity to halt the slump. He warned that PARIVISION must remain inside the top-12 invite zone for tier-one events and indicated that any roster moves he previously referenced would be considered only after the Major if form does not improve.

On performance targets, Dastan set a baseline: the team should reach playoffs. He emphasized the need for steadier results and clearer team play to secure a regular tier-one invite position.

Dastan outlined specific areas for development. He noted the roster lacks a high-rating superstar and that most players sit around a 1.00 rating. He identified xiELO as a player who must increase individual output and named nota as a player from whom he expects more initiative and round control. He described zweih as occupying a lurker and anchor role and said he will not push him hard during his first year with the team.

Tactical challenges include map familiarity and the demands of the team’s system. Dastan explained that many players came up on Ancient and find older maps such as Inferno and Overpass harder to handle. He also pointed to the effect of rapid financial improvement on player motivation, saying some players may feel secure now and need reminders to stay hungry.

On leadership, Dastan said captain Jame shares coaching responsibilities and that field players must contribute ideas and timing in rounds. He wants more initiative from the roster rather than relying solely on the captain for structure.

Against elite opponents, Dastan plans to temporarily relax strict in-game reactions to encourage risk-taking. “Even if you’re making mistakes, I will not say anything bad to you, you can take risks,” he said, identifying teams such as Vitality, Spirit, NAVI and Falcons as the super-elite sides PARIVISION may need to gamble against to win.

PARIVISION opens its Major campaign against 9z, a rematch of their Astana meeting. Dastan said he wants a strong start, noting the Swiss format allows comebacks but that an early win improves the path to playoffs.

He reiterated the long-term goal of maintaining a regular top-12 invite spot and described the immediate focus as keeping discipline, improving map knowledge and developing clearer tactical roles. While public comments will be tempered, internal standards and the requirement for improved results will remain in place.