Aleksib on fatigue: “Our mood helps overcome this mental barrier”

After NAVI’s first victory in 2024 at the PGL Major Copenhagen, many called their victory a fluke. However, the Aleksib-led team belied those rumours, winning three titles and the top spot in the world rankings after a string of successful performances.

Yes, I am satisfied with everything. We didn’t have a lot of time after the EPL to celebrate the win or analyze our games. We had a very early match here but had a good discussion last night. The team’s overall confidence and approach to the game allowed us to win 2-0. On Ancient we had a lot of times where we could have won that would have broken their economy. We lost round after round but knew that once the game shifted to our CT conditions we could come back and it worked.

Is the team feeling tired after the EPL?

Of course, because during the EPL playoffs, we played in the last days, starting the matches around seven in the evening, and the final started at five. Our schedule has been a little unusual and today we woke up after eight in the morning and I feel that some players are a little tired, myself included. But at the same time, our current mood helps to overcome this mental barrier, which is a good sign.

Your team has survived many challenges in the EPL. Do you expect that positive attitude to help here as well?

I think it will help us, as it did in this game. We have to take it one game at a time and the first step is to make the playoffs. After that we will be able to review some of our EPL games and this match to better prepare for the matches on stage.

What are your expectations for this tournament?

We all understand that if we play to the best of our abilities, the reward is a trophy. It is important for us to remain humble and work hard, not forgetting that without the right attitude you will not achieve anything.

As for the rivalry with Vitality for the top spot in HLTV?