CS:GO
Back in Katowice, we got to chat with Vitality's Magisk shortly after their disappointing loss to Liquid. Vitality have been up and down in recent months, but Magisk seems to believe in the future of the roster:
Sebastian "Horizzon" Lalic, BLIX.GG: You guys have been looking better recently, is there more to come from this roster?
Emil "Magisk" Reif: "I think so, we're on the right path as a team. We are looking better, we are finding solutions on how to play better, both individually and as a unit. So, even though it's disappointing that we didn't get to play in the Semi-Finals (at IEM Katowice) we are improving and we are playing better as a team.
We just have to take it step by step. That we fix the small mistakes of losing eco rounds and finding that balance of momentum, when do we have it and when do we not have it. Sometimes taking a step back as individuals when the game is going so well. When we find the balance between this we will become really good. I have a lot of belief in the team that we can become really strong if we carry on the work, we have been doing the last month.
The last months have been good for us, we have been putting a lot of focus on the right things and finding out how to become better. We're having a lot of good talks as a team and making sure everyone is on the same page regarding how we want to play. Spinx is also improving a lot individually."
BLIX: About Spinx, apEX said he now understands he has to perform. Is that a team thing where you're trying to get the best out of him, maybe looking at roles?
Magisk: "I think at the beginning of the team he was a bit scared to take space. He sensed that coming into the team...we have a lot of players with history and a lot of players with trophies, and lots of experience. He was a bit scared to take the space in that sense because he had a lot of respect for us as a team. That's obviously a good thing, but we brought him in to be a superstar and that's also what he needs to be.
In the last few months, he's shown really good signs and really good individual performances. So, he definitely understands that he needs to take the space because that is his role and that's what he needs to do. Then he needs to find the balance between taking how much space and sometimes giving up a little bit of space. It's a balance and I think we're heading in the right direction."
BLIX: On the process, apEX is obviously the IGL, but you've done some calling in the past. Are you doing some of the work with him or is it just him in the lead?
Magisk: "When it comes to In-Game leading, it's mostly Dan (apEX) who has the power to make the calls, and obviously mid-round sometimes I can also help. But he's a caller who likes to have control, and that's both good and bad sometimes. But I'd say he has a really good understanding of the game and how to play it.
I also let him have a lot of space where I'm maybe used to on my old teams having a little more to say. On the other hand, it also makes me have to just focus a bit more on myself. I think it's fine because I still have a lot to say. If there's someone who likes to talk, it's definitely me. So, it's good to know you have a big voice on the team."
Feature Image: BLAST/@jakhowardphoto