Natus Vincere's head coach Andrey "B1ad3" Gorodenskiy has opened up about the organization's off-season strategy, revealing that roster changes were seriously considered but ultimately didn't materialize.
Speaking with HLTV in Paris, B1ad3 explained that NAVI explored multiple possibilities to strengthen their lineup after their elimination from the IEM Cologne Major. "We tried some negotiations, but it didn't go well. We were close to making some changes, but eventually we understood it couldn't happen," the coach admitted. He noted that competition from other organizations made it difficult to secure target players.
Despite the failed transfer attempts, B1ad3 emphasized that keeping the current roster made strategic sense. The team has been playing together for over a year, building valuable knowledge and chemistry. "Winning two tournaments last season was the result of this aspect, that we're playing for a long time as a team already," he stated.
The coach also defended NAVI's decision to skip BLAST Bounty and take nearly two months off from official matches. After lengthy discussions with management, B1ad3 convinced them that proper preparation time was essential. The team used this extended break for intensive practice in Barcelona, working systematically through their map pool.
B1ad3 sees the map pool changes as beneficial for NAVI. With Overpass removed and Cache added, the team believes they can surprise opponents. "We benefit from this completely," he said, noting that their experience as a stable unit gives them an advantage when adapting to new maps.
Looking ahead, B1ad3 maintains realistic expectations. The team aims to compete at the highest level and secure trophies, understanding that results will ultimately determine their future direction.
