Dorian "xertioN" Berman sat down for an interview at the BLAST Open Porto media day, sharing his thoughts on MOUZ's commanding group stage performance that secured their direct playoff spot at Super Bock Arena.
The German IGL expressed satisfaction with how newcomers Adrian "xelex" Vincze and Oldřich "PR" Nový are developing. "They still have some way to go to grasp the game like our core players do," xertioN explained. "However, they're putting in the effort every single day, and seeing them perform at this level makes me genuinely pleased."
Regarding his partnership with Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás, xertioN was full of praise, describing the Hungarian AWPer as "easily the best teammate I've ever played with." He attributed torzsi's return to form to improved team chemistry and personal happiness, noting that the sniper thrives when surrounded by players he connects with.
When asked about MOUZ's standing in the global rankings, xertioN didn't hold back. "Honestly, I find it quite absurd which teams people are putting at the top right now," he stated. "Some names being mentioned simply don't belong there in my view."
The caller emphasized his squad's credentials: winning in Malta, reaching quarterfinals at EWC, and now securing a semifinal berth. "We're absolutely one of the elite teams worldwide, and we're confident saying that," he asserted. "The community needs to show us more respect. Teams respect us when we face them on the server—I can feel it."
Looking ahead to their semifinal matchup against either Vitality or FURIA, xertioN remained unfazed. "I'm ready to face either squad," he said. "Both are equally strong right now. It doesn't matter who stands across from us—we have to beat everyone to lift the trophy anyway."
