NAVI Coach B1ad3 Discusses Roster Stability After Off-Season Negotiations

Natus Vincere (NAVI) has made a strong return to competitive play, achieving their first victory of the season against 3DMAX in the opening round of the Esports World Cup. This marks their comeback to top-tier competition following their elimination from the IEM Cologne Major.

In a recent interview with HLTV, coach Andrey "B1ad3" Gorodenskiy revealed that the team was close to making roster changes after their Major exit. While B1ad3 had initially expressed optimism about strengthening the team, he ultimately confirmed that no changes were finalized despite exploring options.

B1ad3 explained that various negotiations took place, but they faced stiff competition for potential new players. Ultimately, the team decided it was wiser to retain their current lineup, which has been together for over a year. He emphasized the importance of cohesion and the knowledge gained from playing as a unit, which contributed to their success in winning two tournaments last season.

The coach also mentioned that he has been proactive in preventing stagnation within the team, citing the strategic removal of Overpass and the addition of Cache as beneficial adjustments. He advocated for a break from official matches, allowing the team to regroup and prepare for the upcoming challenges.