Lera_X: «I think we're lucky to have the players this skilled»

Lera_X — on team bonding, Kick-Off Cup and PEL Phase 2 preparations

May 17 will be the day of the first matches at PEL Phase 2. Before the start of the battles, we talked with the team manager Valeria "Lera_X" Khegai about the mood in the team, the last Kick-Off Cup and the upcoming second phase of the PUBG Europe League, as well as the three captains in the squad.

— Have the players of the new NAVI roster managed to get along with each other? How do guys spend their free time?

Valeriia "Lera_X" Khegai

PUBG manager

“In terms of living together, I think everyone is quite comfortable. There was almost no free time at the Kick-Off Cup , because every day was a game day. When there was a free minute, the guys played games, watched videos on YouTube, streamers on Twitch and TV shows. I hope that in the second phase we will be able to spend more free time in the open air. ” 

— Now there are three people in the squad, each of whom used to be a captain. How do guys get along with each other, is there a dispute and the so-called pulling the blanket over yourself?

— I did not notice this, the guys respect each other for their individual skill and experience.  Ceh9 was deliberately chosen as captain, his calls are not disputed in the game. Everyone understands why they come together. This, by the way, is an advantage that several people are well versed in tactics. On occasion, they can generate ideas, helping the captain — the main thing is to build everything correctly.

— Is it easy to work with the roster? Have there been any funny incidents?

— There are difficulties, but in general the guys are very motivated and organized. I think we were lucky to gather such skilled players. All we need to do is to help them become a real team. Funny moments happen quite often, but as they say, it's better to see for yourself. During the second phase there will be videos on our channel. I think you will see everything with your own eyes ;)

- During the Kick-Off groups NAVI had a great run, making it into the playoffs from the second place. What emotions did the guys experience then?

— I think the guys have experienced an emotional high, they played well the last day of the group stage, there was confidence in the actions, confidence that they can play together and take the top. It unites and strengthens faith in the team.

— But in the final part it was impossible to repeat the success — the thirteenth place. What's the case there? Was it just the stronger competition from group B, or did the guys relax after the group stage?

— In the final part, the guys decided to give up the usual spots , because they did not want to share the spot with the team, which, in fact, had nothing to lose in this tournament. It was difficult to play from other spots without training, we lacked experience and confidence in actions. There were both individual errors, difficulties in communication, and lack of joint gameplay. This tournament was a great experience for us and showed the direction in which the team needs to move.

— On May 17, the second phase of the PUBG Europe League begins. What is the mood in the team and how much time does it take to practice?

— Our goal is to show good results in the second phase. We have to play 96 games, there has never been such a marathon in PUBG, we will gradually gain form. Guys train practically every day, play official scrims, get ready.

— Minimum task at PEL Phase 2?

— Enter the top 5 in the second phase.

— Will the role of a coach in PUBG be in demand, as in Dota 2 and CS:GO?

— It is already in demand, almost every team that is serious about winning has a coach. However, it is not easy to find them — the game is still young and there are simply no people with competitive experience who are ready to become a coach. If people are well versed in what they need, they prefer to build a career as a player for now. Attracting coaches from other titles, for example from CS, is not easy, because PUBG is not so attractive for them.

— What is interesting about the work of a manager? Did you grow up individually during this kind of work?

— The work of the manager constantly challenges all your knowledge and skills, often checks how well you can act in unusual situations and communicate successfully, work with people. So if someone considers this a simple job, then they are in for a disappointment :) But I like it: esports gives me a chance to work in a dynamically developing industry, for which there is a future, to meet extraordinary people, to travel and gain knowledge in an interesting business. I feel that I have grown very much during my work in esports and specifically in NAVI, thanks to my players and colleagues for that.

— Do you follow other esports titles?

— Usually, yes, I try to follow Dota 2 and CS:GO, as well as other disciplines in the Battle Roayle genre, but lately, due to the large workload, I only have time to watch the results of matches and tournaments. Hope this will change in the future.

The beginning of PUBG Europe League Phase 2 is on May 17 at 18:00. Don't miss it! #NAVINATION