"There are so many issues where we know what to do, but we don't do it. We're making basic fundamental mistakes, and it's costing us games." - Chet on NRG's performance

Day 3 of the super week of VCT 2023 - Americas League continued the tradition of producing entertaining matchups with the opening one featuring arguably two of the most notorious NA teams going head-to-head in an intense showdown. While NRG Esports were still looking to find their footing at the event, Cloud9 used this matchup as another excuse to prove that they were the best team in the region despite the late roster pickups. Following NRG’s loss, THESPIKE.GG was granted the opportunity to conduct an interview with [player= 35538], their head coach, breaking down his thoughts on the game, issues with performance and more.

Chet expresses disappointment after loss against Cloud9

THESPIKE.GG: That was an unfortunate loss. What were the emotions running like immediately after the result became apparent?

Chet: I mean, obviously it feels like shit, so I don't know. It doesn't feel good.

THESPIKE.GG: Following today’s result, NRG’s record is now at 1-3. What are your thoughts on that?

Chet: None of us expected this, to be honest, because we're not used to losing this much, so this is definitely a rough feeling. It's honestly embarrassing how we're playing.

THESPIKE.GG: You guys got off a good start, but then slowed down later. What would you pinpoint as the reason to be losing your touch?

Chet: I don't think we lost momentum. It's just more like we gain good starts, even in the first map, but we just don't close it well.

THESPIKE.GG: Do you think you have been able to figure all your roles out for the roster or do you think there are still some that haven't lived up to expectations and would encounter more changes going forward?

Chet: Honestly, I don't really have an idea of things I want to do. There are just so many issues where we know what to do, but then we don't do it. So, it's kind of like we're just making basic fundamental mistakes, and it's costing us games.

THESPIKE.GG: How surprised were you with the pickups of jakee and runi for Cloud9, and how well they have performed?

Chet: I think generally people know what they're doing. In this game, it's not too hard to pick up a role and slot players in. So I think they've been doing pretty well, similar to what LOUD did with their roster. I believe they are very good players, and as long as they have a good system, it’s easy to get it and they seem to have a good system, so they're able to perform in that.

THESPIKE.GG: Cloud9 have taken down, I think, three of the NA teams now. Do you think they are arguably the best team in NA right now??

Chet: I mean, I guess other results speak for themselves, and they have the results

THESPIKE.GG: NRG decided to ban Split and Fracture both. Why do you think were the reason behind those decisions, and do you think you had enough practice on Ascent to let it go through for the Decider?

Chet: We had enough practice on every map but we just chose maps we felt more comfortable on. That's all that happened in the veto and was definitely not the reason why we lost anything.

THESPIKE.GG: With the record that NRG has, as a coach, what do you do to get the team's morals back up to go on and potentially take the next match, which has become almost a must-win considering how well the other teams are doing as well?

Chet: I mean, I just have to figure out some of our holes and hopefully fix it in time so people are more confident in their own game. Except that I have really no choice. The turnaround is very short.

THESPIKE.GG: Your next match however is against KRU. What are your thoughts on them?

Chet: I mean, they're in a similar position as us, like not doing so well. So. I mean, it's just the battle of the two bad teams right now.

Make sure to check out our VCT 2023 Hub for all the information about the VALORANT events this year.

Featured image courtesy of Riot Games.