alex discusses team struggles and CRUC1AL's departure
Iberian Soul
Gentle MatesIberian Soul's captain alex reflects on recent organizational changes and player adjustments amid challenges during the Esports World Cup qualifier.
Alejandro "alex" Masanet, captain of Iberian Soul, disclosed that the recent event marks the final appearance of player CRUC1AL with the team. Following a strong performance in the Esports World Cup qualifier, where they achieved a 2-0 victory over FKOMAR, the team faced a setback earlier by losing to 6666.
Amid the action, Gentle Mates confirmed they would be parting ways with Iberian Soul, putting the squad back in search of a new organization. In a post-match conversation, alex expressed the difficulty the team is facing in maintaining motivation and focus after losing their sponsor's support. He stated that they hope to secure a new organization soon and acknowledged that they might need to look internationally for replacements following the recent departure of Antonio "MartinezSa" Martinez.
Reflecting on their performance, alex shared his disappointment regarding their initial match loss, emphasizing a need for improvement within the team. He noted the environment has been challenging and that despite rigorous practice, there is a collective sense of being below their desired level of play, remarking: “We just need to get better.”
On the subject of Gentle Mates' exit, he described the conversation as tough but expressed gratitude for their time together, stating that the organization had made a decision to exit Counter-Strike, which left Iberian Soul without a club to represent. The impact of this transition is substantial; players currently find themselves financially burdened by participating in events without organizational support.
Regarding CRUC1AL's role, alex indicated that the player would be departing after the current event, while they officially have djL as their coach. He highlighted that the team was not functioning cohesively yet, likening their current state to a mix of players rather than a unified squad.
As for the possibility of continuing as a fully Spanish roster, alex cited the scarcity of capable AWPers in Spain, mentioning that recruitment could necessitate going international. He pointed out that both SunPayus and Martinez are already committed to other teams and emphasized the difficulties in securing an AWP player, noting that a significant difference-maker could be elusive.
Despite uncertainties, alex seems optimistic about the team's future, with informal talks already underway with potential organizations.