enkay J discusses replacing broky after Barcelona event

Niclas "enkay J" Krumhorn, the coach of FaZe, has shared insights into the reasoning behind replacing longtime AWPer Helvijs "broky" Saukants. The decision was made after an underwhelming showing in Barcelona, prompting the team to seek a change.

FaZe has since shown impressive form, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the XSE Pro League after decisively defeating BetBoom 2-0. Initially struggling with losses to TYLOO and MIBR in their opening matches in Guangzhou, FaZe has bounced back, winning four series in a row, three of them without dropping a single map.

After the victory over BetBoom, enkay J spoke with HLTV, expressing the necessity of replacing broky: "It was very clear that broky would need to be replaced after our last event in Barcelona, which was Stake Ranked 2. It was very clear not only to me but also to the upper management that he needed to be replaced, even though on a personal level it's very sad."

Reflecting on their quarter-finals performance, enkay J attributed the success to multiple factors such as winning critical pistols and having an effective game plan. He noted, "We were somewhat of a momentum-based team. The key factor was probably winning three out of four pistols, in all honesty."

Addressing the team's previous struggles, the coach pointed out that winning early rounds was crucial, stating, "In the matches we did lose here in Guangzhou, we never had a good start." Following their initial losses, the team regrouped and adjusted their strategy.

Enkay J mentioned the preparation for the map Cache, highlighting their in-depth practice while acknowledging the potential lack of preparation among their opponents. He noted, "We've invested a lot of time preparing for Cache... some of the teams we've played so far probably haven't had as much time to invest in Cache as we have."

As for the decision to bring Jason "JBOEN" Boe Nielsen into the roster, enkay J recognized his potential and skillset, stating, "I didn't expect him to put up that performance, but I knew what he was capable of." The coach added that JBOEN was among their top priorities for the roster change.

With a semi-final matchup against PARIVISION looming, enkay J maintains a sense of caution, considering them underdogs: "I personally think we're underdogs... looking at the roster, I know we're the underdogs coming into this."

FaZe's recent trajectory will be tested further as they face adjustments from both their own team and their opponents in the next stage of the tournament.