Interview with Coach Pita: “Dignitas has players that can and should compete with the best”
We interviewed pita on joining Dignitas as a coach, his satisfaction with recent results, and the team’s qualification for the RMR.
Today we interview the Dignitas CS:GO team’s coach, Faruk “pita” Pita, and talk about his role in the team, the changes he made since joining and the team qualifying for the RMR through the open qualifiers.
Hey Pita! How is work going with the team?
pita: We are progressing day by day, week by week. We’ve had some bumps in the road, and we will have them in the future as well, but so far we have managed to get back on the right track.
What are you trying to bring into the team that wasn’t done before?
pita: I can’t really say how things were done before since I don’t know for sure exactly how it was. But I like to keep a high work ethic, combined with having fun. Sometimes it can be tricky to find a good balance. But the work ethic will always be the most important thing for me since I believe hard work always pays off.
How has the team progressed since you joined?
pita: To be honest, I was a bit shocked at how the team worked when I came in. A lot of things weren’t done properly in my opinion. I don’t have all the answers, so I’m not saying my way is the right way. But, if we as a collective can find our way, I believe we can achieve what we are here for. The progress hasn’t gone as fast as I’ve hoped, but the progress is there, and that is the most important thing - that we are heading forward. And I’m glad that I have f0rest by my side. I have never worked with a more professional player than him and I think I never will either. I’m not scared if the progress will be there, as long as he’s here, it will come.
Are you happy with the progress you’ve made? Or do you think you could have done somewhat better so far?
pita: Both yes and no. ‘Yes’ in terms of the progress that is not seen on the server - how we work, how we talk to one another etc. But ‘no’ in terms of results. This team has players that can and should compete with the best. But even if you ask me after a major win if I’m happy with the progress, you won’t get a yes. I always strive for more.
What are the priorities of the team right now regarding practice?
pita: Being on the same page, all of them. My role as a coach is to make sure we row the same boat and not 5 different ones. When we are on the same page, small details will fall into place. And when small details fall into place, that’s when a team clicks. That’s when you as a spectator say, “Wow, what a cool round they just did”.
And regarding competition?
pita: The most important thing is to win and get these players on the big stage. Obviously, that will take some time, but if we can become better and better by every tournament then that is what I want.
You’ve recently qualified to the European RMR through the first open qualifier - a really stacked one! Were you expecting to do so great in the first one?
pita: I believe the online qualifiers are more difficult than some T1 events. The pressure is insane going into a game against 5 players you’ve never heard of. But also against known opponents that are clear underdogs. It’s a mental game. With the help from our mental coach and the routine from f0rest, Lekr0 and friberg we managed to focus only on ourselves. And I’m glad we did, because I think that was the key factor for us managing to qualify.
How confident are you feeling right now for that event?
pita: I have a similar feeling as I did with the guys from Copenhagen Flames. The mental game is not that big for us going into that event. I think very few people expect us to go through. And that feeling is something we will take advantage of. Having players such as hallzerk and HEAP that haven’t really conquered the big stages makes me feel comfortable we will get there. Once these guys cross that bump, nothing will stop them.
What can the fans expect from you in the long run?
pita: The fans should expect what every fan should expect, and that is to be a fan of a winning team. My biggest goal is to succeed with this team. And I will do everything I can for that to happen, so my expectations are high, and so should the fans' be.
I’ve talked with f0rest and friberg and both said you’re bringing into the team a much more tactical approach to the practice regimen. How is that translating into official match situations in your eyes?
pita: The small details I’ve talked about. CS is not a complicated game. It’s timings and team play that wins you the rounds. If the timing is off by a second, it can lose you the round. Timings are decided by intuition, “Should I go or should I wait?” If the talks are that we should go next time a similar scenario occurs, then that timing can be perfect next time.
Obviously, individual skill is also important, but on this level, 99% of the players are the same. Then there are some players that stick out. NiKo and s1mple, for example.
What is your main goal as the coach of Dignitas?
pita: To succeed and have a team considered as one of the best. A title contender. That’s my main goal right now. When we get there, I will set new goals.
Would you like to leave a few words before closing out the interview?
pita: Thanks for the interview and thanks to everyone who supports me and the team. For me, personally, my biggest motivation is coming from the fans.
Make sure to follow Pita on social media!
