Wicadia Interview: "We are trying to get used to each other"

It’s been a big offseason for Aurora, who have made the largest changes of any team in tier 1 by far.

Changing their leadership structure after a mostly successful season, and replacing soulfly, who had been pretty good, was a risk for them. Even if the talent they added speaks for itself, it’s scary taking players who spoke their native language, and putting them in an international team.

That’s why, when we spoke to Wicadia at Blast Open Porto media day, we asked him about the changes, how it’s going, and more:

First of all, thank you for talking to us. The last time we spoke to you was in Cologne, I wanna ask, since then, how are you since then, especially with the new team, how is everyone feeling and how are you feeling?

I'm good, everyone is good. I think we are trying to get used to each other, and get to know each other. So everything is good for now.

It's some big changes with ash and Jimmy, and everything. How is it settling into speaking English full time, getting used to everyone, what kind of challenge is that compared to what you're used to?

From the moment I started CS, I was talking in my native language, Turkish. It's my first time (speaking English on a team), so it's a bit hard for me, but day by day I am getting used to it.

It's going to be much easier to play in maybe one month.

Is there a big difference in the way you guys are approaching the game now especially with a new IGL and coach, or is it mostly trying to keep doing what you were already doing?

I mean, we are trying to do what we usually do, and also the other guys have their own ideas.

We are trying to make a mix, and take the best out of it.

For your game specifically, you do a lot of trading and working off the space other people take Have you had to change anything about how you play with this roster?

Mostly the same, maybe one or two positions are changed.

What's changed for you, out of curiosity?

I can give you an example, Nuke T-side I was playing lobby, now jimmy is playing that position.

Are you happy with that, or do you not really care?

I don't care actually. I just hope for the best.

I am interested, obviously, this is a big change for Aurora, identity wise as well, was this something that was an idea from the players, did you guys think it was time for change, or did the organisation say "we think it's time for change?"

I think it's both, some other players wanted to leave because they had other priorities and stuff. Also from the organisation, so I can say both.

I wanted to ask about the leadership style, XANTARES because of the type of star that he is, is he vocal on your T-side, does he call rounds when he has ideas?

Yes, he is, when he sees something in game, or he feels something, he likes to call and do the play. He's very vocal.

Do you guys have a goal for the season? A specific achievement, like top 3 HLTV, winning a specific tournament, is there something you specifically set out to do?

Actually, we don't set a goal. Our goal is to always be the best we can, so hopefully we win a couple trophies this season.

Final question, what do you think has gone well for you guys, what do you think you guys have to improve on for this season?

I think we can fight better with the good teams, like against FURIA and the others. What we didn't do well, it was 9-3 last game, and we kind of couldn't solve the problem. I think we might get better at that.