NertZ: “I Have Full Confidence in the Players and the System We Have”

Israeli rifler Guy “NertZ” Iluz has expressed strong belief in his team’s long-term direction, emphasizing trust in both the lineup and the tactical framework despite ongoing challenges in results. Speaking in a recent interview, he made it clear that internal confidence remains intact even as the team continues to search for consistency at the highest level.

NertZ underlined that the squad’s faith is rooted not only in individual talent but also in the structure they are building. According to him, the current system gives players the tools they need to perform, and he remains convinced that stability and time will translate into better results. In his own words, he has “full confidence in the players and the system,” highlighting a unified belief inside the camp. 

This perspective comes at a time when competition at the top of Counter-Strike is particularly fierce. The race toward major events, including qualification battles for tournaments like the IEM Cologne Major, has intensified, with multiple teams fighting for ranking points and relevance. Against this backdrop, maintaining internal trust can be a decisive factor for teams trying to break into the elite tier.

NertZ’s comments also align with a pattern seen throughout his career. Historically, he has been vocal about confidence as a cornerstone of success. During his time in earlier lineups, he repeatedly pointed to belief in the team’s potential as a driving force behind improvement and deep tournament runs.That same mindset appears to persist now, even as the competitive landscape evolves and expectations rise.

Recent analytical pieces have noted that NertZ has undergone role adjustments in newer rosters, transitioning into positions that demand different responsibilities compared to his earlier aggressive lurking style. This shift has impacted his statistical output, but it also reflects broader structural changes within the team’s approach. Such adaptations often require time before yielding results, reinforcing his argument that patience is necessary.

The emphasis on system over short-term outcomes is also consistent with wider trends in professional Counter-Strike. Teams that achieve sustained success—such as dominant lineups in recent years—typically rely on clearly defined roles, long-term synergy, and a stable tactical identity. NertZ’s remarks suggest that his team is attempting to follow a similar blueprint rather than chasing quick fixes.

At the same time, the pressure to deliver remains high. With numerous squads improving and events offering limited qualification spots, even small dips in performance can have significant consequences. This reality has been evident across recent tournaments, where tightly contested matches and unpredictable results have become the norm.

Still, NertZ appears unfazed by external expectations. Instead, he focuses on internal progress, highlighting the importance of trust between teammates and confidence in their preparation. His stance reflects a broader philosophy that success is built incrementally through consistent work rather than immediate overhauls.

Ultimately, his message is clear: despite any setbacks or criticism, the team believes in its direction. Whether that belief will translate into tangible achievements in upcoming events remains to be seen, but internally, there is no indication of doubt.