innersh1ne on joining Aurora: "In terms of team structure, they are similar to FaZe"

The Russian tactician talked about his recent switch from analyst to head coach.

Aurora have been one of the most successful rosters in the tier-two scene ever since they came together in January, reaching the top 30 after just one month. Since the fall season began, they secured 3rd place at CCT 2023 Online Finals 2 and are currently playing at PARI Dunav Party, where they just defeated 9 Pandas in the opening round.

For all their success, however, the team failed to qualify for a Big event. They came closest at the Paris RMR, where they were eliminated in the Last Chance Qualifier. The team's new coach, Viacheslav "⁠innersh1ne⁠" Britvin, says that only details are keeping the team from breaking into the tier-one scene.

"I think it's more about some structure around the team and some consistency in terms of rounds we have to win," he told HLTV in Belgrade. "We are working on it [our playbook] a lot but still struggling in anti-eco situations and things like that."

This is innersh1ne's first head coach role, but that doesn't mean he doesn't come in with a wealth of experience. The 29-year-old's most recent role came as FaZe's analyst, where he spent over two years and oversaw many titles, including their Intel Grand Slam victory. Saving the distances, he says that Aurora aren't so different from his previous team. "In terms of team structure, they are similar to FaZe," he said.

His biggest difficulty comes in terms of team atmosphere, saying that he needs to get used to a new type of team chemistry. "The mentality and the vibe in a CIS team is very different from European rosters. It's a bit hard to adapt for me, but I'm learning from day to day and think it still will take some time, but in a month it should be better," he admitted.

In terms of his role in the team, innersh1ne said that he simply wants to add to their style and not change it completely. "I'm just trying to improve what they have now," he says, while also touching on the fact the team was successful before he joined. "They have been playing well the previous season, so my goal was to not to break anything."

Growing pains are to be expected, as Aurora are a young team. The oldest player, Viktor "⁠Lack1⁠" Boldyrev, is just 24. While they no doubt have a high ceiling, the coach says they have a lot to learn, pointing out AWPer Vladislav "⁠lattykk⁠" Vydrin as an example. "We are working individually with him, he needs some guidance, I would say."

With room for improvement and the looming release of CS2, innersh1ne has kept realistic goals for the rest of the year. "If we end the season in top 20, top 25, it's a good realistic goal. And obviously, we want to qualify for ESL Pro League through Challenger."