Aydin KrizzeN Turlybekov, currently working as an assistant coach at FURIA, gave an interview to Players special correspondent Alex Kharchenko during the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 in CS2.
Tell us, please, how did the story with FURIA even start? How did they reach out to you?
The head coach messaged me sometime in April. Usually, when someone messages me, it’s either some kind of hate, because this was during a match, when I was still with Monte. I thought it was just a hater. Like, I don’t know, maybe some guy who lost a bet.
But it was the coach. At first, I didn’t check, but after the game I saw that he was inviting me to a call, we talked for a couple of hours and decided that I would join the team.
You mentioned hate. Was that a common thing? Like, people just messaging you on Instagram?
Not really, actually. Well, it happened. But who would message me?
Why did you think someone might be sending you hate?
No, it’s just that it was right during the match. I thought it was just some person who lost live and now wants to send something.
So you had a call, and he gave you the offer, right?
Something like that, yeah. It just so happened that molodoy was joining the team, and I’m from Kazakhstan, he’s from Kazakhstan. So that it would be easier for him to adapt — that was also a factor. So that’s how it happened.
And when you spoke to him, did you immediately realize you wanted to accept the offer, or did you think it over?
I didn’t think about it. I decided right away. How could I say no? It’s a new step, a big step.
How was communication with Monte? How did you get in touch with the guys, how did they react?
I messaged Denys, our sports director, I messaged Bohdan, the COO Monte, and also Dima [CEO Monte]. I immediately told them, they understood that I was definitely leaving, and they were happy for me. We have a good relationship with everyone, so no one said anything.
So you parted on good terms? No problems? Everything was great?
Yes, of course, of course. Everything was great.
And when you talked to FURIA’s head coach, did he immediately tell you what exactly you would be doing?
We had a long call where we just talked about various topics — the game, tasks, what I would be doing, what the previous assistant coaches did. So it was clear right away.
You mentioned molodoy joining the team. You said his adaptation is one of your tasks. What other tasks can you name? What exactly do you do?
During tournaments I help with preparation. If I see we’re doing something often, something we could be read on, I try to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I help with opponent analysis, I help in general. If I see we’re not doing something, if we can do something better, if we can throw a grenade better — just anything I see that I can improve, I try to improve.
What does your workday look like right now? First of all, is everything happening online now? Or are you going to travel? Are you planning to go to Brazil?
No one is based in Brazil right now.
Not based? So where are you based — all over the world?
All over the world.
So there’s no headquarters like NAVI has in Kyiv, for example?
Usually bootcamps are in Europe. Either in Serbia, or in Malta, or somewhere in Germany. Somewhere. Probably mostly Malta.
Going back to the team — are you the only assistant?
No, we have Juan Hepa. He previously worked with Liquid, with EG, somewhere else too. He’s an experienced person. He came in as a data analyst, he works more with players. He helps more specifically with things. And I’m more with the team, so to speak.
So there are two of you?
Yes. In FURIA, as far as I remember, it was often like that — two assistant coaches.
How big is the difference between Monte and FURIA, in terms of how the organization operates?
FURIA is a big corporation with offices in different countries. And Monte is Lukyanivka. In reality, Monte is a small company, a small gang.
There was no point in hiring a lot of people. Yes, we had a staff and still do. And FURIA has been around for like 10 years, maybe. Plus a big fanbase, very big partners. And Monte — in wartime conditions, with a target audience of Ukrainians, and there aren’t that many Ukrainians. Obviously, there won’t be huge sums, there won’t be such big partners, probably. But over time, it could happen.
Do you think FURIA is the number one team in Brazil right now?
Of course, number one.
But do you feel the competition?
I feel that others feel it.
How would you rate this tournament? Quarterfinals, but I assume you’re not too happy with the result?
I had expectations that we’d at least make it to the final. I don’t know if I can say this or not, but we got a bit lucky with the bracket. And we had a chance.
So, basically, you're not satisfied because you could’ve done more?
We could’ve done more, but it also could’ve been worse. So it’s fine. We’re not that disappointed.
What can you say about the match against paiN — what was missing? Clutches, maybe individual performance, stress?
Yeah, on Anubis — 1v3 clutches, a couple of times. Plus some rounds where we missed grenades. Plus pistol round, plus something else. So a lot of things piled up.
This roster — it’s 50 days old now? When do you think you’ll reach that synergy level that’s enough to consistently reach finals?
I don’t have the kind of experience to say, like, “in 27 days we’ll be a top team and we’ll be top-1.” I don’t know how the cards will fall. But I have a feeling we can win. That’s 100%.
Can you tell us, if possible, about your contract — is it tournament-based or for a fixed period?
No, it’s a long-term contract, let’s put it that way. But NDA.
What can you say about your fellow countryman molodoy?
molodoy? He’s a young guy. He’s got s1mple 2017 vibes.
