[Exclusive] Jimpphat on transfer rumors: "I never wanted to leave MOUZ"

Before the start of the playoffs at IEM Krakow 2026, we conducted an exclusive interview with MOUZ player Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo during media day. In our conversation with Bo3.gg, we discussed the difference between siuhy and Brollan, transfer rumors, and expectations for the new season.

You’ve played under siuhy before and now under Brollan and siuhy. If you could design your ideal system — any IGL in the world and any playstyle — who do you think would unlock the best version of Jimpphat?

That’s a good question. I think Brollan has been doing a really good job. His calling is very strong — there’s a lot of structure, but it’s also quite loose at the same time, which I really like. If I think about all IGLs, though, it could also be interesting to play under apEX one day. He’s a funny person and, in my opinion, a very good leader.

What do you see as the biggest difference between Brollan’s style and someone like apEX?

I’m not sure if the difference is that big. Obviously, apEX has much more experience — he’s been an IGL for a long time, while Brollan has only been calling for about a year. So I’d say it mostly comes down to experience. Other than that, I don’t have much more to add.

After the Budapest Major, SpunJ said you wanted to leave MOUZ, but three weeks later you signed a multi-year contract. Were those rumors wrong, or did MOUZ fix something internally?

I never wanted to leave MOUZ. That rumor came from somewhere I honestly don’t know, and I don’t know where he heard it from either.

There were never any plans to leave or change the team. We still have a lot to accomplish with this roster. We want to win trophies, and I believe this lineup is fully capable of doing that. That’s also one of the reasons why the roster stayed the same — we believe in everyone.

MOUZ shocked many people at the Budapest Major. Looking at the bigger picture: 13 playoff appearances in 16 events, but only one trophy in a full year. Is this a mental weakness or just bad timing?

To some extent, it might be a mental thing. We’ve shown many times that we can beat any team in the world, but in playoffs we’re missing just a little bit — not much, but enough. That’s something we want to fix this year. It’s the beginning of the season, and it’s a good opportunity to build momentum. If we start winning early, I think it becomes easier moving forward instead of trying to force it later in the year.

The 2026 season has just begun. In your opinion, in which aspect of the game is MOUZ strongest compared to other top-five teams?

I think our team atmosphere is a huge strength. It might sound simple, but it brings so much to the team. We have good vibes, we play well when we’re relaxed, joking around, and trusting each other. Sometimes that trust and freedom is exactly what we need to build momentum, and in that aspect I think we’re top-notch.

MOUZ are known for structure and discipline, yet against top teams you sometimes fall short in decisive moments. What is the hardest thing to execute when everything is on the line?

The hardest part is obviously finishing the game — closing it out. For us, it mostly comes down to consistency.

We’ve been inconsistent in important matches. We need to bring the same level we show in regular games into the biggest moments. If we can’t do that, it becomes hard to develop as a team, because you don’t always know whether it’s an individual issue or a team issue.

So for us, it’s about being consistent when it matters most.

You’re still very young, but already seen as one of the pillars of the roster. How do you balance being a system player while still asserting yourself in key rounds?

As a lurker, it’s all about balance. Sometimes you need to be aggressive, and other times you have to stay back, throw utility, and support the team.

For me, it always depends on what the round and the team need. I try to fit in as much as possible and give ideas when needed. I also try to make proactive plays when it’s the right moment, but you can’t do that all the time in this role.

You need to be capable of playing both aggressively and passively, and that balance is very important.

Coming into IEM Krakow 2026, MOUZ aren’t the main favorites, but you’re always deep in playoffs. Do you feel closer to finally breaking through, or does this event feel like another test of MOUZ’s mentality?

At this tournament, we’re looking to win it. We don’t really have anything to prove anymore in terms of making playoffs. Even though it’s the first tournament of the year, that’s not an excuse. We want to lift trophies. If we don’t win, it feels like a failure in a way — because we’ve been in playoffs so many times already.

In the end, we’re competing to be the best team in the world. And if we don’t win trophies, then we’re not there yet.