Astralis confidently advanced through the group stage of IEM Chengdu, defeating The MongolZ and securing a spot in the playoffs. Now the team is awaiting the decisive match that will determine whether they will start their run in the quarterfinals or immediately in the semifinals.

However, captain Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen admitted in a post-match interview with HLTV that the current success is only a partial result, as it is difficult for the team to maintain stability due to frequent changes in the lineup.

Instability in the lineup

The player candidly explained that the current team can hardly be called permanent, as changes in the roster do not allow for the development of a long-term game plan.

I don't think that will happen in this team, let's be real (laughs). Like he's here on a loan, so I don't know if he will stay here after. I assume he won't since I haven't heard anything yet, but it's just hard to create stability in a team where people are going in and out of the door all the time.

Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen 

HooXi also noted that newcomer Magisk is in a difficult situation — he has to show his best game in order to remain interesting to other teams, while at the same time helping Astralis achieve results.

About the approach to the game and the lack of a clear system

The captain said that due to constant changes in the team, it is difficult to develop a stable style of play. Now Astralis relies more on individual form than on a well-rehearsed structure.

You just... try to do whatever is best in the moment, instead of trying to create an actual style and spending a lot of time talking about the game and all this. We just go with the flow in a way. It's a bit hard to describe, but it's just a feeling-based thing. The mindset is just not to think long-term.

Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen 

On working on style and team chemistry

Despite the difficulties, HooXi believes that playing with former teammates helps to establish synergy more quickly.

So many things have changed since Copenhagen Flames and even G2. A new game, I learned a lot as well over the years, and in G2 I had nobody with me that knew my style. Now I'm back with jabbi, for example, who knows how I play, and it just makes it way easier that I just have one guy who understands me in that way.

Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen 

On confidence ahead of the Major

Finally, HooXi summed up that reaching the playoffs after a disappointing performance in Bucharest is an important step forward that gives him confidence ahead of the upcoming Major.

It means a lot, just in terms of confidence and knowing that our hard work... we spent like two and a half or three weeks practicing before Bucharest and it didn't pay off. So I'm just happy to see that it pays off a little bit now, and we'll see what happens at the Major.

Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen 

Although Astralis have already secured their place in the playoffs, HooXi's words clearly show that while internal changes are ongoing within the organization, it will be difficult to achieve stability in the lineup.