Molodoy returns to his roots: "I need to play more aggressively because that is my style"

FURIA AWPer Danil "molodoy" Golubenko gave an interview to HLTV.org, discussing his dip in form in 2026, eye problems, his return to an aggressive playstyle, and his final months playing alongside Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo.

molodoy no longer wants to change his game

After a strong debut season, molodoy tried to become more of a team player and tone down some of his aggression. However, he said this approach did not deliver the results he expected, so after the tournament in China, he decided to return to the style that helped him perform at a high level last year.

I wanted to try to fix my game, but after China, I no longer wanted to do that. I will try to play aggressively again.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

The player believes an aggressive approach suits him best, including the freedom to create opportunities on the map himself.

It is better for me to play on my own sometimes. I need to play more aggressively because that is my style. It works for me, and I do not need to stop doing it.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

When the journalist asked whether that meant bringing back aggressive re-peeks, molodoy simply answered: “Yes.”

Health problems prevented molodoy from playing at his best

Problems with intraocular pressure also affected molodoy’s performances in 2026. The player said his condition has now improved significantly, although he still needs to use his prescribed medication for a while.

My eye feels better. I would not even say I still have a problem. I just need to keep using the eye medication for a little longer, and everything is fine.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

According to molodoy, the issue previously affected his ability to concentrate during matches.

It is hard to play when you have pressure in your eyes. When I tried to concentrate during the game, it was hard to explain. When you try to focus, you have an issue with your eyes, some pain, and that is bad. But everything is fine now.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

FURIA need to believe in themselves

Compared with last year, molodoy’s individual statistics have declined noticeably: his rating against top-five teams has dropped. The player attributes the problems both to his own performance and to FURIA’s overall inconsistency.

I would say we are playing poorly against good teams and trying to find ourselves, even though we do not have time for that. But we are trying to do everything we can. That is the first thing. Secondly, we just need to believe we can win every match.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

At the same time, molodoy does not believe FURIA are in a crisis. According to him, the team can still perform well against strong opponents, but they need to become more consistent.

I cannot say we are playing badly. We just had a bad tournament. We always play well against strong teams and do not lose easily. We have bad days and good days, but it would be better to have more good ones.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

molodoy wants to help FalleN end his career with wins

The player also discussed his final months alongside FURIA captain Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo, who plans to retire from professional Counter-Strike after the season.

It is an emotionally difficult moment for molodoy, but he wants to make the most of their remaining time together.

It is always hard to lose people who are close to you. But that is life, what can you do? You can just try to give him the best, do everything possible for him, and try to win these tournaments.

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko

ESL Pro League Season 24, where FURIA will compete, will take place from October 3 to 11 in Katowice, Poland. The tournament will feature 16 teams and a $1 million prize pool. NAVI will begin their campaign on October 3 against BetBoom Team.