Snappi: "I think over the last six months I've felt a lot more pressure because I knew: either I deliver results now, or I'll have to retire"

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer discussed in an interview about ending his nearly 20-year playing career and transitioning to the head coach position for HEROIC. The Danish IGL admitted to HLTV Confirmed that the last year and a half had been challenging due to issues with individual form and increasing pressure.

Snappi realized it was time to give new players a chance

After the launch of CS2, Snappi was still performing at a high level, but eventually, his individual results started to disappoint him. According to the Dane, this was one of the main reasons he decided to retire.

When CS2 came out, the first four or five tournaments went well […] but then everything went downhill. I think my individual level reached a point where it was better to give new players a chance.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

Snappi also explained that his form could affect not only his personal game but also his role as a captain. He felt frustrated that he could no longer perform at the level he was accustomed to.

It often annoyed me that I couldn't achieve the results I was used to, and this possibly affected my calling to some extent. Of course, when you can be a bit more active, it opens up new opportunities.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

The last months of his career were particularly tough

Snappi revealed that he felt significantly more pressure at the end of his career. He understood that every subsequent tournament could be his last, which only increased the demands on his own game.

I think over the last six months, I felt a lot more pressure because I realized: either I deliver results now, or I would have to retire, and that added a level of pressure that I don't think I've ever felt throughout my career.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

The Dane also mentioned the community's reaction. According to him, the amount of negativity on social media at the end of his career was much greater than he had ever experienced before.

Additionally, the hatred on social media got completely out of control [laughs], I've never felt anything like it — at least not to this extent.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

The decision to retire was mutual

Snappi noted that the discussion about his replacement was held together with HEROIC. He personally talked to Xizt about the need to add more firepower to the roster, and the final decision, he said, was mostly from the organization.

In the last few months, I started hinting to Xizt that maybe more performance was needed in my position. Of course, if you don't have the brightest stars, performance has to come from somewhere.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

At the same time, Snappi emphasized that he considers this decision to be the right one.

Ultimately, it was, of course, something of a mutual agreement. I think it was more of a decision from the club's management, made from the top; I don't think the players had anything to do with it, but I believed it was the right decision.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer 

Snappi immediately accepted HEROIC's offer

Initially, the Dane planned to wait for the transfer window after the Major, but HEROIC's offer changed his plans. Snappi was interested in the opportunity to work with a young lineup, which he believes has room for growth.

Initially, I planned to wait for the transfer window after the Major, but when this opportunity came up right now, I just decided: "Why not?" and chose to take it. I like that it's a young team with great potential for development, and I really liked the people I talked to in this organization.

Marko "Snappi" Pfeiffer