Westermann, who opened his aching heart – about the locker room conversation, the power of “Žalgiris” and the legacy of Shar

After a long conversation with clubs and coaches, L. Westermann agreed to communicate and Delphi. The Frenchman, who defended the honor of “Žalgiris” for two seasons in the past, did not hide that such a desperate defeat enraged him, but when emotions subsided, the organizers of the attacks spoke openly about the pains of the “Fenerbahče” culture. and “Žalgiris”, which did not change.

“I have to say without a doubt that ‘Žalgiris’ was better than us in all aspects of the game in this match. After such a crush, we must look in the mirror and understand what we have done wrong. True, this bad night was almost everything.

Žalgiris played a very good game, shared the ball and stayed together. It was possible to feel that the people of Žalgiris wanted to play in unison. This is an example for us. It is very unfortunate to come here and lose by such a big difference, so we have to stick together and solve the problems.

So we all needed to talk seriously after the game. We have suffered a very painful defeat in recent weeks, so we have to talk to each other. “We have had a very serious team conversation now, we hope to start responding tomorrow, because the players are not really showing what the Fenerbahche organization and their fans expect,” Westermann said.

Žalgiris, who beat the record for his biggest Euroleague win, broke 21: 4 in the opening minutes of Thursday’s game, and then the lead only grew. The hosts, who posted a successful pass record (31), enjoyed the game and took away their love of basketball from their opponents. The guests seemed confused, unable to see a soft attack or even take up positions under the baskets.

In the second half of the meeting, it may have turned out that L. Westermann was the only one who still wanted to prove something. The 28-year-old basketball player fought in clubs and reacted violently to events on the field. Especially – to the decisions of the judges. Probably just because of the already bad situation at Fenerbahche, the Frenchman was lucky not to receive a technical foul.

“It just came to our attention then. When you have a 30-point deficit on your face, it’s very, very sad. I love this game, I love Fenerbahce, but tonight the players did not show respect for the jersey and the fans of This team. We have to draw conclusions as soon as possible and show at least a little effort, “said the player, who scored 8 points in 15 minutes on Thursday, bounced and grabbed the ball and made a successful pass.

The Kaunas team climbed to eighth place in the Euroleague tournament table, and Istanbul fell to fifteenth place. Does this crushing result mean that Žalgiris is a much better team right now? According to the former Žalgiris resident, this is definitely the case.

“Of course you do. We are not talking about the 2 point difference that resulted from an undefeated ball and missed free throws. We are talking about a difference of more than 30 points. We are talking about the fact that in every situation we are 5 steps down behind Žalgiris.

We are also talking about the fact that Žalgiris is making 6,7,8 successful passes during his attack, and we are not able to make a good pass and we look like a second league team. We are definitely far from Žalgiris, but if we look in the mirror and start working now, I think we can improve ”, said L. Westermann.

Although saddened by the situation of the Turkish national team, the two-time LKL champion is happy and proud of the success of “Žalgiris”. Asked about the changes in his former team, the organizer of the attack said that the culture of “Žalgiris” does not change with the arrival of new players and coaches, and that the legacy of the former strategist remains.

“I notice that” Žalgiris “has not changed much, and in the offseason it has also received a strong reinforcement: Joffrey Lauvergne and Augustinas Rubito. I still see the culture of” Žalgiris “. Part of the Shar system survived, not in tactics, but in the construction of barriers, passes and reading of games.That is the culture of “Žalgiris” and Lithuanian basketball.

It is a great pleasure to see such a game. I try to watch all the “Žalgiris” matches in the Euroleague and I always enjoy them. I think the new coach is doing an incredible job. Yes, Sharas was exceptional, but the ‘Žalgiris’ culture is not just about him,’ said Westermann, adding that he is very happy with the way the Kaunas residents bounced back from the six-loss series in the Euroleague. in November.

Recently, rumors have circulated in the media that Fenerbahche could say goodbye to L. Westermann and invite Barcelona compatriot Thomas Heurtel. Maybe after such a crush in Kaunas and Leo himself would like to wear a green and white shirt again? France is not saying no to a second comeback, but for the moment it is only thinking about how to solve its problems in Istanbul.

“I can’t know what will happen in the future, but now I have in mind that we just lost by 37 points. I am furious. I want to see what the next day will bring. I don’t think very far – the next day is the most important thing for me.” – said the interlocutor at the end of the conversation, who even after leaving the stadium “Žalgiris” after an unpleasant visit shouted Lithuanian “Stop!”