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In the head coach’s chair, D. Adomaitis replaced the legendary Israeli basketball player and coach Odeda Kattash, who went to “Panathinaikos” in Athens, and wished him success.
“I know Adam means red in Israel. This is already a good start, said Hapoel’s new coach Dainius Adomaitis at the press conference. – I want to congratulate coach Oded Kattash on a step forward in his career. I wish him success. to him and his new team. I would like to thank the Hapoel Club management for the opportunity and the invitation. I am very happy to be in Jerusalem, it is a great honor for me. I have worked in this arena before so I know what it is like. the atmosphere here. This is something special. I hope the fans gathered in this arena will make them happy, make them proud of the team. I hope to see the fans in the arena very soon. As for goals, everything is clear: this club is always fighting for the titles. It is clear to the coaches and players that you always have to leave your maximum effort on the pitch. We will have to sacrifice every time we step on the pitch and play 100 percent. My philosophy is to look only at the games F uturos. This mentality will allow us to improve in each match and training session ”.
– You saw the game yesterday, what do you think of Hapoel’s composition and do you expect changes in the composition?
– I have seen more than one, not two or three games. Much more. And I liked what I saw. There is a lot of talent in this team, the mentality of the players is right. Coach O. Kattash has done a great job in three years, the players know each other perfectly, because they have been playing together for many years. They like to play together. We will play with this team as we have.
– What is your game philosophy?
– The team is the most important thing. Everyone has to do everything possible for the team to win. If I need to shake a towel for 40 minutes, I’ll call the team. That must be the mindset. When it comes to basketball, I would like to take advantage of the strengths of basketball players and take advantage of the weaknesses of our opponents. It is not easy, we have to be smart because now it is the middle of the season, many important games. I’m not going to make a revolution, I’m not going to start using five different or a completely different style of play. But, step by step, I will try to make my own minor changes.
Photo from Twitter / Dainius Adomaitis
– What do you think of the team’s chances in the Champions League after yesterday’s defeat?
– As long as there are possibilities, we must fight, because there are still possibilities. The game against Limoges will be very important, but now we are not thinking about the Champions League. Our thoughts revolve around the duel on Sunday. That will always be our thinking.
– What goals did you set for yourself when talking to the club’s management?
– You probably know this club much better than I do. Hapoel shows great ambition every season. Can not it be a different way. In the Champions League now we want to move on to the next stage, and in the Israel Cup and Championship we want to fight to the end and fight for the titles.
FIBA Photo / Fans of Jerusalem Hapoel
– How difficult is it to take the helm of a team in the middle of the season?
– Of course, this is a challenge, but in life I like challenges. It is not the easiest option, but the team is good. That is the most important. They play well together and for a long time, and the organization is great. What I see now is that everyone is trying to help me. I like everything. Step by step we will understand how we should look.
– You have been to Israel many times with various clubs and the Lithuanian national team during the European Championship. What are your plans for your family to arrive?
– I think Israel is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I have played here many times, both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, I have also played against smaller teams in this country. The people here are friendly and helpful. My family was with me during the European Championship, they enjoyed being here. His wife and daughters did not want to return to Lithuania. They said if you get an offer from Israel, make sure you accept it. That was the best advice.
– You have left the comfort zone, you have reached a new environment and you look happy. What does it take to be successful in Jerusalem?
– We are talking about basketball, which is my whole life. At 13 I started playing basketball, training twice a day, and at 17 I became a professional basketball player and now I am a coach. Family comes first for me, but basketball is the only thing in my professional life. Basketball is similar throughout, as it is played five on five with one ball. Of course, there are specific things in the Israeli League, as well as in the Champions League. It is a challenge for me, I will have to adapt to it, but I feel prepared.
– Did you consult with someone before coming to the club?
– Of course, I spoke with people who were in a club or playing in Israel. Of everyone, I only heard good things.
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