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Photo: BNS
BNS photo
Kaunas “Žalgiris” knew even before concluding the contract with Patricio Garino that the Argentine would have to wait for the performance on the site, but the medical examination in Kaunas postponed the wait even more.
Fines are being issued this season
When it became clearer than the initial diagnosis, both parties renegotiated a new contract. This was revealed at a press conference on Wednesday by Paulius Motiejūnas, the president of Žalgiris.
– How do you assess the team’s preparation and the start of the season, knowing that the team’s leadership has changed dramatically with the arrival of a new coach?
– So far, we are positive in everything. This is a process that will take. We have patience, we believe in the coach, we believe in the entire squad, we believe in the players. Everything is in our hands, it takes a lot and a lot of work to achieve what we want.
The style of training has changed and is changing, the players have to adapt, but their fight on the field is something fundamental that should not change. We are armed with patience, we work together and we know it will take time. We support and are happy with what we see.
– Have you already discussed with the coaching staff of the coaches which players will be on loan?
– We are talking, negotiations are underway. We are waiting for Patricio Garino to recover, we will see what the situation will be with him. There will definitely be more than 12 players, we depend on a tight schedule, our vision does not change: we need to have more players and give someone a break in LKL.
Another thing, if someone gets infected, we talk to the Euroleague that we have to have something to change. If we have 12 players, we reduce our chances of fighting in the match. Negotiations are underway, we are talking, but there will be more than 12 players.
– As for Garino, was it known at the time of signing the contract that his debut would have to wait longer than the first official match, or was it clear when he arrived here?
– We knew it would take a while, but after the medical (exam) we knew we would have to wait longer than expected. We have negotiated the terms of the contract and we are waiting for it successfully. The player really contributed to us looking forward to him. He has already started training on the field, everything is going according to plan. We are delighted with their dedication and work.
Kaunas Žalgiris / Schedule
– Are the spectator attendance figures during the friendly tournament in Kaunas alarming? Did you expect more from them?
– I won’t hide what it is (worrying). Many are used to (attending games). We have received support from all over the world, many say they are jealous that we are playing with the spectators. Perhaps many people think that they cannot come to see a game. We are waiting for the first game of the Euroleague and we will analyze it.
Whether it’s for a friendly friendly or a great weekend, lots of excuses, we monitor the situation, analyze the reactions of the fans and do everything possible to get them back here. We understand that you need to feel safe here. That tournament was made to show that we can handle the security requirements.
– Another challenge: travel, your travel arrangements will change. Are the cities you will be traveling to on private trips clear yet?
– For this moment only more – Vitoria, Valencia and double weeks. So far, we have defined it like this, and then we will see depending on the situation. If there are very difficult scheduled flights, then we will accept charter flights, but since the budget is fragile, we try to save what we can.
– How do you rate the new Euroleague regulations, which impose heavy fines on clubs for failing matches?
– This is a work process. Such conditions exist at the moment, but the Euroleague has repeatedly emphasized that it is not going to punish everyone and that the fines are not designed to benefit or harm clubs.
We know that the situation is difficult at the moment and we are all trying to get used to the new reality. These regulations are not what we would like them to be, but we have agreed to follow them so that everyone feels safer, both players and clubs. We wish there was no coronavirus, but it is as it is.
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