By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
Barça lost a vital home game against Hapoel Tel Aviv, their fourth consecutive EuroLeague defeat, and coach Xavi Pascual was more than concerned.
Barcelona is currently 10th in the standings with a 17-14 record in a four-way tie between the 7th and the 10th position.
As Pascual said: “We competed, but we didn’t win. We’re in a very difficult situation. It’s the result of many factors affecting us. We had a good run in the first 25 games, but it’s completely turned around. Injuries, games… Everything is going wrong; there’s anxiety, and the defeats hurt. We’ve entered a complicated situation. If you add to that the injuries and other factors that always seem to affect us…”
Despite having a veteran core, the situation isn’t improving, as the experienced coach added: “We have experience because of our age; the problem is translating that experience onto the court. I’m worried about the situation. Today was like a final for us, and we didn’t pull it off. We’re in the situation we’re in, with each game facing negative circumstances, and it’s costing us dearly.”
The team is desperately calling for signings that aren’t materializing, something that could change from next season with a change in the Barça presidency, which will be decided in the club elections this Sunday.
Just two days before that crucial day, Pascual warned the two candidates: “The transfer deadline for the EuroLeague has passed, so I can’t play, but we still have the league. We’ll wait until Monday to see if there’s any news. Everyone has their own job to do; if we want to win, everyone has to want to win.”
The situation is obviously unpleasant, but Xavi Pascual remains strong.
“I am ultimately responsible for what happens on the court. Everything rests on my shoulders to get through this season, and naturally, I’m experiencing it with concern. If we were to analyze every coach’s reaction, we could write a book. These are reactions that haven’t been consistent with my players.”
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