Sarunas Jasikevicius is very clear: he does not intend to let the pressure of directing Barça affect him in the least. The new coach of the Barça basketball first team believes that the time has finally come to accept the challenge of returning to a club where he was already a player in two stages. And, although he prefers not to talk about signings until these are official, he does not hesitate to admit that he would love to have his good friend Pau Gasol under his orders.

"We are in a phase in which we cannot say many things. We are having many conversations internally, we have talked about some players, but I prefer not to say anything until things are official. You all know the love I have for Pau, it is My friend, it would not be bad to have him, "said the new coach of Barça, who has signed a contract with the club until June 30, 2023." The team is very good, although we will try to improve it, "he reiterated. Also, of course, taking a look at what the quarry can provide. "I would like to play with a lot of people from home, like in Kaunas, but, first you have to check that they have Barça level," he said.

The president, Josep Maria Bartomeu , only participated in the initial parliaments. In them, he wanted to highlight Jasikevicius' commitment to both the club and the city. "Saras returns to his club, to his home, and also to his city. Always, where he has been, he has been an ambassador for Barça and Barcelona. He is a hard-working, methodical person, very demanding of himself. We are convinced that his methods and training will give us many successes and will make all the culés in the world happy, "stressed the leader.

Bartomeu, of course, wanted to thank his work in the club to all those who have left the section in recent days after the blow of defeat in the final of the ACB League against Baskonia. "I want to send words of thanks to Pangos , Ribas and Tomic . And also, especially, to our coach, Coach Pesic. In this second stage he has brought us joy, raised the Palau and has given us two titles, two cups of Rey ", wanted to point out the president, who in turn highlighted the presence at the event of two players, Pierre Oriola and Alex Abrines . The rest, he said, are already on vacation, waiting to return to work shortly.

A job that Jasikevicius burns with desire to resume as soon as possible. "The Barça fans already know that I am going to give my best. The same thing that a coach should ask his players is what the fans should ask their coach," said the coach, who has finally decided to say yes. to the azulgrana club. "First, you should look at yourself, see if you need to learn, gain more experience. I am a young coach and this summer things all turned upside down to finally decide to come here. I am very happy, I think it was the right time to take this step, "he noted.

As for the style, he wants to mix a nice game with a winning character. Always, making the most of the potential of its players. "Barça have to exploit the best characteristics of their players, we must be very clear about what each player can give us and create a system in which each one can give their maximum level. We have to focus on ourselves instead of looking at the rival. There is a lot of work ahead and I think that soon we will have a clearer idea of ​​how we are going to play, "said the coach, who did not want to prioritize any title.

"I don't think beyond the next training session"

"I do not think that at Barça we can say that one title is more important than another. Each match is final. The competition for the League and the Euroleague is very large, very tough months await us, but also very beautiful ones", Jasikevicius assured that, at the moment, there is no possible jump to the NBA. "I don't think beyond the next training session, the next game," he settled. And, yes, he is very clear that the pressure of a club like Barca will not affect him. Absolutely. And not only for the love that the hobby has.

"My philosophy does not change at all because I am at Barça. I have always been very direct with my players, I always demand the maximum from them. This is my way of working and I am sure that they will accept it and will give the maximum to this club. As for demand, I'm used to it. I don't know if you've seen a game in Kaunas. They have always been a very demanding fans with their team, "he said.

To finish, of course, he looked back a bit towards that first Euroleague title that he conquered for the club as a player in 2003. "The atmosphere of the Palau Sant Jordi in the Euroleague was spectacular, they held each basket as if it were a goal. I will never forget it, "he said.

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