Baskonia says Galbiati wanted to join Barça and move on three emblematic players

At Velimir Perasovic’s presentation, Félix Fernández set out Baskonia’s version of Galbiati’s departure. The sporting director says the former coach wanted to join Barça and part with three emblematic players, including Sedekerskis. He also criticised Paolo Galbiati for what he described as a defeatist message and excuses, as well as an attitude he considered insufficiently proactive in dealings with the technical department.

“He wanted to go to Barcelona and wanted to do without three emblematic players, including Sedekerskis,” Fernández said. The director explained that the club had stressed those players’ importance to its project, given their history at Baskonia and their popularity with supporters. He added that similar concerns applied to two or three other players. These remarks represent the club’s version, delivered by its sporting director.

Perasovic, for his part, denied reports from the summer that his move to Baskonia had already been agreed. He said the first contacts came after the game in Dubai. “I was in touch with friends I spoke to, but there was nothing official,” he clarified. He said he had to decide quickly while preparing to leave with his wife, and change everything in a day. After Baskonia called, he said he did not hesitate, explaining that he considers the club his own and feels indebted to the club that gave him his first opportunity to coach at a high level and brought him into the circle of EuroLeague coaches.

The new coach described his appointment as rushed and hopes the period will prove fruitful for both him and the club, with a team able to win over the Vitoria crowd. He considers the roster rather short, but believes it has room to improve. He wants to introduce his systems and focus on individual responsibility, defensive solidity, rebounding and balance after quick shots. He also said the team had already done many good things that should be retained, but would need time and more practices to work on them.

Félix Fernández also announced that Baskonia were looking for two players on the market: a centre and another addition who could improve the team at any position. Perasovic, meanwhile, summed up his approach as wanting to play fast while asking his players to defend responsibly and rebound.