Ilias Zouros held an emotional press conference after Georgia’s loss to Australia in the last round of Group K of the FIBA World Cup.
The Greek strategist announced his potential departure from the bench of the national team after a full eight years of cooperation.
“I congratulate Australia, it’s a great team that knows how to play. It was a good game in which they deserved to win. We are happy to come here, competing at the FIBA World Championship for the first time in history. The organization was at the highest possible level, everything was perfect. Thanks to everyone, I’m proud of my players, they did their best in this championship. We did more than we expected before coming here and I’m really happy for my players” – said Ilias Zouros, adding:
“After eight years with this national team, it is difficult to end in this way. I love all the players, Georgia, all the people… I can tell you that at this moment I feel more like a Georgian than a Greek. Thank you for everything, thank you for the beautiful eight years, I think I gave my heart and soul for this national team.“
The Greek strategist was on the verge of tears in the continuation of his presentation, and the mysterious message he sent “reeks” of parting.
“I love this team and the country, I can’t say anything more than that. I finished my eighth year with this team, I gave everything for these players, and they made me proud.”
When asked by a journalist whether Zouros announced the end of the era of the selectors in Georgia, we received a specific answer.
“I can’t say anything, I have no comment.”
He did not want Ilias to use injured players in the match against Australia, as he considers the health of his basketball players to be the most important.
“The most important thing is the health of the players and I want to preserve it for them. Players who give their best like Shermadini or Shengelia deserve respect and it is not fair for them to play if they are injured. It is not right for their health to play such matches. The coach’s role is primarily to help the players and try to teach them to be good people and players. We wanted to save certain guys.“
Australia bid farewell to Group K in third position (3-2), while Georgia took a place below (2-3). Germany and Slovenia advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup.