In a conversation with Greek media outlet Nova, Pablo Laso summarized Bayern’s EuroLeague season, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
Despite Bayern not achieving a notable result in the most prestigious competition of the Old Continent, the Spanish coach, upon his arrival in Germany, had stated that the primary goal was winning the Bundesliga, with the EuroLeague being a long-term project requiring meaningfulness and dedication, rather than instant success.
The primary goal was indeed achieved, as Bayern lifted their sixth Bundesliga trophy after a five-year drought without a domestic league title. On the other hand, in the elite competition, the Munich team managed 13 wins and 21 losses, which placed them 15th on the table. However, the Spanish expert finds reasons for satisfaction.
“I think it’s very difficult for EuroLeague teams because domestic leagues are also very demanding. For example, Bayern… We won the Cup, as well as the Bundesliga, so the season was good. But in the EuroLeague, I think we did a great job. We simply couldn’t reach the play-in. We played against excellent teams and it was very tough. We lost many close games, but we were competitive. For me as a coach, it was a big lesson, as it was my first time working outside of Spain.
The season was challenging, and my summary of the season would be that it was a very difficult and important season for everyone. I congratulate Panathinaikos because winning the EuroLeague means you were better in a series of five playoff games and won both games at the Final Four, which is extremely difficult. That speaks volumes about the team, the coaches, and the players,” said Pablo Laso.