Sasa Obradovic, in an interview with Meridiansport, discussed the situation in Monaco’s camp, as well as Crvena Zvezda, whom his team is visiting in the upcoming EuroLeague round.
The Serbian coach began by addressing Kemba Walker, who could make his EuroLeague debut in Belgrade.
“Kemba’s signing was labeled as the biggest in the EuroLeague, but the guy hasn’t trained a single day with us, so we’re still testing his physical condition and how much he can play continuously. People artificially create excitement around it, putting pressure on, and it’s not easy to handle all of that,” said Sasa Obradovic. He then revealed whether the former NBA All-Star player would debut at the Stark Arena:
“We are still weighing our options. He’s in the preparation phase. He has been training individually, started practicing with the team, and now we’re assessing where he’s at and when it’s best for him to play. He isn’t registered for the French league. He has a certain number of licenses, so that question remains open. The only thing being considered is where he can play in the EuroLeague. It’s not easy for a player to adapt solely through EuroLeague.”
Sasa emphasizes that Walker is a serious professional on the court, despite the fact that he has “taken a step down.”
“I haven’t seen a better person, professional, and basketball enthusiast who has had such a career. He’s truly an amazing individual. I believe he can contribute. I’d really like that. His behavior, understanding, and down-to-earth attitude are top-notch. It has absolutely nothing to do with arrogance, being a multimillionaire, and so on. He acts like a college player, very kind, and condemns the arrogance that exists here, especially among people with big egos.”
Despite the fact that the Serbian coach led the team from the Principality to the EuroLeague Final Four, there were media reports suggesting he could be fired.
“It’s everyone’s right to choose one, another, or a third coach. Whether it’s justified to do such things, comments can vary. Coaches are easily replaced today. Even a significant result doesn’t guarantee job security. If I were to dwell on that, I’d lose focus on the things that matter to me.
It’s not easy to think about it when you don’t know if you’ll have a job tomorrow. But I know I’ve done a good job, that I’m a EuroLeague coach, and there will always be interest in me, so I won’t dwell on speculations. What’s important to me is to have peace while leading the team.”
The “Princes” began the new EuroLeague season with two defeats, so the pressure ahead of their visit to Crvena Zvezda is undoubtedly high.
“It’s a very tough moment for me personally because everyone wants to keep their job, to avoid looking as bad as we did against Virtus. Ahead of us is a game that can change a lot. Now we’ll see how well we can respond in this atmosphere and under these specific circumstances. The game against Bourg boosted our confidence because it wasn’t easy to play after Virtus, but it’s good that we won.
We come with our expectations and the significant goals that the club has set for us. It’s the toughest away game, especially in terms of the audience, and it’s a good test for us to see if we are ready for great achievements” – Sasa Obradovic said.
The Monaco coach’s kissing of the Crvena Zvezda crest during their last visit to Belgrade stirred numerous reactions in the public.
“And even now, when I think about it, it gives me goosebumps… I have a lot of friends who are Crvena Zvezda fans, and it was emotional for all of them. It was my spontaneous decision, given everything that had happened. My allegiance was never in question. My childhood and upbringing are tied to the red and white colors. It was a small gesture of gratitude, regardless of the circumstances that arose when I left the club.
The fans’ reaction meant a lot to me, first as a person, and then as someone who represents Serbia abroad. I had quite a few problems because of it, but I would do the same again. I am very emotional when it comes to Red Star, so it will be especially hard for me now to set my emotions aside and focus on the game. I will give my all to prepare the team and try to win in the Arena, which is always very challenging.”
Obradovic doesn’t hide the fact that he had “issues” because of his gesture at the “Aleksandar Nikolic” arena.
“I had to explain to people who might not truly understand such things. After all, it doesn’t matter whom you represent because Red Star is my youth, my family. For those who don’t have that kind of allegiance, it’s probably hard to grasp. But as far as I’m concerned, it must be respected” – Sasa Obradovic concluded.
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