By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Celebrations for winning Spain’s Liga Endesa will not delay plans for FC Barcelona heading to the 2023-24 campaign.
Legendary player Juan Carlos Navarro, the team manager of the Catalonia giant rushed to share the expert view on Sarunas Jasikevicius remaining at his post as head coach, following the three-game sweep versus archrival Real Madrid. About one month ago, commenting on the future of the Lithuanian tactician in close connection to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas, he reduced the specific route to an option.
“His contract is up. We want him to be our coach,” he told RAC 1, “Some tweaks are necessary. If the project is good, we will let him know. I don’t think there will be a problem for him to continue next year.”
“He understands how the club works, perfectly,” added Navarro.
Barcelona ranked fourth in the Final Four of Europe’s premier club continental competition. Bouncing back with the 20th domestic league championship in team history completed the 2022-23 campaign.
Budget cuts
Navarro, 43, also confirmed financial restrictions to impact the new contract of Jasikevicius.
“As everyone knows, there will be budget cuts across all divisions,” he mentioned, “We will try to create the best team possible.”
“I am very happy with how we finished the season, but already working very hard for the next season,” underlined Barca’s team manager.
Nikola Mirotic ‘surprised’ Juan Carlos Navarro
Far from a secret, Nikola Mirotic played his last game with Barcelona in the championship-clinching contest Tuesday.
“The decision on Mirotic was made a long time ago. It was surprising that it came out before the Finals,” stressed Navarro.
“We talked at length with his agent,” he added, “The very harsh words in his interview surprised me. The club is very calm in this situation.”
Mirotic, 32, attracting the interest of several EuroLeague teams has naturally emerged as a key part of offseason rumors.