By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After taking over Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv last November and leading his team to the Israeli Super League Championship, Ioannis Sfairopoulos presented to Walla his initial summer goals ahead of the next season. In his interview, the Greek coach explained how important it is to keep the core of his side intact and his approach to the players during the games.
Asked about Tarik Black signing a new contract, he replied: “Keeping Tarik was a big goal for me and the team as a whole” and further pointed out: “The most important for us is to build around Maccabi’s base, build on our core of players”. “I like players who fit my philosophy, Americans or Europeans” he noted talking about Maccabi’s upcoming moves.
“At Olympiacos, everyone told me at the beginning that I was very calm and that the difference between me and the previous coach was that I was calm in decisive moments” he also said and added: “There are moments that the coach has to click with his players and that is the way either you like it or not. I try to push the players until the end. I want them to understand that their coach is always there for them and support them like a father, but they have to do their best.”