By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Lille, France – Besides looking to guide Canada to the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games, Jordi Fernandez is taking on Spain on Friday.
A key game against his home country. In addition, he will place on the opposite side of Sergio Scariolo, after working under the experienced tactician as an assistant coach of the senior national team of Spain from 2017 to 2019.
“They have a lot of experience. They are a group that played together for a long time. They know every single trick,” he focused on familiarity between the players of the next opponent, “We will be ready. We are excited to play them.”
“We were up for the challenge today,” Fernandez referred to defeating Australia on Tuesday, “After we get a little bit of rest, then we are gonna lock it into Spain. So with all that respect, we are gonna give our best effort to them.”
At 2-0, Canada has yet to clinch a berth in the knockout stage. Losing to Spain, potentially ranking third, and settling as the worst third-placed team across three groups is the only way out of the Olympic tournament.
“It is just another game for me,” mentioned the selector of the senior national team, “I bleed Canadian and all for Canada.”
On the other hand, Spain possibly being forced to 1-2 by Canada would directly potentially introduce much simpler elimination options.
“I have a lot of respect for Spain. I know the coach well, I know the program. They are awesome, great people, but at the end of the day, they are the rival,” stressed Fernandez, “We are playing here in the Olympics to make all the Canadians proud of the way we play. And right now the only thing we see is a rival in front of us, and that is what I see myself. Like I said, with a lot of respect, but we are gonna do our best.”
“I like the direction that we are taking”
In a similar situation ten months back, Canada advanced to the Quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup by defeating and eliminating Spain in Jakarta. Focused on the next step for Team Canada, Fernandez is determined to build on capturing bronze medals last summer.
“A team that has never played together, we have never had this group. And the guys are doing a great job with the uncertainty of lineups and have never been in this type of competition. But we can make up with other ways,” he said, “Talent is something given, but it is about work and effort. And one thing that I can tell you is our guys work and they play really hard. And I think that the purpose is what helps us win this game.”
“All these teams, Australia, Spain, like I said before, they know every single trick in the book. And we are not there yet. I think that in five, ten years from now, we want to be all the way to the top of the rankings,” furthered Fernandez, “Right now, we have to start at some point. And I like the direction that we are taking.”
Photo Credit: FIBA