"Ask Teodosić about reinforcements!" Navarro discusses the hellish schedule awaiting Red Star until New Year's
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The atmosphere at the Red Star training sessions is fantastic, energy levels are at their peak, and players are gradually returning to full training. However, the Spanish coach is keen to temper expectations. While fans dream of trophies and big wins at the start of the EuroLeague season, Navarro is keeping everyone grounded.
One of the main topics during the pre-season has been managing the team's energy. The Red Star strategist is well aware of the grueling schedule awaiting them in the first part of the season, with games coming thick and fast.
I'm not looking beyond tomorrow! It's impossible to think about what awaits us at the end of September or in December. We're taking it one step at a time. We have 33 games from September 24th to December 30th! Imagine that – 33 matches in just three months! Last season, we played 34 EuroLeague games over nine months, and now we're playing 33 in three months. The rhythm is completely different, and we have to adapt.Ibon Navarro
Therefore, a philosophy of minute distribution is crucial for surviving this brutal schedule and preventing injuries, which have cost the club dearly in previous years.
When asked by journalists how he plans to implement a philosophy where players spend between 20 and 23 minutes on the court, and how difficult it is to convince top-tier stars to accept such a role, Navarro clarified his tactical vision:
It's not about a strict mathematical rule. It all depends on how much a player can give on the court at full intensity. If they can maintain that rhythm for 20 to 22 minutes, that's it. Sometimes it will be 28 minutes, sometimes less. The most important thing is to have players who are ready to give their maximum at any moment, prevent injuries, and put the team before individual performance.Ibon Navarro
Former Red Star player Nikola Kalinić unexpectedly ended his playing career and joined the coaching staff.
Nikola doesn't have coaching experience, that's clear, but what he brings is invaluable modern playing experience. He provides us with a huge amount of information, direct feedback from the court, and an understanding of everything we're trying to establish within the team. His role is extremely important for locker room stability.Ibon Navarro
Inquisitive journalists didn't miss the opportunity to ask the new coach about potential reinforcements and whether Red Star had finished their business in the transfer market. However, Navarro simply deflected the question to the club's management.
Regarding reinforcements and the playing squad, you can freely ask Miloš (Teodosić) about that. I'm just the coach.Ibon Navarro
Finally, Navarro reflected on life in Belgrade and the unwavering support the team receives from its fans.
I feel a great passion and love from the people in the team, the club, and the city. Belgrade is a great city, comfortable, beautiful, with a rich history. The fans are one of the most important things this club has, and their support gives us strength for everything that's to come.Ibon Navarro
VIDEO: What incredible support Serbia has! Kalinić, Bogdanović, Marinković, Petrušev, and Mitrović watch the game from the front row.
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