"We're Still Looking for Two More Players!" Peñarroya on Partizan's Market Challenges and Team Philosophy for the Upcoming Season: The Getafe Match as the Best Example for Our Newcomers
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Partizan has almost completely revamped its roster this summer compared to last season, with many new faces joining Joan Peñarroya's squad. In an interview with "Mozzart Sport," the Spanish coach revealed that securing new player signings was far from easy, but he is satisfied with the club's market moves and the profile of the players brought in.
"I know fans were anxious early in the summer because players were only leaving, and no one was arriving, but we worked quietly and waited for the right moments. The hardest part was convincing players that Partizan is a great place for them. Everyone in Europe loves our atmosphere, but it's not easy to play here under pressure. Due to a few months last season, many players in Europe didn't have the best perception of Partizan. The biggest job was to convince them that they can play good basketball and advance their careers in Belgrade," Peñarroya stated, adding: "Our budget is good, but it's not the biggest in the EuroLeague, so we had to win them over with our project and persuasion. It wasn't easy; some players we tried to sign went to other clubs, but we've assembled an ambitious team ready to fight. The most important thing is that we've signed good workers, good teammates, and guys who genuinely want to play for Partizan and sacrifice for this club."
The Spanish coach, along with the entire team, attended Partizan's football match against Getafe in the Conference League qualifiers, a game he highlighted as the best possible example of what fans expect from the black-and-whites' players.
"Our main ambition is to fight. Our goal is that after every game, whether we win or lose, the fans applaud the players just as they did at the football match against Getafe. That was a great example for our new players – they saw that fans appreciate it when you give your all on the field for 90 minutes. If we stay healthy and play tough, we can compete with anyone. It wouldn't be smart to promise a Final Four, but we'll go game by game with the aim of fighting and competing against everyone," Peñarroya emphasized.
The Spaniard also revealed that Partizan's transfer window isn't closed yet, with two more reinforcements expected.
"We are looking for a player at the small forward/shooting guard position and another big man, a power forward or power forward/center option, who can stretch the floor with his shooting. The market isn't easy right now, but we mustn't panic. I'd rather wait and stay calm than hastily bring someone in just to fill a spot," Peñarroya said, also mentioning that they are looking at the NBA market.
VIDEO: Partizan basketball players arrive at JNA: See who will be cheering on the black-and-whites!
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