"Zvezda Must Win the EuroLeague Derby!" Are Spanish Coaches a Breath of Fresh Air or Expensive Smoke and Mirrors? /VIDEO/
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Sportal's journalists engaged in a lively debate over the influx of Spanish tacticians across Serbian sports, leading both Eternal Rivals in basketball, taking the helm at FK Crvena zvezda, and directing Serbia's national handball team...
Unsurprisingly, the marquee topic was the upcoming EuroLeague derby, with Partizan hosting Crvena zvezda on Thursday night (20:45 CET).
Zvezda look like derby winners
This is a pivotal moment that could define the season. We are already at round seven, practically one-fifth through the regular campaign. If Zvezda move to 5-2, it sets them up for a much smoother run over the next month. On the other hand, if Partizan slip to 3-4 with two tough away fixtures on the horizon, they will face an uphill battle. Zvezda must win! And objectively, Zvezda look capable of taking the victory, despite bookmakers heavily favoring Partizan... Old School
It's a Spanish sporting world, and we're just living in it...
Spanish sports have enjoyed a massive boom for years, and now Iberian coaches are making their mark in Serbia. Joan Peñarroya and Ibon Navarro are steering the basketball Eternal Rivals, Albert Riera manages Red Star's football squad, and Raúl González leads the national handball team. Our journalists remain divided on the Spanish tactical invasion, though the consensus leans favorably toward the Iberian experts.
They bring something distinct to the table; they make a difference. They introduce the Spanish philosophy, which is a proven winning formula. It’s no fluke that they dominate everywhere. Curiously, in football, Spaniards aren't currently managing Real, Barca, or Atletico, which is a rarity in itself. Yet across the EuroLeague, half the benches are occupied by Spanish tacticians. Whichever way you look at it, the Spanish blueprint rules. Spaniards simply know how to win, end of story... Old School
Crvena zvezda won't lose to Copenhagen!
Crvena zvezda host Copenhagen on Thursday (18:45 CET) in Matchday 2 of the Conference League, eager to bounce back from an agonizing 3-2 defeat to Lugano in their group opener. Their opponents are familiar foes, bringing back memories of that epic clash at Parken Stadium where Zvezda punched their Champions League ticket after a Hitchcockian penalty shootout...
What starting lineup will Riera field? It's anyone's guess. Will Zvezda settle for a draw, which might suit them right now? No. Regardless of the circumstances, Zvezda always play to win. The real question is how viable that is against such a well-drilled opponent. The gut feeling remains that Zvezda won't walk away with a defeat... Old School
Heartbreaking to see what Saša Ilić is enduring, European football looks distant for Partizan
FK Partizan was another major topic of discussion. The "Steamroller" is mired in crisis once again this season, looking worse than they have in years with a mere 11 points—trailing their bitterest rivals by a staggering 23 points. Saša Ilić has been put on the front line, seemingly destined to become yet another burned-out club legend, while European qualification fades into a distant mirage.
It is painful to watch Saša Ilić struggle on the bench of his beloved club. The current predicament is unfair to him; being the public face leaves him exposed to blame he does not deserve, either personally or professionally. He is essentially serving as a shield for directors who refuse to take accountability. European qualification looks like a massive hurdle for Partizan. Zvezda are out of reach, Vojvodina look superior in every way this season, and both Železničar and IMT have already built a substantial lead over the Black-and-Whites... Old School
Video: Saša Ilić's post-match comments following the defeat in Pančevo
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