Since taking over Monaco in mid-December, Sasa Obradovic has managed to make the team a legit playoff contender.
The 53-year-old head coach spoke with Hedge Out about his time with the team, the relationship with star guard Mike James, the tough schedule in the EuroLeague and more.
Here is what Sasa Obradovic said in an exclusive interview with Hedge Out:
On whether the team is ready for the final part of the season: You never know if you are completely ready for a game. This is the beauty of the sport. During the game, how prepared you are, mentally and physically. You never say this in advance.
The mood is ok, we know what every game in the EuroLeague means, we gonna be there, be smart.
The schedule is not easy for us, we face all big teams in that part of the season. Other factors, like injuries, can also affect us. You always miss someone. Now, everything matters. In the EuroLeague, every game is important, every gamer matters.
On his differences with former head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic: Different philosophy, different ideas. Before coming in, I think the main issue was the lack of communication.
Some people maybe had higher expectations and when they didn’t get them, there was frustration, chemistry issues and not a good atmosphere. And that reflected in the game.
My goal was to give clear roles to the players. I had to make changes to the rotation, to find chemistry. Some guys don’t fit to my philosophy, their character is not so easy to handle.
So far, we have created good relationships and that’s my biggest success so far. The players are on the same page, they are listening to each other.
@ASMonaco_Basket head coach Sasa Obradovic praises his players for their performance in second quarter vs @FBBasketbol #rocateam #euroleague #euroleaguebasketball #monaco #everygamematters pic.twitter.com/5amYrHQvHt — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) February 27, 2022
On his relationship with star guard Mike James: He has a strong character, he is a big player. Sometimes he does what he wants to do on the floor, but we trust his instinct.
Mike helps us, he is a key player. I have given him a bigger role, more responsibilities, he has improved his leadership skills. I have a special relationship with him, which helps us both a lot.
On whether he enjoys life in Monaco: With this kind of schedule, you can’t enjoy it that much. I am not here to have good time in the city, even though Monaco is a great city/country to live.
But, with the EuroLeague schedule, you always have to spend your time preparing for the next game. Yet, I love to be in that situation, with high expectations and a great project.
On the upoming schedule and Monaco maintaining a playoff push: EuroLeague has become more interesting, more unpredictable, especially with the tough schedule and everything that is happening (Covid-19, etc).
Games are great to watch, the quality is the highest, we also try to play at the same level in all competitions (EuroLeague, domestic leagues).
Before coming here, the team had no goal to reach the Top 8. Now, though, we are still alive and we will try until the end to advance to the playoffs.
Sasa Obradovic and Monaco now have their sights set on the upcoming EuroLeague clash with reigning champions Anadolu Efes (March 11).
Currently at 14-14, they are eighth in the standings and want to remain within the playoff zone. With four of their remaining five games at home, Sasa Obradovic and his players know that protecting Salle Gaston Medecin will let them advance to the postseason.
Photo: Norbert Scanella/Panoramic
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