Chus Mateo spoke to Cadena SER after his farewell to Real Madrid. Here are all his statements.
📌 Personal state:
“I’m fine, I’m calm, and there’s nothing else to say. Some things are out of your control. One thing I know for sure: I’ve been here for three years, I’ve given everything, and I can leave with my head held high.”
📌 Rumors about his future:
“It’s a bit sad because there were rumors from day one. There was never complete peace, but I learned to live with it. I always focused on the team and ignored the outside noise, compensating with hard work. Debating results makes no sense; you need to understand that they just wanted a change, and you leave with your head held high.”
📌 Fear of leaving even after winning:
“I was afraid I would leave even if I won. I heard rumors before the playoffs, but then you win the league and think those rumors might be unfounded, especially with another year on your contract. I was hired to continue a project that, I believe, wasn’t going badly. We kept the momentum from Pablo Laso’s era, and that continuity was bringing results. I don’t want to overthink the decision, and I can only appreciate the good work we did: two ACB titles with 3-0 sweeps, three trophies last year, a EuroLeague title. These will stay in my memory, at the club I love, the club of my life.”
📌 How the departure was communicated:
“Three days ago, I was told I would not continue, and Juan Carlos Sánchez was the one who informed me. I didn’t want to ask too many questions, even though he told me he wished he didn’t have to say it. I hope the titles continue in the future because I am Real Madrid, and I will always be.”
📌 Future plans:
“I would like to keep coaching, but I need to sort things out first because it’s a shock. That’s how this profession is, and I will have options to stay in basketball. I felt a special responsibility at Real Madrid, needing to represent the club with dignity. I also liked coaching without raising my voice, keeping things calm.”
📌 Interest in coaching Spain NT:
“How could I not like coaching the Spanish national team? Of course, I would. Just as I would like coaching other clubs. There are many top coaches in Spain, it’s really incredible.”
📌 Reflecting on his time at Real:
“I always tried to put wins and losses in perspective because that’s what sports are. My family supported me, and they know this can happen. Results justify the work, and we won six titles, half of what we played for. Being the fourth coach with the most titles and games in charge of Real Madrid makes me proud.”
📌 Defending Hezonja:
“Mario doesn’t hold back like others who value certain things. He is very forward-thinking. He said what he felt in that moment, and I don’t think it has anything to do with this, absolutely nothing.”
📌 On Florentino Pérez:
“Florentino Pérez and I greeted each other during the celebrations, but nothing more came from him. I didn’t receive any message or communication from him. I don’t like dwelling on these things, and I want to look ahead. I don’t like judging how others act.”
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