Nenad Trajkovic, former Dusko Ivanovic assistant coach at Virtus Bologna, gave an interview to Basketball Sphere in which he discussed Virtus’ latest season. Here is an excerpt from his comments.
Virtus’ collapse.
“Pajola got injured and then Luca Vildoza also got injured, so practically we no longer had either a point guard or good defense. The intensity dropped, Edwards started playing point guard because we had no one else, apart from Daniel Hackett, who is older, and then everything fell apart.”
Nenad Trajkovic then continued:
“Pajola also brought a high level of intensity to practices with his defense, which was important because Dusko is very demanding during practices as well. He insists that everyone plays defense, while some stars had started taking practices lightly. Dusko Ivanovic did not allow that, and the team chemistry broke down.
When the most expensive player does not give what he is supposed to give, it creates bad energy and a poor atmosphere. Ivanovic did not allow him to play the kind of basketball he wanted, but rather the kind Dusko wanted. That is where all the chaos came from.”
Dusko Ivanovic’s departure.
“It ended the way it ended and Dusko left. He was not fired, he left. I was not particularly surprised because I know who Dusko Ivanovic is. He is a great coach with great authority. He does not compromise on his demands or his character. I was not surprised that it happened. When he left, I immediately resigned and left with him.”
Virtus’ budget.
“Virtus did not have a sufficiently high budget, especially compared to the previous season, when it was significantly higher. Important players left, while others arrived who were not at the same level. The message for every team playing in the EuroLeague is that it is impossible to compete in this league with 10 quality players.”
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