A “crazy” market
Joan Peñarroya spent the summer practically rebuilding Partizan from scratch, in a market he described as particularly complicated.
“I tried to rest and enjoy a good holiday, but a normal holiday for a coach is not easy because you have to follow the market and build a new team, a new roster. The market was very difficult for us, especially this summer. It was crazy because of the large number of teams. However, at this moment I am satisfied with our roster. I think we have good players, experience, but also players who are new at this level, have talent and want to improve,” Peñarroya said.
“At the moment, we don’t have a team yet”
Partizan changed a large part of its roster during the summer, and the group now needs to develop into a real team.
“At the moment, we don’t have a team yet. We are trying to build a real team and our new character. We want to show the fans in a few days what our character is and how we want to compete. I am satisfied because we have trained very well over the past two weeks, with excellent intensity. The guys are working very well and I think we are currently in a good moment”.
Injuries have complicated preparations
The preseason has not been without problems. Some players have dealt with injuries, while others joined the team later, meaning Peñarroya has only been able to work with almost the entire roster together this week.
“It is clear that we have had some problems with the players. Some did not play, we had the situation with Kevarrius, there were injuries, and some players arrived later. This is practically the first week in which we can more or less all train together, and I think we are currently in a good moment”.
The first test in front of the fans
Partizan will take part in the Open Air Tournament, providing another opportunity to build chemistry and, above all, introduce the new-look team to its supporters.
“I expect a very nice experience, especially for our players, so they can get to know our fans. This is the first moment when we can show the fans the new faces and our new character. It is not the time to think about whether we will win or lose the game. Obviously, we want to win, but we have to use these games as very good practices”.
“At Partizan, fighting is mandatory”
Peñarroya has repeatedly emphasized the importance of character, which he considers essential for anyone playing for Partizan.
“During the previous six months, I had the opportunity to learn about Partizan’s history and its character. I explained to the players that it is mandatory for us to have a very strong character. We have to fight, not only in games but also in practices. It doesn’t matter if someone plays two or ten minutes. It doesn’t matter if we win or lose. On the court, we have to fight, we have to play together and show the fans that this is our idea as a team”.
The Spanish coach knows, however, that intensity alone will not be enough.
“That is mandatory because our fans love that kind of character, but it is not enough. We also have to play basketball. In the EuroLeague and ABA League, it is very difficult to be competitive. I think we have good workers, good teammates, experience, but also new guys who want to show that they have the level required to compete in the EuroLeague and ABA League. At this moment, we are satisfied”.
The roster is still not complete
The work on the roster is not finished yet. Peñarroya had previously spoken about the need to add one or two more players, and his position has not changed.
“The market is currently very, very difficult. Obviously, because I already said that we have to add one or two players. At the moment, we only have 13 professional players on the roster, so we have to add more players. But we have to find good players, and the market is not easy at the moment”.
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