Spahija criticizes Candi’s national team situation: Not right for him to be there without playing

Reyer Venezia opened its preseason with an 83-78 victory over Gesteco Cividale at the Taliercio. The first test offered positive indications for Neven Spahija, although the head coach knows there is still plenty of work to do before the start of the season.

Neven Spahija: “We are still two levels below where we want to be”

Speaking to Il Gazzettino, Spahija explained that the team is not yet at the desired level, also because of the heavy workload during preseason.

“We are still two levels below how we would like to play,” the Reyer coach said, stressing that the current stage of preparation must be viewed in that context.

Boakye and Parks lead Reyer Venezia

Boakye and Jordan Parks finished as Reyer Venezia’s top scorers with 17 points apiece, while Rice added 12 points.

Spahija was particularly pleased with the performances of the younger players. “Boakye has a lot of future,” he said, while praising Rice’s qualities: “Rice has enormous talent and a great feel for basketball.”

Maretto and Grant also provided positive signs during the opening preseason test.

Spahija waiting for Venezia’s national team players

Reyer Venezia is still waiting for Tessitori, Candi, Wiltjer and Olinde to return from their respective national teams.

Spahija highlighted the difficulty of managing players who will come back from international duty at different stages of physical and mental preparation.

“I don’t know when I will have the national team players back. Then we will have to evaluate their physical and mental condition, understand what level they are at, and some of them will need days of rest,” he explained.

Spahija criticizes Candi’s situation with Italy

The Reyer coach also addressed Leonardo Candi’s current situation with the Italian national team, questioning the value of keeping a player with the squad if he is not going to play.

“It is not right for Candi to be with the national team without playing, just to sit on the stands. But it is something I have already discussed, and there are many coaches who think the same way,” Spahija said.

 

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Reyer Venezia, next preseason test against Verona

Reyer Venezia will continue its preseason schedule on September 5, when Spahija’s team will face Verona in its next test as preparations for the 2026-27 season continue.