Zalgiris-Sylvain Francisco, it’s crisis time. What’s going on?

Sylvain Francisco
Sylvain Francisco EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano - Zalgiris Kaunas Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2024-25 Milano, 17/10/2024 Foto ClaudioDegaspari // Ciamillo-Castoria

A big name in the EuroLeague ready to return to the market?

A big name in the EuroLeague ready to return to the market? Not impossible if we’re talking about Sylvain Francisco, EuroLeague MVP for October, but now at the center of a controversy in Kaunas.

Last night, Zalgiris lost 85-92 at home to Panathinaikos, Francisco scored only 3 points, and coach Tomas Masiulis had harsh words in the press room.

“We will try to understand it internally, among ourselves,” Masiulis commented in the post-game press conference when asked if Francisco had struggled with himself or if it was Panathinaikos’ strong defense. The coach admitted that during the games there were obvious emotional exchanges between Francisco and the staff.

“This is a new experience for me. I didn’t think things like this could happen, but apparently they can. I have to deal with them, and it’s a challenge for me. We try to find solutions, we discuss how to get the best out of the player for the team. All players have to play for the team, not for themselves. This is essential, but sometimes it’s difficult to get across,” Masiulis explained.

Rumor has it that Francisco refused to return to the court in the fourth quarter: “I don’t want to comment on the matter. We will resolve everything internally, and we believe that we will move forward and be better after this game.” In short, the wound seems deep, however sudden.

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