Ibon Navarro, the coach of Unicaja Málaga, recently spoke about his coaching philosophy and the challenges faced with a significant roster change this season. With seven titles to his name since 2023, Navarro emphasized the emotional attachment of fans to the previous team, which has made the transition more challenging. He acknowledged the comparisons that fans are making and suggested that the current project should not be evaluated against the past, as it is still in the process of building and solidifying its identity.

Navarro is preparing for a crucial period as Unicaja Málaga defends their title in the Copa del Rey, with the quarter-finals set to take place against Madrid. This matchup is particularly significant as they are also set to face the same opponent in the ACB league this weekend. Navarro's approach involves not only focusing on winning but also on fostering an environment where players can thrive individually and collectively. He believes that creating a team where all members contribute to each other's success is essential for long-term achievements.

As Unicaja Málaga embarks on this busy schedule, Navarro is optimistic about the potential of his revamped squad. He is keen on leveraging the new players' strengths while building a cohesive unit that can perform at a high level during the Copa del Rey. His insightful leadership style, centered on collaboration and mutual support, aims to not only achieve titles but also to instill a sense of collective purpose within the team, reinforcing the idea that making others shine is a true mark of talent and success in coaching.