Ibon Navarro, the coach of Unicaja Málaga, reflects on his coaching philosophy and the emotional journey the team is experiencing this season with many new players. Despite the challenges posed by rebuilding, he emphasizes the importance of his role in enabling players to excel and foster teamwork for success. As Unicaja prepares to take on Real Madrid, Navarro acknowledges the comparisons fans make between the current squad and previous seasons, urging them to support the new project.

The upcoming Copa del Rey is a significant opportunity for Navarro and Unicaja to prove themselves, having secured seven titles since he took over in 2023. The coach is fully aware of the pressure from fans and media, but he remains focused on cultivating a positive environment for his players. This season's restructuring offers a chance for growth, and Navarro is keen on developing individual talents within the framework of a cohesive team.

As they head into the quarter-finals in Valencia, facing off against a familiar rival like Real Madrid, the stakes are high. The match on Sunday in ACB is a crucial precursor to this challenging encounter in Copa del Rey, and Navarro's leadership will be vital in guiding the team through this transitional phase. His assertion that "making others shine is a talent" underlines his commitment to nurturing the skills of each player, aiming for collective achievement and success in the tournament ahead.