Tartu Bigbank officially announced the dismissal of head coach Alar Rikberg after his unfavorable remarks about the team's players and captain were made public. This decision comes on the heels of Rikberg's comments, which were perceived as inconsistent with the club's values and team culture. The club emphasized the need for respect between players and coaches and indicated that any internal issues should be resolved within the club itself.

The controversy followed a disappointing weekend for Tartu Bigbank, who lost the bronze match in the Baltic League to Võru Barrus with a score of 0:3, finishing in fourth place in the league. Rikberg's public critique of his players came shortly after this loss, which may have contributed to the club's decision to terminate his contract. Tartu Bigbank expressed that the current situation does not reflect the quality or values expected of the organization and aims to maintain a positive team environment.

This dismissal may have broader implications for the coaching staff and the team moving forward, as Tartu Bigbank will likely be looking for a new head coach who aligns with their commitment to a respectful and supportive team culture. The situation highlights the importance of communication and the potential consequences of public criticism within sports organizations, underscoring the need for leaders to foster a constructive atmosphere even in challenging times.