After Bigbank Tartu's disappointing performance, where they secured a bronze medal in the Baltic League, head coach Alar Rikberg expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance, directly blaming his players for their shortcomings. This public criticism did not sit well with the club's management, which ultimately led to Rikberg being dismissed from his position as head coach. Rikberg's comments suggested that he felt the team lacked the capability to win the Estonian championship, even under his leadership.

In an interview with Tartu Postimees, Rikberg elaborated on the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, stating that the situation escalated significantly due to the team's poor performance and his subsequent criticisms. The backlash from the club illustrates the tension that can arise when coaches openly criticize their players, especially in the wake of a disappointing season. Rikberg’s unfiltered remarks pointed to deeper issues within the team dynamics and performance levels, raising questions about morale and the willingness to improve.

Looking ahead, Rikberg mentioned his plans for the future and his desire to bounce back from this setback. While he acknowledged the challenges of managing a team with high expectations, he remains confident in his coaching abilities and aims to find a new opportunity in the sport. This situation not only highlights the challenges faced by coaches in high-pressure environments but also underscores the significant role that player performance plays in a team's success, or lack thereof.