Š. Jasikevičius after the loss blames himself: "Fenerbahce's coach did his job very poorly"
After the game, coach Šaras expressed disappointment over his team's performance and took responsibility for their lack of preparation.
Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius expressed deep disappointment following his team's loss, particularly highlighting the fact that opposing team's key players scored effectively during the game. He noted that this performance reflected poorly on his efforts as a coach, especially as he felt the team was ill-prepared within the short time frame they had prior to the match. Jasikevičius specifically pointed out statistics that demonstrated an alarming reflection of their game performance, suggesting a disconnect between expectations and results.
Jasikevičius also acknowledged the standout performance of Evan Fournier, who scored an impressive 36 points. The coach lamented that while their league rivals showcased effective scoring predominantly through their main players, his team struggled with defensive strategies. He emphasized that his team was not mentally ready to compete, citing a lack of belief amongst players that they could win against such formidable opponents, especially given their ongoing challenges.
The aftermath of this defeat raises questions regarding training protocols and mental preparedness for players in high-stake matches. Jasikevičius’ candid reflection on their shortcomings might indicate a pivotal moment for reevaluating team strategies moving forward. This defeat serves as a wake-up call for the coaching staff to address deeper issues impacting performance on the court, as they aim to rebuild confidence among players for future games.