For him, who is not the biggest fan of press conferences, the exercise becomes even more difficult given the situation of his Asvel, defeated five times in the last six matches in all competitions, including a setback against the promoted Saint-Quentin (71-91) and one in Nanterre, Sunday (81-85).
A position not yet untenable, but very uncomfortable for the second budget of the elite (21 million euros, far behind Monaco -27.5- but far ahead of all the rest of the elite). Which, inevitably, weakens TJ Parker, the Villeurbanne coach, under contract until 2026, but on whom the pressure intensifies day after day.
“Asvel continues to collect a lot of points and lose. Is the team sick?
I wouldn’t say that, because there were still positives tonight, in terms of intensity. She was there. But we need to bring it back more often, more consistently over the duration of the match. And no matter who comes off the bench, they must raise their commitment to the same level as the five on the court. Afterwards, Nanterre made difficult shots, we missed easy things, free throws at the end…
Why did Nando De Colo only come into play after returning from the locker room?
We have a lot of matches coming up, we also want to give confidence to other players. We have an expanded workforce, we have to be careful. We know what Nando’s can bring us, at any time. We started the match well, that’s a shame. At +15 (36-21, 14th), we have to be better, control the tempo. We hold them to 23 points in 15 minutes, then they score 17 in 5 minutes. It is unacceptable. Returning to the locker room at +3 or +15 is not the same match.
“We must help players to be better, to better express their potential”
How did you experience the pivotal decision to expel De Colo for a second technical foul, after a 3-point shot 150 seconds from the buzzer?
I’m not a referee, but for me, there was a foul on the shot. We must protect the player. Nando is not the type to “flop” (exaggerate a fall), we know that when we know his career. This is very severe, especially since a second technique is equivalent to expulsion.
A difficult week awaits you in the Euroleague, with two matches against Fenerbahçe and Efes Istanbul…
We must not look down but up. Every match is important.
When Asvel is going badly, eyes systematically turn to you. Have you had enough?
We are a team, we are together. Of course, I take some responsibility for what happens to us, I’m the coach. We must help players to be better, to better express their potential. It’s difficult to take these defeats. But they are still good, they train well. And they try to bring that back to the field every night.
Can you assess your share of responsibility in this difficult period?
You have to give credit to Nanterre, they put in some big shots. For my part, if there is one thing to say or do, it is to continue working, always working.
What are the short and medium term levers?
Work, make video. Looking at yourself is essential. And keep moving forward.
“We must continue to work”
Do you feel weakened?
I don’t want to talk about my personal situation. I’m focusing on the next match. Afterwards, what has to happen happens…
Is your message still getting across?
I do not wish to answer this question. The players put in the energy. Remember there is another team on the field.
Are the US players signed this summer at the expected level?
We are a new team. These players have the talent, but it’s not the same basketball, it takes time to adapt. We know we don’t have too much. We must win. But these are the choices that have been made and we will deal with them.
Observers judged Asvel to be better than last year, which is not verified on the ground. What do you think ?
That we must continue to work.
You already have fourteen professional contracts (out of sixteen maximum). Do you need reinforcement?
We must continue to work. »
