Baskonia coach Paolo Galbiati offered a self-critical analysis of the defeat against Valencia Basket, highlighting the challenges posed by the Valencian team and identifying areas for improvement to be competitive in this type of encounter.
“Playing against Valencia is very difficult,” Galbiati began, emphasizing the intense pace of the game, the quality of their shooters and their physical dominance. In this regard, the Italian coach recognized that Baskonia was not at the required level in the first half: “We lacked physical condition in the first half and communication in certain situations during the second. »
For the coach, the key issue was a lack of cohesion in the team: “The problem, for me, is that we need all the players to be on the same page, and today they weren’t. »
Galbiati was also positive about Kobi Simmons, who was signed until the end of the season, highlighting his impact both on and off the court. “He’s a really good guy, important on the pitch and in the locker room. He has talent, size, and playmaking ability. We are very happy that he finishes the season with us,” he said, appreciating his continued presence in the team.
He also mentioned Omoruyi, who also arrived under a temporary contract, highlighting his energy and his offensive contribution: “He played a very good match, with a lot of energy. He has some offensive qualities, a good basketball IQ… he brings us more weapons. »
The Basque coach wanted to put the defeat in context, recalling his team’s ability to bounce back in recent weeks. “We lost an incredible match against Barça which could have undermined the confidence of the players, but we reacted immediately in Málaga. In the first twelve minutes we let Valencia do what she wanted, but we imposed ourselves again. »
Galbiati praised the opponent’s fitness level, calling them “one of the fittest teams in the EuroLeague”, putting their recent setbacks into perspective due to the circumstances surrounding them. “We lost at home against one of the most in-form teams in the EuroLeague. Okay, they lost last week in Israel, but it was a strange and difficult match, you know why. And then to Murcia, after a long trip. Valencia is a very good team, and today we showed that we are close. We need something more; we will work to close this gap and win these kinds of matches. »
Paolo Galbiati: “We need all the players to be on the same wavelength.”
