Piraeus, Greece – Sasha Vezenkov, the reigning EuroLeague MVP, has publicly detailed a strained relationship with veteran coach Svetislav Pesic, stemming from their time together at FC Barcelona. The Olympiacos forward didn’t mince words when discussing his experiences under Pesic, stating he wouldn’t even offer a greeting to the Serbian coach despite acknowledging his accomplishments.
Vezenkov’s comments, made on the “Game On” podcast, shed light on a hard period during his tenure with Barcelona from 2017 to 2019. Although he currently stands as one of the EuroLeague’s premier players, his early career with the Catalan club didn’t unfold as anticipated. The Bulgarian international reflected on a situation that clearly continues to resonate with him years later.
“Generally, I don’t hold grudges and I endeavor to see what I did wrong,” Vezenkov said, as reported by BasketNews.com. “If I wasn’t on the level I should’ve been or could’ve been. I was going home and I was thinking of speaking straight to him. Tell him, ‘You’re being unfair to me,’ or that you are putting me through hardships.”
The core of the issue appears to stem from a perceived lack of opportunity and trust following Pesic’s arrival at Barcelona in February 2018. Vezenkov’s playing time diminished significantly. According to reports, his minutes in Spain’s Liga Endesa dropped from approximately 19 per game under Sito Alonso to just seven per game after Pesic took the helm.
Vezenkov emphasized his commitment to professionalism during this challenging time. “In my third year at Barcelona, some stuff happened with certain coaches. That year, the human relationships were tested. You may be treated unfairly, the coach may have a problem with you, but being patient and being a gentleman matters,” he explained. “I tried to prove myself in practices. Arriving first, leaving last. Being there for the coach, and if you don’t play me, OK. I’ll figure it out.”
Despite his efforts, the situation didn’t improve, leading to a lasting personal rift. Vezenkov acknowledged maintaining strong relationships with his former teammates, stating they “took care of me as one of the youngest players on the team” and remain close to this day. However, the same cannot be said for his relationship with Pesic.
“I still have great relationships with the guys I played there. We still talk a lot,” Vezenkov said. “We faced this coach recently. I can’t be two-faced. I won’t greet him, I won’t even say hello to him.” He conceded Pesic’s coaching prowess, adding, “As a coach, he’s a very good coach with successes.”
The situation highlights the complexities of coach-player dynamics, even at the highest levels of European basketball. While Vezenkov has flourished since leaving Barcelona, becoming a EuroLeague MVP with Olympiacos, the experience clearly left a mark. It’s a reminder that professional success doesn’t always equate to positive personal relationships, and that sometimes, bridges remain permanently burned.
For Vezenkov and Olympiacos, the focus now remains on defending their EuroLeague title. The team currently sits among the top contenders in the league, and Vezenkov’s continued stellar play will be crucial to their championship aspirations. The next challenge for Olympiacos is a road game against Panathinaikos on April 4th, a pivotal matchup in the EuroLeague standings.
Pesic, meanwhile, continues his coaching career, currently leading Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. His track record speaks for itself, with numerous championships and accolades throughout his distinguished career. However, the comments from Vezenkov serve as a stark reminder that even the most successful coaches can leave behind complicated legacies.
This situation underscores the importance of communication and mutual respect within a team environment. While differing opinions and strategic disagreements are inevitable, maintaining a professional and respectful relationship between players and coaches is often critical for achieving success. The Vezenkov-Pesic story is a cautionary tale of what can happen when those lines are crossed.
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