Real Madrid basketball coach Pedro Martínez is facing internal friction with club executives despite guiding the team to seven consecutive victories across domestic and European competitions. Catalunya Ràdio journalist Ernest Macià reported on the program ‘Tot Costa’ that relations between the head coach and the Real Madrid board are strained following an initial three-game losing streak in the EuroLeague. Macià stated that club officials are fed up, though sporting results are maintaining his position, and noted that no one can doubt Martínez in sporting terms after he led Real Madrid to the European Super Cup title and picked up a cruising speed much earlier than expected, despite starting with a low profile.
Board Frustrations Over Roster Management and Staff Relations
According to reports from Catalunya Ràdio, club officials are dissatisfied with Martínez’s interpersonal approach behind the scenes. Internal friction reportedly extends to interactions with players and the coaching staff since he took over the bench. Tensions reached a notable high point during recent efforts to sign a replacement for Gabriel Deck, who faces a lengthy absence after requiring surgery for a shoulder injury. Macià added that this is just one of many such cases experienced at Real Madrid since Martínez’s arrival, generating chaos within the club and revealing behaviors that sources say they had never seen with any other coach.
The Canceled NBA Cut Signing
The search for Deck’s replacement stalled following a disagreement involving the coaching staff. Sources indicate that Real Madrid had reached an agreement to sign a player recently cut by an NBA franchise.
Macià described the episode as indicative of broader internal discord, noting that while sporting results—including an undefeated domestic league run and a recovery in the EuroLeague following an opening 0/3 stretch—have kept Martínez in his position, the working dynamic remains unusual compared to previous managerial tenures.
Upcoming EuroLeague Schedule
Real Madrid carries its current winning streak into a busy European schedule following a victory against Maccabi in Belgrade. The club prepares for a demanding double-round week in the EuroLeague against Baskonia and Fenerbahçe as the team looks to solidify its position in the upper tier of the standings.
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