Roberto Íñiguez commits to Spar Girona squad following EuroLeague exit
Spar Girona head coach Roberto Íñiguez has confirmed that all players and coaching staff will remain with the club following their elimination from the EuroLeague. Addressing reports of instability after the team’s 69-81 defeat to Emlak Konut in the qualifying phase, Íñiguez stated that the group remains focused on the upcoming Lliga Femenina Endesa season.
“The team is fine; everyone will stay, they want to continue and achieve our goals,” Íñiguez said during a press conference ahead of Saturday’s league opener against Movistar Estudiantes. The coach pushed back against external speculation regarding the team’s internal chemistry, characterizing the criticisms as “nonsense from hyenas that always appear when they smell blood.”
Preparation for the Movistar Estudiantes matchup
Íñiguez emphasized that the team must shift its focus from the disappointment of the European exit to the domestic league, noting that the transition requires “silence and humility.”
Tactically, the coach acknowledged that the team’s performance against Emlak Konut suffered from an excess of intensity rather than disciplined execution. “We have to be better ourselves. We have to correct errors and things we are doing wrong,” Íñiguez explained. He highlighted the need for his players to understand when to play with aggression and when to remain a “solid wall” defensively, particularly in managing the three-point line and the paint against an Estudiantes side he described as physically challenging.
Marija Lekovic returns as Axelle Merceron recovers
The Spar Girona roster will receive a boost for Saturday’s game with the return of Marija Lekovic. The player was sidelined for the previous match against Emlak Konut due to a mild ankle sprain sustained during training.
Regarding long-term injuries, Íñiguez provided an update on Axelle Merceron, who is recovering from a Grade 3 sprain and ligament rupture. While the injury was initially feared to be season-ending, surgery was avoided. The medical team is currently targeting November for her return to moderate impact training. Laura Quevedo, who played through plantar fascia discomfort in the recent EuroLeague qualifier, is expected to be available for the weekend’s fixture.
Focus on team development and internal culture
Íñiguez defended his management style, reiterating his commitment to honesty with his players. He noted that the current squad faces challenges in terms of depth and experience compared to previous years, making the development of team chemistry a priority.
“We have a team that has to be built. It takes time,” he said. The coach emphasized that his primary role involves connecting with players individually to address their specific needs. He cited the importance of building relationships as the foundation for future success, stating that his goal is to help the group improve both as individuals and as a cohesive unit throughout the season.
