Dusko Ivanovic: 'This is not a social institution to please someone' / News - Basketnews.com

Newly-appointed Crvena Zvezda head coach Dusko Ivanovic was disappointed with the mental approach of some of his players. When asked about the five-hour practice session he recently held, the Montenegrin specialist started joking.

Credit: Nikola Krstic/MB Media / Getty Images Europe Credit Nikola Krstic/MB Media / Getty Images Europe

Dusko Ivanovic stepped on the field as the new head coach of Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade last evening. In a tough game against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, the Serbian club edged out a win in front of home fans.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Nikola Ivanovic Points 16 Accuracy 3-5 Rebounds 2 Assists 3

Talking about his debut after the game, the Montenegrin specialist was happy with the victory but emphasized the mental attitude of some of his players.

"I saw that some players fell mentally when the opponent hit some distant three-pointers. Well, that must never happen! I'm not talking about the opponent's shots being hit, it always happens, however, we must never mentally fall and stop to believe in victory," the coach told.

"Before I came, I watched the games, and I saw that the boys are tough. They are physically tough. There are players who are mentally tough, and there are players who are mentally soft," Ivanovic said. "With some exceptions, every team in the EuroLeague can beat anyone, the difference is in mental strength."

Asked about using all 12 players during the match, Ivanovic provided a straightforward answer.

"This is not a social institution to please someone. Everything will depend on the opponent and the situation on the field," he explained.

After getting hired by the Serbian club, many players came out on social media remembering their experiences working with Ivanovic, most notably Nik Stauskas claiming that the specialist sucked out all the joy in basketball and is the sole reason for him never wanting to come to play in Europe again.

The Montenegrin coach reportedly held a five-hour practice session recently. Asked to comment on whether this will be a frequent feature in Zvezda's calendar, the coach joked.

"Well... no. I said it wasn't five hours of training but six and a half," he concluded the press conference with a lough.

Next week, a match against ALBA Berlin awaits the Serbian club in the first of two games during the EuroLeague double week. Two days later, Zvezda will welcome Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Belgrade on Thursday.

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