Zvezda sports director: 'We live with problems fans know nothing about' / News - Basketnews.com

Crvena Zvezda sports director Milan Dozet revealed that many players are usually battling injuries that are not being reported in the media. He expects Luca Vildoza to be an integral part of the team.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragan Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragan Stjepanovic

Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade have started the EuroLeague season with four losses in a row. This week, they are battling against FC Bayern Munich who are also winless so far.

Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade / Schedule

Real Madrid Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade72-56 Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade FC Bayern MunichFri17:00

Milan Dozet is the sports director of the Serbian club, responsible for many of the signings this summer and the overall composition of the team. He admitted to Mozzart Sport that the team is not where he envisions it to be but at the same time he wants fans to be reasonable.

"We live with these problems that fans don't know much about. Not because we are hiding something but because our job is to solve these problems on a daily basis from doctors, physiotherapists, professional staff, and the head coach," he explained. "On Monday, I heard a question, for example, why Dalibor Ilic didn't get a better chance, without knowing that he had an injured finger, that he was wearing a brace, and did not train for seven days."

"It is not even known that other players also asked for changes due to nagging injuries, and yet they went on the court," Dozet continued. "The doctors told Stefan Markovic that he should take a break but he played those two games and threw himself on the field with a dislocated finger. He wanted to play again against Panathinaikos at his own risk, aware of the importance of that game."

The team welcomed a new addition to the roster last week as Luca Vildoza arrived after not capturing the NBA dream outside the Atlantic.

Talking about the newcomer, Dozet explained that receiving a high-class player in his prime will be very beneficial in the long run. He also revealed a story about Vildoza striving to appear on the court as soon as possible.

"Before coming to Belgrade, where he did one practice session with the team, and at his own insistence traveled with the team on a double week, he traveled halfway around the world," the sports director told. "From Abu Dhabi to Milwaukee, then back to Vitoria, then to Belgrade, and from Belgrade straight back to Spain. Due to a long break from competitive play, Luca reported leg cramps at halftime of the match with Real."

The match between Crvena Zvezda and Bayern Munich is scheduled for 19:00 CET on Friday. Head coach Vladimir Jovanovic earlier revealed that Nemanja Nedovic is progressing towards returning, while Jaylen Adams is sidelined with an illness.

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.