Jasikevicius compares Barcelona players to peacocks, questions refereeing decisions / News - Basketnews.com

After the loss against Zalgiris Kaunas, FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius wasn't happy with his players' mindset before and during the game.

Credit: D.Lukšta Credit D.Lukšta

FC Barcelona (2-2) concluded their double-round week with an unexpected loss against Zalgiris Kaunas (2-2), and head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius was disappointed with his players' mindset before the game.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Edgaras Ulanovas Points 15 Accuracy 6-11 Rebounds 7 Assists 2

"Congratulations to Zalgiris. I think they fought more, they were a more motivated team," Jasikevicius admitted. "It's obvious that we didn't do the job as a coaching staff to make [players] believe that Zalgiris is different this year. The coach always has to take responsibility in this department."

Barcelona had their opportunities to win the game, but in the last two possessions, Blaugrana players looked a bit hesitant. Jasikevicius didn't want to elaborate but admitted that the visitors had their chances.

"My job is to create opportunities. It seemed that 3 or 4 players could have taken a shot. I don't know. The last possessions were great, but [I] have to take the responsibility," said Jasikevicius.

"We lost because we underestimated the opponent. We entered the court like peacocks," Jasikevicius added bluntly.

Rokas Jokubaitis finished the game with 10 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 14 PIR. Asked whether the 21-year-old is currently the best Barcelona point guard, Jasikevicius didn't want to praise Jokubaitis too much.

"I don't think so. I don't know. Everything looks good, it's just the fact that Rokas understands the most.

In those two last possessions, I wanted Rokas to drive to the basket because during the timeouts, I couldn't convince my team that we were playing against the switch-all defense. All we did was try to look for Vesely. However, Rokas brought some life with his drives," Jasikevicius said.

The 46-year-old Lithuanian coach repeated himself about underestimating Zalgiris but also commented on some of the refereeing decisions.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

FC Bayern Munich FC Barcelona73-84 Zalgiris Kaunas FC Barcelona73-72

"I couldn't convince my team that every game is different. Our heads were not working, and when you leave everything for the last seconds, every moment counts," said Jasikevicius. "We can't be happy with two 3-pointers. One of them is from [Tomas] Dimsa when he made a shot with a foul that cannot be called from such an angle."

"Before another 3-pointer, there was a clear offensive foul. In the first quarter, I asked the refs to check the identical situation, but they didn't. Zalgiris fans successfully demanded that the refs would go [to check]. Of course, it's home-court advantage.

3 offensive seconds… Zalgiris did the same in the third quarter, but there was no whistle. However, there's no point in looking at who to blame. Our physicality level was completely different, and then there's no point in talking about the talent," Jasikevicius finished his detailed comment.

On top of the loss, Barcelona also lost Alex Abrines due to an injury. However, Jasikevicius couldn't provide any update right after the game.

"Honestly, I don't know anything. The doctor told me they would try to take him somewhere, but I honestly don't know. It's a little bit too early, I cannot tell you anything more," Jasikevicius concluded.

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