Pablo Laso sends a thank you message: 'I feel very proud of these people' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Real Madrid captured the Spanish Liga Endesa title following a dominant performance from Edy Tavares last night after a two-year drought.

Player of the Game EFF 41 Walter Tavares Points 25 Accuracy 9-11 Rebounds 13 Assists 1

The head coach of the team, Pablo Laso, was not able to lead the team directly from the court due to his rehabilitation from a recent heart attack. However, Laso's presence was felt throughout the match with assistant coach Chus Mateo glancing at the coach at times for guidance.

After the final whistle, Laso entered the court to celebrate with the players.

"First of all, I wanted to congratulate my team for the title, of course, but for the whole season. I think it's very complicated, in a 10-month season, for good and bad things not to happen to you," Laso started his statement in the post-game press conference.

"Many bad things and many good things happened to us," the coach continued. "We have managed to play in the four finals of the four competitions that we have played in. This speaks to an impressive form of the group, to be honest. I think it's hats off to the guys' work."

The team even gave Laso the ability to lift the winners' trophy, a feat that is usually performed by a team captain. The joy in the coach's eyes was noticeable to every spectator.

"This is the great merit of a team. I feel very proud of these people, of everything they have given. You know, it's been a difficult few days for me. I'm very well. It's been difficult for me to lift the Cup, I admit it, but I think it's because the Cup weighs a lot, but I'm very happy with how the team has worked all season," Laso talked about the celebration.

"There are years when you still win everything and as a coach, I don't feel so proud, but this year, when we haven't won everything, I'm very proud. I could go much longer, but I wanted to highlight that as a coach on the day the season ends and we end it with a smile," the head coach ended his statement.

Although Real Madrid lost both in the Copa del Rey final to FC Barcelona and in the EuroLeague final to Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the very last seconds, winning the Liga Endesa was the perfect ending to the up-and-down year of the legendary Pablo Laso and the Los Blancos.

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