Jure Zdovc on finding out about his replacement: 'How would you feel?' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: LKL Credit LKL

Zalgiris Kaunas lost the game against their eternal rivals Rytas Vilnius yesterday. The team played without their top guard Lukas Lekavicius, and it showed. However, the main focus of the press conference after the game did not revolve around the match.

Zalgiris Kaunas / Schedule

Zalgiris Kaunas LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne68-72 CSKA Moscow Zalgiris KaunasFri17:00 Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz Zalgiris KaunasFri18:30 Zalgiris Kaunas Crvena Zvezda Belgrade04-0316:00

After it was reported that Kazys Maksvytis was set to become the new head coach of the team, Zalgiris head coach Jure Zdovc was asked about the news after the match. It was the very first question directed at the coach.

"I was expecting this question. It's difficult to answer. It's the first time I'm in this situation," the coach explained. "I'll say this - if you were in my situation, how would you feel? But what can I do? It's part of our job."

Later on, Zdovc emphasized the lack of energy and toughness from his team. "Congratulations to Rytas and their coach for the win. They were a better team tonight, they wanted it more," Zdovc told the media. "I expected a tough game. They're more relaxed now compared to the last game."

"We didn't play with the full roster, but they played stronger and with more energy, and that's why they won," the coach noted about losing Lekavicius before the match. "We didn't have energy, we played selfishly on offense and defense. At the end of the day, the referees adjusted to their energy and aggressiveness."

Jure Zdovc's comments after the game (starts at 8:20):

"They shot 30 free throws, we shot 13. It's our fault and a good warning before the playoffs," the coach finished his statement.

Zalgiris currently firmly stand 1st in the Lithuanian Basketball League standings. However, Rytas inched closer to condensing for the top spot with the win last evening. The teams are now separated by only one win.

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