Jasikevicius criticizes himself and referees after Valencia loss: 'I didn't prepare the team well' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press – Scanpix Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix

FC Barcelona's head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius was hoping that his team would come away with a win at La Fonteta, Valencia Basket's home court.

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But the Catalans were outperformed and outrebounded in the second half, as the Lithuanian coach admitted in the post-game presser.

On the day he celebrated his 46th birthday, Jasikevicius talked about the difference in free throws (28-14 for the hosts), rebounds and more.

To begin with, Saras admitted that Valencia Basket deservedly won the contest, reaching their 13th victory of the season."I wanted to congratulate Joan (Penarroya) for the victory. Well deserved. They've played a lot more physical from the start. They have given a different tone to the game."

He then went critical on his own team, addressing the rebounding issue. The four-time EuroCup champs grabbed 44 boards, as opposed to his players' 23.

"We came out very soft and we did not know how to put a little more physical hardness. The subject of rebounds is unacceptable for a team like Barça. They got 21 more than us. I don't remember anything like that."Asked about the officiating and the big disparity in free throw shooting between the two sides, Jasikevicius said: "They were 23-5 after three quarters. With all due respect to the referees, it makes a lot of difference."

Saras was infuriated with his players at some point in the third quarter, expressing his complaints during a time out.

Concluding his post-game remarks, the Lithuanian tactician left a comment on himself and the way he prepared his team ahead of that clash.

"It was our third game in five days. It's no excuse, we're used to it. I can't believe we didn't respect Valencia.

As a coach you have to say that you have not been able to physically prepare your team. Valencia outperformed us physically, it's clear."

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