Vatutin talks about difficult CSKA's situation, Fairplay rules and point guard position issues / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMA Press Scanpix Credit ZUMA Press Scanpix

CSKA Moscow president Andrey Vatutin addressed the fans and shared his views regarding the team's recent form in his official letter, via Sports.ru.

2-pointers this season

51%19,1Points made:19,1Accuracy:51,5%Place in standings:11Record max:25Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Tornike ShengeliaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Russian club is capturing 7th place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with 12 wins and 8 defeats. Knowing the CSKA standards, this result is not the one to be proud of.

"There are no holy cows (players or coaches that you can't fire), sports business is decided by the result. So, if needed, personnel decisions will be applied. But we don't act impulsive, those decisions should be logical and help not only today but tomorrow, too," stressed Vatutin regarding possible changes.

According to the 48-year-old, the difficult situation and responsibility fall on the coaching staff, players, and all of the club personnel's shoulders.

"We believe that the situation can be fixed, while the team has the quality and huge potential. The squad is well-equipped. Yes, we have no stars, but Shved, Hackett, Lundberg, Clyburn, Grigonis know how to start attacks. The latest matches showed that we can move the ball and shoot from perimeter successfully".

Moreover, the CSKA president touched on the topic of the problematic point guard position. Though, per Andrey Vatutin, the reinforcement in this position is not likely at this moment, as there are not many suitable options on the market.

"It is completely clear to everyone that CSKA need a player, who could score himself and organize the offense. We're still looking for him. We are offered a lot of options, but there is no athlete, who could be guaranteed to raise the game level," underlined the CSKA boss.

He also mentioned the nuances, most fans simply do not know about the players market.

CSKA Moscow / Schedule

CSKA Moscow AX Armani Exchange Milan57-67 UNIKS Kazan CSKA MoscowFri16:00

"The choice of players is a combination of desires and financial capabilities. For example, there are large agencies that represent not only players but coaches as well. Many basketball athletes do not even enter the market; they are purposefully brought into a team with 'their' coach," commented Vatutin.

In addition to that, the highest CSKA executive revealed that next year EuroLeague financial Fairplay rules might be even stricter.

"According to the current EuroLeague regulations, next season, the club owner's contribution should be reduced to 40%. So, in order to keep the total CSKA budget at the 35 million euros level, the club will have to raise 21 million euros from other than Norilsk Nickel.

In the current economic conditions, including slow sports market development in Russia, the ruble fall, COVID attendance restrictions, and the lack of TV broadcasts income, this seems almost an unsolvable task," admitted Vatutin.

According to him, even now, CSKA have a difficult time with a 50/50 balance.

A couple of months ago, Vatutin discussed his relationship with coach Itoudis, the divorce with Mike James, and going through a challenging period in an interview with BasketNews.

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