Barca's Jasikevicius: 'It was a bad week - we didn't train or play well' / News - Basketnews.com

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FC Barcelona haven't won the Catalan Cup for the second year in a row as the EuroLeague runners-up lost to BAXI Manresa on Sunday. Sarunas Jasikevicius acknowledged the advantage of the rivals and admitted that the past week was not the best for his team.

"We knew that we would suffer and that was exactly what happened," Jasikevicius commented after the game. "We must congratulate Manresa and Pedro Martinez. They did a good job, were more engaged, and better prepared. At times we looked good, but it wasn't enough."

The Lithuanian coach was particularly concerned with Barca's play in the fourth quarter, which they lost 14-28.

“In the second quarter, we missed 28 points, most of which were related to energy and offensive rebounds, which we controlled well in the beginning of the game. Then we just looked really bad.

The season is just beginning, but this week has been bad for us and I’m not just talking about this tournament. In the semi-finals, we only produced one good quarter. Today we looked a little better, but we didn't train or play well, so we have to learn a lesson," said Jasikevicius.

The Catalan club doesn't have much time for waiting, as the Spanish Super Cup tournament awaits next weekend.

"Despite the defeat, we have to face the coming week with enthusiasm. A special weekend is waiting for us, we will fight for the first title.

We must not forget that there are people who will miss training due to their commitments to the ACB League and the EuroLeague, but we will try to get to Tenerife in the best possible condition. We will have to play a good match against a very good Valencia team,” concluded Saras.

FC Barcelona forward Rolands Smits pointed out the team's attitude.

"It was a difficult day because we didn't play the way we had to and lost," said the Latvian big man. "We will have to analyze our mistakes and improve. It looked like they wanted to win more and that was the main reason for their victory.

Now we have to prepare for the Super Cup and make sure that what happened in tonight's final doesn't happen again. Personally, I feel better and better in every workout and in every match."

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