Valencia's sports director comments on Mumbru's dismissal, calls Play-In 'a dream' / News - Basketnews.com

Valencia's sports director Luis Arbalejo explained the club's decision to fire Alex Mumbru and weighed in on Xavi Albert's promotion to head coach. He also argued that the team's goal in the EuroLeague has been achieved.

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Following the dismissal of Alex Mumbru and after the debacle against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in the Euroleague, the club's general director, Enric Carbonell, and sports dierector, Luis Arbalejo, appeared at a press conference to explain the reasons that led to the decision.

3-pointers this season

33%7,3Points made:7,3Accuracy:33,1%Place in standings:17Record max:13Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Chris JonesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The two executives argued that the change was dictated more by the bad sensation that the team's collapse created than by results. They also emphasized that being in Play-In contention for 33 games has fulfilled the expectations of the entity. Nevertheless, after Round 33, Valencia are now eliminated from the EuroLeague postseason.

"The decision is not strictly based on results but rather on the team's incosistency and because we were at a point that lacked the necessary strength in the final stretch of the season," Arbalejo argued.

The sports director admitted that while Valencia started the season strong, going 9-2 after their first 11 official games, expectations had little to do with reality.

"Then, we suffered many defeats, while the team appeared so unrecognizable that made us lose confidence. The trigger is not the ASVEL game, but us not having a clear style, and too many ups and downs," he continued.

Arbalejo said that the nine EuroLeague coaching changes this season is a lot for someone who is in favor of continuity.

"We are indebted to our fans because the players play for the fans. We tried with this change to make our style more recognizable. We understand the frustration they showed in the game against ASVEL. When you lose by 30 to an opponent who isn't playing for anything, you have to be angry.

The defeat against Fenerbahce was a turning point. Alex knew the situation perfectly, and that if things did not improve he would not finish the season. I have told the staff that the situation is everyone's fault but the one who is leaving is the coach."

Valencia Basket / Schedule

Valencia Basket LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne69-98 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Valencia Basket04-1218:30

The Spanish executive pointed out that he thought Mumbru displayed "alack of energy," which made the front office willing to shake things up.

Nevertheless, Arbalejo didn't clarify whether Xavi Albert will stay on the bench as soon as the current campaign is over.

"Xavi is an assistant coach with the projection of a first coach. We have not decided if he is going to stay for three games or if he will continue next season," he said.

Arbalejo also pointed out that the Play-In is more of a dream and less of a goal "when you have the 15th-18th budget."

"Being in the top 10 is not the goal, the goal is to be competitive in the EuroLeague and it has been achieved. Surely there are many candidates to come to Valencia Basket because it is one of the best teams in Europe and we will have no problem finding a new coach," he assured.

"We would like that whoever comes has the desire and does not come for a year but starts at La Fonteta and continues at the Roig Arena. We do not rule out any profile."

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