Dario Brizuela breaks down role with Barca, addresses controversial statement / News - Basketnews.com

A few weeks ago, Dario Brizuela admitted to being anti-Madrid. The Spanish guard explained his statement that caused controversy and also talked about his duties with the Catalan side, the tough times the team went through, and Ricky Rubio's condition.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

For Dario Brizuela, the Spanish Cup Final 8 in Malaga provides the perfect occasion for a comeback to familiar ground. The 29-year-old guard has returned to the city where he grew up as a player and the place where he won the title with his former team, Unicaja Malaga.

Free throws this season

74%12,5Points made:12,5Accuracy:74,3%Place in standings:16Record max:19Record min:6Most made FTs:Willy HernangomezTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Overall, Brizuela spent four seasons in Andalusia, with the last one being the most successful. Apart from winning the Cup and moving to FC Barcelona, 2023 was an important year for the San Sebastian native because his son was born that very year.

Now, he's hoping to be able to lift another title with Barca, even though he knows that the reception that awaits him will have little to do with his contribution to his ex-club.

"I had four seasons with many good things -- and some bad ones too," Brizuela reflected in an interview with Nacho Duque from Marca.

"I think I left a good mark on the club and I am very grateful for the kindness they took to receive me so well, but I don't think the fans will be so benevolent again if we find ourselves in the semi-finals. It would be normal," he admitted.

Brizuela's first months with Barca have lived up to his expectations. He's averaging 5.8 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in EuroLeague action.

"I arrived with the idea of ​​enjoying myself, continuing to learn and helping the team," he said.

"I think all of that is coming true. My dream was to come here to win titles and do cool things. We are on that path. I'm enjoying it a lot, which is the important thing, and I hope the rest comes true," he added.

In an interview with Radio Catalunya, Brizuela emphasized that he has always been a Barcelona fan but not as fervently as his father and brother. Still, he picked up another habit.

"My father is a true Barcelona fan, and my brother and I adopted that. My brother also loves Barcelona, but I chose something else – I am anti-Madrid.

Dario Brizuela

MIN:14.1PTS:5.8 (45.83%)REB:1.08As:1.76ST:0.24BL:0.04TO:0.88GM:25ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Now, I’m not such a big Barcelona fan. When I was little, I rooted for Barca. When you're supporting Barca, people in your house are against Madrid, and that's it. I have no problem with Real Madrid, but throughout my entire life, I’ve been a fan of Barca as a child, and now I’m in Barca because I have no other choice," said Brizuela.

Almost two months after those words, Brizuela revisited his statement by saying that "it was a comment during a chat."

"You now that there are people who take any comment to the extreme. I already gave explanations on social networks, more for my family than for myself, because there were people close to me who did not understand those reactions. It was something I said without intending to offend anyone," he further clarified.

"As I explained, it is a healthy and beautiful rivalry that must be celebrated and enjoyed. I do it even with my best friends. Many of my friends from San Sebastian are from Madrid and that doesn't stop me from loving them like brothers.

What I read on X was crazy, but it is part of social networks. My relationship with Real Madrid players is great and I have the utmost respect for them. If someone doesn't want to understand it, it will be because they have problems with someone, but I don't have problems with anyone," Brizuela said.

During the season, Brizuela and his teammates have had to live with the noise generated by doubts about the new project, including coach Roger Grimau. Head of basketball section Juan Carlos Navarro came forward, addressing the issue. The team has been able to bounce back since then, but - according to Brizuela- there was no real problem.

"All the noise outside does not correspond to the reality inside," he noted.

"There has always been a lot of confidence in the project here, but it takes a little time. It's not just new players and coaches, but players who didn't even know the competition, like Jabari Parker, who is getting better and better.

We understand that in Barcelona there may be more emergencies than in other places, but all the outside noise does not affect us at all."

In terms of his role with Barca, Brizuela stressed that coming off the bench and being a role player capable of offering meaningful minutes is the description that best suits his game.

"I feel comfortable coming off the bench trying to generate points. My intention since I signed here was to help, I did not want to monopolize a role that was greater than the one that corresponds to me," he commented.

Ricky Rubio has yet to appear in an official game for Barcelona, but he's back to practice mode and his comeback should be expected anytime soon. Brizuela, for one, doesn't think that the discussion about his teammate can distract the squad.

"We are focused on Ricky being comfortable, training and feeling good, which is what we are seeing," he said.

"Whether people talk about him outside doesn't matter in the locker room. We try to keep him calm and enjoy himself. If he's fine and healthy, he's an incredible player."

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.