Andrea Trinchieri reflects on Zalgiris fans and his effect on the team / News - Basketnews.com

The head coach of Zalgiris Kaunas, Andrea Trinchieri, talked about the development of the team under his tenure, his philosophy, and the effect of the fans on the team.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Andrea Trinchieri made a strong return to the EuroLeague this year, replacing Kazys Maksvytiz to bring a new fervor to Zalgiris Kaunas.

Zalgiris Kaunas / Schedule

Zalgiris Kaunas Anadolu Efes Istanbul96-70 Zalgiris Kaunas Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens80-68 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade Zalgiris KaunasFri19:00

With the Italian coach, Zalgiris won 5 out of its last 8 games, blowing out strong opponents such as Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and Anadolu Efes Istanbul at home.

In a feature with the EuroLeague, Trinchieri talked about a multitude of subjects following his takeover of the team, the first matter being about Zalgiris fans.

"You cannot imagine what kind of responsibility it is to have this kind of fan base. These unbelievable fans can push you. It's insane," Trinchieri had nothing but praise for Zalgiris fans.

"Instead of having one block, you are going to have three blocks. Instead of having three offensive rebounds, you will have nine offensive rebounds and change the game," he explained how the fans could impact both his performance and the players' performances.

The EuroLeague feature also includes remarks from Laurynas Birutis and Keenan Evans, who elaborate on the effect that Trinchieri has had on the team.

"He talks a lot about details, so we are trying our best to learn his coaching style. He's just here to help us, and we have to give our best and also try to listen to him," the Lithuanian center, who is having a renaissance under Trinchieri, stated.

Keenan Evans seemed motivated to have Trinchieri as the team's head coach as well.

"He's a man of words. He brings a lot of quotes, he brings a lot of jokes... But when it's time to practice and to be better, he's going to get on you. He wants you to be better, he sees the potential in his team..." Evans continued.

Points this season

48%79,8Points made:79,8Accuracy:48,0%Place in standings:12Record max:99Record min:62Best scorer:Keenan EvansTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"It's all coming from a loving place and he wants to win just as bad as us," the point guard concluded.

On the matter of the development of his team, Trinchieri had some philosophical remarks to share.

"The development of a team is never a linear line because, after a series of losses, they lost confidence. It's human," he said, standing behind his players. "It's a process. You try, you succeed, then you fail, then you try again," the specialist continued.

"You just need to know what you are doing and don't lose confidence if something is not working the first time."

Finally, the Italian specialist talked about his role and contributions to the team.

"I try to be the best version of myself, and everything from the GM to the lady that cleans the sports gear... They are all here to help the players to have the best possible basketball environment to perform," said Trinchieri.

"So, I have to do whatever it takes to help my players to perform."

At the dawn of Round 26, Zalgiris has amassed a 10-15 record and is firmly in the race to make it to the play-ins at the very least.

Full EuroLeague feature:

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