Pozzecco reflects on his future with ASVEL, addresses teams' needs / News - Basketnews.com

Gianmarco Pozzecco took stock of his two-month presence at ASVEL's bench and once again referred to his rumored dismissal. The Italian coach opened up on his mindset and the way he approaches the games knowing that his future is at stake.

Credit: MOURAD ALLILI/SIPA Credit MOURAD ALLILI/SIPA

Gianmarco PozzeccoguidedLDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne to their first EuroLeague win, a comfortable 72-59 route against Zalgiris Kaunas, after 10 defeats in a row.

However, the Italian tactician's future on the French side's bench remains uncertain, as his dismissal is still on the table according to the local media.

"With all due respect to Zalgiris, we deserved it," Pozzecco said in the postgame presser.

"And not just for today. Many times we were so close to winning, but we didn't. You may ask: was it hard for you? Yes, very much. Because I don't like to see my players suffer. Edoardo Casalone [his assistant] was suffering a lot. And this is what I do not like the most. The same goes for Pierric Poupet [his other assistant]."

Pozzecco dedicated the win to the team's staff for "always being" with him.

"We talked a lot, of course, with Edo, because he knows me very well," he revealed.

"He was suffering more than anyone else. But okay, I'm very happy because today he is very happy."

The play-caller repeated that ASVEL needs some market moves to strengthen their roster.

"As I told you, we need help. If they give it to us, we'll be happy. Otherwise, I will continue to do my best. I never complain," he clarified.

"When you start doing something, you have a code of ethics," he added. "And of course I coach this team and I will do my best. Even if we don't have players. It's something that can help us. To me, to the team, to everyone".

The specialist evaluated his two-month stint with the club.

"Of course, sometimes it's easier, sometimes it's not, but I'm really happy with what I've done so far, since I arrived. Results are not everything, but they count. Everyone can think differently from me. But it's okay, I'll keep working and try to do my best. And I'm really happy for the fans, because they deserve it," Pozzecco pointed out.

"Will I be here next week?" he asked. "It's business. I know how it works. I think I'm a good person. I have a work ethic, I never complain. Everyone can have a different point of view and the only solution is to keep working. I never work thinking about my future."

He then reflected on his transition from player to coach, drawing some parallels between the two capacities.

"If you are a player, it is a little easier because the game depends on you. Every time you take the court, you can show a lot of things. As a coach, it's a little different, but I behave the same way. I'm ready to do whatever the club decides. I respect all their decisions.

I'm never focused on myself, especially as a coach. I just try to help my assistants and my players achieve their goals. For example, today I am very pleased that a couple of players have shown their talent".

ASVEL's next match is scheduled for Friday, January 12 against ALBA Berlin, the team ahead of them in the standings.

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