Ivanovic: 'I was surprised to be fired by Crvena Zvezda' / News - Basketnews.com

The Montenegrin specialist gave a few remarks reflecting on his dismissal from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and his fourth upcoming stint in Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic

One of the surprising news of the early EuroLeague season came with the dismissal of Dusko Ivanovic from the head coaching position of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz / Schedule

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Although the team had an underwhelming 1-3 start, the losses were close rather than blowouts.

Another parting of ways came on the side of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, who let go of Joan Penarroya after 5 successive losses encompassing both the EuroLeague and the Liga Endesa.

Eventually, Dusko Ivanovic returned to Spain to coach Baskonia, a team with which he worked three times before, in the seasons of 2000-05, 2008-12, and 2019-21.

Speaking about being sacked by the Serbian team and the quick road that led him to a coaching job at Baskonia, the Montenegrin coach had this to say.

"I was surprised by the dismissal from Crvena Zvezda. I did not expect it. So the negotiations with Baskonia came unexpectedly."

Regardless, the coach is ready for a new adventure in Spain.

"I'm very happy to be here again, this is my club, my city. When they invited me to come, I didn't hesitate. I have the same enthusiasm as always," the coach said with positive emotions.

However, he also remained aware of the current issues faced by the club, which currently holds a record of 1-4 in the EuroLeague.

"We're not doing well, that's clear, and the first thing we have to do is support the players," the specialist stated, noting his first priority. "They have to play with more confidence; they have to believe in what we're going to do."

The coach also provided an availability update for his roster, which has been plagued with injuries as of late.

"At the moment, we have few players available. Today, we trained with six. For the match, we may have seven, eight, or nine."

He concluded the interview with a dose of high motivation for the players.

"It doesn't matter. We can win the match with five. The important thing is that these guys are ready to play and win."

Ivanovic will begin his fourth term at Baskonia by hosting Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on the 3rd of November.

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