Alex Abrines explained why he prefers Roger Grimau to Sarunas Jasikevicius / News - Basketnews.com

Alex Abrines welcomed the coaching change on Barcelona's bench, arguing that Roger Grimau can have a more intimate relationship with the players than Sarunas Jasikevicius had during his tenure.

Credit: Noelia Deniz/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images Credit Noelia Deniz/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Following Alex Abrines' participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Spain, the 30-year-old forward has returned to FC Barcelona's training camp just a few days before the Catalans take on Real Madrid for the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals next Saturday (September 16).

The former OKC player pointed out an important difference between Barca's past and current coach in an interview on the Tot Gira program on Catalunya Radio. Asked about Roger Grimau, Abrines called him "a very approachable person, who talks to you and tries to explain things to you with respect and in good manners."

"I see a lot of 'chemistry' in the team, which is helping us all," he added. Abrines argued that Grimau and Sarunas Jasikevicius, who coached Barca from 2020 through 2023, have "totally different profiles."

"The change from last year to this one is strange. Going from Saras, who is more expressive and shouts more, to Roger is a transition I obviously like. You don't expect it and it is difficult to react after three years of Saras and one of (Svetislav) Pesic," Abrines continued.

"The concepts of the game do change a lot compared to the Saras era," he pointed out. "There will be an adjustment period, but I hope we can compete in the meantime."

Abrines said he wasn't sure whether Barcelona would make a coaching change last summer.

"The club has made a very strong bet on someone from the house and Roger deserves to take over as a coach after having served the club as a player."

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