Sergio Scariolo confirms he'll stay with Virtus, notes reduced budget / News - Basketnews.com

The Italian head coach won't leave Virtus Bologna and stated that the club will cut down the budget. Talks about a contract extension will take place at a further date

Credit: Simone Lucarelli/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire - Scanpix Credit Simone Lucarelli/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire - Scanpix

After many rumors about his future, Sergio Scariolo confirmed that he'll remain the head coach of Virtus Bologna next season in a press conference.

Points this season

48%77,9Points made:77,9Accuracy:47,5%Place in standings:13Record max:96Record min:62Best scorer:Semi OjeleyeTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Italian tactician was a candidate for the Toronto Raptors head coaching job, but in the end, the Canadian club hired the Serbian coach Darko Rajakovic.

Scariolo, also Spain's national team head coach, denied that he had contacts with other European clubs.

"I don't think it's necessary to specify that I will stay," Scariolo said during the press conference. "There was a strong interest from the Toronto Raptors, and I want to thank Virtus Bologna for letting me speak with the Raptors. I didn't have contacts with any other club."

"I'll stay here because I have a contract and feel well here," Scariolo added. "The owner Massimo Zanetti asked me about the possibility of a contract extension, and I told him there's a chance I will not rule out. My agents will take care of the negotiation based on the new situation of the club."

Scariolo specified that Virtus won't have the same budget that they had this season, as the ownership decided to reduce the spending. The head coach appreciated how transparent the club was in sharing that information.

"The club was really clear in explaining to me that the financial situation is now different," Scariolo said. "I appreciate when a club is transparent in sharing that information."

"We won't have the same budget as in the last few years, and we won't be able to recruit players like Teodosic or Milutinov, but we'll do the best to keep this club at the highest level possible," Scariolo concluded.

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