By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The FIBA-Euroleague discrepancy when it comes to the schedules of national teams and clubs has been going on for a while and it seems to be increasing the number of games players have to cope with per season.
Coach Zeljko Obradovic recognized that as well, especially when he sees his players tired at the practice after the national team obligations.
“There are too many matches, between international windows and clubs. For the players, it is a source of stress,” he told L’Equipe.
Obradovic is “proud” when his players leave for the national team but also admits that “they come back mentally tired” and that this impacts the level of his training. In order to find a solution, the 61-year-old coach calls on FIBA and the Euroleague to put aside their differences and “discuss the schedule, the number of teams”.
But beyond that, the Partizan Belgrade coach is pushing forward with an idea that could cause controversy.
“It is necessary that the teams of the Closed League join only the playoffs of their national championships so that the sponsors and the television rights are found there.”
In his eyes, the calendar of European clubs should be composed of six months of Euroleague, two months devoted to the play-offs of the national championships but also two months devoted to the national teams. Also, at least “two months of rest for the players”, who are very busy with a schedule that is not infinitely extendable.