By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After the end of a lengthy and successful stint with Real Madrid, Pablo Laso coached FC Bayern Munich and Baskonia in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, respectively. His next challenge is expected to move him from the EuroLeague to international competition as the selector of the senior national team of Spain, succeeding Sergio Scariolo after EuroBasket 2025.
The 57-year-old tactician talked to Spanish outlet Gigantes about recent club experience and the possibility of taking over La Familia.
“I left Madrid in July. It wasn’t the time to find a new team, and for me, that season was also a typical recharging period. The following year, I went to Germany with Bayern Munich, where we won the league and cup. I have very fond memories of that season in Germany, but the following year I returned home to Vitoria, with a project I believed in, but unfortunately ended early,” he said.
“I had a conversation with the president, Jose Antonio Querejeta, and obviously, after the season, he thought some changes were necessary,” Laso described the process leading to his departure after the end of the 2024-25 journey.
“I knew Baskonia was talking to other coaches,” he added, “They told me at the beginning of July that I wouldn’t be continuing, but they had to reach an agreement to finalize that contract. I’m left feeling sad because I returned to Vitoria with great enthusiasm.”
With Scariolo in charge, Spain is preparing to compete in the EuroBasket, taking on Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, Italy, and Greece in Group C of the preliminary round.
“I don’t think anyone could rule out being a national team coach,” Laso replied to a question about links to the national team, “For anybody to consider me as a candidate to coach the national team makes me proud, a reward for my worth and my career. Sergio’s work over time has been excellent, and he’s been fortunate enough to coach some truly great players, many of them also thanks to his work at their clubs, which has been magnificent.”
As the Madrid boss, the Vitoria-Gasteiz native won several titles, including two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships in 2015 and 2018.
“Changes are part of the game,” he talked about leaving Los Blancos in 2022, “You always must have your bags packed. You have to know that your work may or may not be recognized, but you have to be prepared to give your all wherever you are. At Real Madrid, I’ve always felt very loved, as a player and coach.”
His former assistant and successor at the team based in the Spanish capital, Chus Mateo, was recently replaced by Scariolo.
“It’s a question that always seems to be left open, but now I see it as a difficult one,” he rated a possible future reunion with Madrid, “They’ve signed a new coach, and I wish them the best of luck.”