By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dealing with several issues at the top of the 2025-26 continental and regional journeys, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet faces a 0-2 start in the EuroLeague Regular Season and a 0-1 start in the AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season.
“Obviously, we have a problem and, obviously, we are not playing at our level, defensively and offensively. We have problems with injuries. This is the reality, not an excuse,” commented head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos after a loss to Zadar in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Monday.
“I know our fans are not satisfied, but this is the moment that everybody needs to stay together,” continued the 58-year-old Greek play-caller, asking for the support of the club loyals.
“I expected it,” he talked about the crowd booing his side after launching the ABA campaign with a home loss, “I know where we are. We are in Serbia. It’s like in Greece. When the people are not satisfied, they can boo. But to me, if you love your kid, you don’t hit him when he has a problem, you hug him.”
With Nikola Kalinic unavailable due to a league suspension, recent addition Donatas Motiejunas out since his letter of clearance did not arrive in time, Joel Bolomboy, Isaiah Canaan, Ognjen Dobric, Devonte’ Graham, and Uros Plavsic on the injury list, the 11 available players versus Zadar included Codi Miller-McIntyre playing through illness and Chima Moneke through muscle spasms.
Switching back to the EuroLeague campaign, Zvezda resumes action with a visit to defending champion Fenerbahce Beko on Friday.