By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Barcelona needs to fight until the last round of the EuroLeague regular season for a spot in the play-in tournament, and coach Xavi Pascual openly said that his own future with the team might be in question.
Speaking to Movistar+, the Spanish EuroLeague TV rights-holders’ general manager, Juan Carlos Navarro, echoed that disappointment, but also said that things will change after the tough defeat against Monaco.
The former player highlighted the team’s strong start but lamented the physical toll imposed by their opponents after the break. “Without a doubt, in the first half we played good basketball. In the second half, they raised the physical level to the extreme, and you can see it in the free-throw difference,” Navarro explained, while still praising the team’s effort: “The players’ attitude has been impeccable, and we can look ahead and push for our chances of making the play-in.”
Attention now turns to Friday’s crucial matchup at the Palau, where Barça will face Bayern in a game loaded with significance. It will mark Svetislav Pesic’s final EuroLeague appearance and it will be at his former arena. However, Navarro stressed the need to stay focused: “We have to block all of that out and play our game. With today’s attitude and playing at the Palau, which has to be packed…”
Navarro acknowledged the emotional strain within the team: “I know it’s a difficult moment. Everyone is a bit frustrated—us, the coach, and the players.” Still, he emphasized professionalism and determination as the team competes in both the EuroLeague and the Liga Endesa: “We have to keep moving forward, whether in the play-in or in the domestic league, and finish as strong as possible.”
Regarding the future, Navarro avoided making firm predictions but expressed confidence in the current project: “Who knows where we’ll be in the summer? A lot can happen. He is free to express himself and say how he feels, but I don’t see a future without him in the new project we are building together.” Despite recent struggles, he reminded that the team remains in contention: “We still have play-in chances, and we will fight until the end.”
A key issue this season has been financial limitations, which have impacted squad depth. “It’s been talked about a lot, but it has been impossible this year due to the club’s financial situation. We would have liked to have one or two reinforcements like other teams, but it wasn’t possible,” Navarro admitted. Nevertheless, he underlined the team’s commitment: “We are who we are, and we have to push forward.”
Looking ahead, Navarro struck a more optimistic tone. He confirmed that the club expects improved investment after several years of budget cuts: “In the summer, everything will improve. After three years of restrictions, we’ll have more money and we’ll build a great team next season.” He also called on the current players to remain fully committed: “Whether they stay or leave, they have to give everything—they are professionals, and that will be best for the future.”
Finally, Navarro insisted that there is still time to turn things around this season: “It’s tough to go so long without winning, but we still have time, and we’re working to change that as soon as possible without giving up.” Meanwhile, the club is already planning for next season with the goal of restoring competitiveness and ambition.