By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After sharing details about his transition from Valencia to Real Madrid, Pedro Martinez was officially appointed as the new head coach of Los Blancos, marking a monumental shift in the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa. The deal was confirmed on Monday. “It is an honor and a source of pride to be part of this institution. I know the legacy, and I will give my best to live up to it,” he said on Realmadrid TV.
The 65-year-old Catalan tactician finalized his departure from Valencia on Monday morning, paving the way for a three-year contract with the prestigious capital club. Reports indicate that Madrid triggered a one-million-euro buyout clause to secure his services, offering him a net salary of €1.2 million per season. This hiring consequently brought an early end to Sergio Scariolo’s tenure, despite the former Spanish national team coach having two years remaining on his previous agreement.
“All coaches in the world want to be in a club like this, with such demands and the ability to compete in all competitions. It is a tremendous challenge, and my main goal can only be to try to help the players and the club achieve the greatest success possible,” noted Martinez, reflecting on the magnitude of his new role.
Widely regarded as one of the premier tactical minds on the continent, he arrives on the heels of a historic 2025–26 campaign. He guided the Taronges to their first-ever EuroLeague Final Four while simultaneously capturing both the Liga Endesa and Supercopa Endesa titles. These extraordinary achievements were combined with the Alexander Gomelsky EuroLeague Coach of the Year award, adding to an illustrious resume that already includes two EuroCup Coach of the Year honors.
“Winning a title always teaches you something positive,” he shared regarding his recent success. “The first is how important the day-to-day work is and working as a team to achieve any success. To become a champion, you always need very good teamwork. You also have to overcome certain adverse moments, which are always present. Those are the most important lessons.”
Alongside Aito Garcia Reneses, he stands as one of only two individuals in ACB history to coach over one thousand games. His legacy of excellence spans decades, stretching back to 1990 when he became the youngest coach ever to win a European trophy by capturing the Korac Cup with Ram Joventut at just 28.
“Compared to the early years, I think I am now more communicative,” Martinez explained. “I try to be closer to the players and talk more with them. From there, you realize that tactics are great, but the most important thing is to convey confidence and ensure the team feels comfortable with the proposed style of play.”
Renowned for implementing a high-tempo, high-scoring offensive style complemented by intensive team rebounding, the veteran strategist brings unmatched domestic experience to his new role at Madrid.
“I like to have an active defense, a proactive defense. I like to share the ball,” Martinez elaborated. “I think it’s important to play with passes and make everyone feel involved. Ensuring all players feel important is the main foundation. A team with rhythm, that plays without fear, and that is capable of competing.”
To sustain this style, Martinez emphasizes meticulous long-term planning and the right roster composition. “Also, physical preparation and managing efforts, both in training and games, so players reach the competition and the end of the season – when most titles are decided – in good form. Lastly, mental preparation is also very important. We must prepare mentally for a sustained effort over many months.”
He believes the current squad has the necessary pieces to achieve this balance. “I would say it is essential to have both profiles: experienced players with great leadership abilities – and in the team, there are some who have demonstrated this amply – and also young players with energy and that spark of ambition to aspire to the highest. That is the ideal combination, which ultimately allows a team to be a very good team.”
As he begins his journey in the capital, the legendary coach made sure to send a direct message of appreciation to his new fan base. “First of all, gratitude for belonging to such an incredibly great institution with an impressive history. It won’t be for lack of effort or dedication. I hope to live up to it. We need everyone’s support to achieve success.”
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