Jasmin Repesa, the coach of Buducnost Voli, reported to the players immediately after the second defeat to Crvena Zvezda. "I told them immediately at dinner that I need people now, not only the players, who are willing to accept such a situation. Whoever is not ready, stay at home. No one will be upset, but the moment is such," Repesa said, ahead of the third round of the ABA League final, which will be played in Podgorica on Wednesday, at 7 p.m.
He invited fans to support the team but emphasized:
"To give support to us, but to respect our opponent, that they do not experience what we have. That's what I ask them, that's the real audience from Podgorica, a Montenegrin audience. Fan support is needed and will make it easier for the players, but it is not enough - we should be smart, aggressive, disciplined, connected," said Repesa.
The Croatian coach spoke about the atmosphere in Belgrade.
"I just said what I saw, experienced and heard. I did not expect and experienced any trauma. Still, I'm a child from the street. I'm such a man - I can take a slap, but spitting is the most cowardly act. My intentions were not bad. Also, I do not acknowledge the punishment for their inheritance," said Repesa.
He admitted that he expected more.
"I was sure we would win one game in Belgrade based on the technical-tactical preparations we made. We started the matches well, but a small drop of concentration was enough for the opponent to enter the series and gain confidence. We stopped, this team missed playing for 40 minutes. But that's how it is," Repesa said.
"Concentration must be at this level; each professional player must be focused, that is the minimum that he must have. We cannot make any mistakes we've made. If someone hit over his arm, that's fine if the open three points are missed that's fine, but if the series of shots are missed then it's a sign that something with mental preparation is wrong," he emphasized.
A reaction is expected.
"There must be reactions due to the respect for the fans, to the employers, because there are only few places in Europe, which regularly pay off and fulfill their obligations. But first of all, it is necessary to react to our image and pride. Who does not react at this moment, has no pride and cannot play anywhere in the world," he said. The situation is tough, but we should be optimistic, Repesa said. "We know where the mistakes are; everything can be eliminated. I'm confident that tomorrow we will be watching a different match. The most important thing is to restore self-confidence, which is shaken but we can go back with the atmosphere as hosts," Repesa said.
Text by Vijesti Sport, on April 16th 2019, read more at Vijesti
