Grimau: “Ricky’s steps in the team were short but steady”

The coach of Barça, Roger Grimauconfirmed this Wednesday that the adaptation process of the base Ricky Rubio is progressing as planned and said the Catalan player has made “short, but steady steps” in the team.

“There was a process. He had to follow certain rules on an individual level and now on a collective level. In the team, the steps were short, but firm. Along the way, he found himself comfortable and getting to know the his teammates better, which is something difficult because of the short time despite the fact that he is a smart player who can read quickly. Ricky’s process is progressing as we want,” he explained.

The Catalan coach predicted “a very difficult and competitive match” this Thursday against Partizan Belgradealthough he is confident that the support of the Palau Blaugrana, who he hopes will “enjoy” his game, will give “extra joy and excitement” to his players.

“He Partizan This is a team with many players capable of scoring individually. They have many different game systems and concepts. This is a very complete team. In 40 minutes we have to be aware of closing the ring, defending each other and quickly changing the defense-attack chip to play in our rhythm,” he analyzed.

Grimau He pressed that on Euroleague “Every game is important from the first day to the last” and referred to the rival coach, Zeljko Obradovicas “a banking legend” and “a living basketball legend.”

“My tendency is to be optimistic. I have always believed a lot in my players. How can I do so with a team like Barça! I am happy. We could take certain games of the season where we should not have lost, but in I think we are doing a good job and we will go there well (until the final stage),” he declared.

Asked about the possibility that a group of dubai join the Euroleague, the coach of Barça is careful but clear: “When it becomes official, if it happens, we will talk again. The first thing that comes to mind is that the journey is very long and I don’t know how we will do it on this calendar.

Grimau conceded in Sunday’s loss against the Baskonia (103-96) the team had a “good offensive game” but not in defense, an aspect they need to improve as well as rebound control to “try to have more regularity” in games and beat rivals “with so many points in hand.”

“It’s a job like an ant. When the team has the basics, remember them. Controlling the rebound and being solid on defense is what allows us to compete and win, because they are communication with vessels that allows us to be more fluid in attack and reduce the possession of the rival,” he said.

Finally, Grimau denied that there was a problem in the defense of Willy Hernangomez that you are overexposed Jan Vesely: “It is not predetermined that a player plays more or less. It depends on how I read the game. I don’t think there is an overuse of Vesely. We had a few games where January He committed five fouls, but nothing more.”