Having returned to Monaco in December 2021, Sasa Obradovic (55 years old) has allowed the Principality club to dominate French basketball in recent years, notably winning two titles in 2023 and 2024. But the beautiful story ended this Monday evening, from when the Serbian left his team. post after Sunday’s defeat against Le Mans (74-86). Supporters even booed and called for his resignation. After 9 days, Monaco is only 7th in Betclic Elite.
“AS Monaco Basket and Sasa Obradovic have decided to mutually end their collaboration. Sasa Obradovic has brought rigor and worked tirelessly since the beginning of this human adventure in December 2021. two French championship titles (2023, 2024), a Coupe de France (2023), a Euroleague Final Four (2023) , and two playoff qualifiers on the European stage (2022, 2024),” the club wrote in a press release.
AS Monaco Basket and Sasa Obradovic have decided to mutually end their collaboration.
Sasa Obradovic has brought rigor and worked tirelessly since the beginning of this human adventure in December 2021, after an initial period from 2019 to 2020. With at… pic.twitter.com/S2B56whWAs
— AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) November 18, 2024
38-year-old Georgian Manuchar Markoishvili, who joined the club in 2021, will take over as interim coach. He was one of Sasa Obradovic’s deputies. Pending the appointment of a successor, it is he who should lead the team in the eleventh day of the Euroleague on Thursday against Asvel. Monaco are seventh with six wins and four defeats in this competition.
What impact could Sasa Obradovic’s departure have on AS Monaco’s performance moving forward?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert on the Recent Departure of Sasa Obradovic From AS Monaco
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on basketball news. Today, we’re discussing a significant development in French basketball—the departure of Sasa Obradovic, head coach of AS Monaco. Joining us is basketball expert, Dr. Elena Moreau. Thank you for being here, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Elena Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic in the basketball community.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Sasa Obradovic has been a key figure for AS Monaco since returning in December 2021, leading the team to impressive victories, including two titles in 2023 and 2024. What do you believe were the key factors behind his initial success?
Dr. Moreau: Obradovic brought a rigorous and disciplined coaching style that really resonated with the players. His experience and tactical acumen allowed Monaco to build a strong team that performed exceptionally in high-pressure situations. The titles he secured are a testament to his coaching abilities and the talent of the squad he cultivated.
Editor: However, things seem to have taken a turn for the worse this season. Following a disappointing defeat against Le Mans, he has now parted ways with the club. What do you think contributed to this decline?
Dr. Moreau: Several factors could be at play here. With AS Monaco currently sitting at seventh in the Betclic Elite, it’s clear that expectations were not being met. Sometimes teams can experience a ‘hangover’ effect after major successes, and it’s difficult to maintain the same level of performance. Additionally, external pressures from the fanbase can create a challenging environment for a coach. The booing from supporters indicates that they were unhappy with the team’s performance, which could have exacerbated tensions.
Editor: It’s interesting that the departure was described as a mutual decision. What does that imply about the relationship between Obradovic and the club?
Dr. Moreau: When a departure is framed as mutual, it often suggests that both parties recognized the need for change. Obradovic may have felt that he could no longer inspire his team or implement his vision effectively. For the club, making a change might be seen as necessary to rejuvenate the team’s performance and restore confidence among fans. It’s a strategic move to pivot away from what clearly wasn’t working.
Editor: Given this situation, what do you think the next steps should be for AS Monaco? What kind of coach should they look to bring in?
Dr. Moreau: AS Monaco should ideally seek a coach who has experience in managing teams under pressure and is capable of adapting to rapidly changing situations. They might benefit from someone with a track record of developing young talent, as integrating fresh energy can be crucial in revitalizing the team’s spirit. Additionally, a coach who emphasizes communication and player relationships may help smooth over the relationship with the fans.
Editor: With the current competitive landscape in French basketball, how imperative is it for AS Monaco to find the right successor quickly?
Dr. Moreau: Timing is critical. The longer they wait to appoint a new coach, the harder it may be to recover this season. With only nine days passed since the departure, the team’s momentum can easily wane. A swift recruitment could help re-engage players, instill new tactics, and provide a morale boost as they aim to climb back up the standings.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on this compelling situation at AS Monaco. It will be interesting to see how the club navigates this transition and whether they can turn their fortunes around.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for the discussion. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds in the coming weeks!
Editor: This has been your latest scoop on basketball news. Stay tuned for more updates on AS Monaco and other teams in the league!