It’s only been three months since he announced that he would play for Bàsquet Girona, however Marc Gasol it is closer to resolving the outstanding debt it believes it has with Girona. Jordi Sargatal’s men have already managed to catch the “play-off” after a great streak of seven straight victories, but they want more.
They have seven consecutive victories. Should we get the eighth against Granada?
Certainly. And even more so playing at home. We want to do well and have a full game like the last few weeks. There was a higher physical point to impact every action both on offense and defense. We are a very solid team, but we have also seen that when we are not, it costs us a little more. I’m sure the players will come out eagerly.
What is missing from the team to avoid moments of disconnection in the second half? Why are they able to accumulate brilliant minutes of play …
Get to know us. We have to find the balance. This is the work we do in Fontajau during training days: solidify concepts, get to know our teammates, see which keys Jordi (Sargatal) has to play … That’s up to him. We want to be one step ahead, always with the same intention when it comes to work.
They are currently in the play-off zone. What atmosphere is there in the dressing room?
The feelings are very good and positive. We are convinced that we still have a long way to go and that there is room for improvement. We can’t lose focus or think about things that may not be so important. We need to be focused on our day-to-day work to keep improving and enjoy. Sometimes we forget when there is a lot of demand, but we have to enjoy every moment of our work. We have to achieve both things: be demanding and at the same time enjoy finding the balance.
It speaks of demand. Have you stopped looking down for good and are you looking up?
The classification is alien because there are more teams involved. We have to do our job on a day-to-day basis, compete to the fullest and win games. All this will lead us to the evolution of climbing positions in the classification. We have nothing to do with what one team does against another, but in games. We need to be mindful of ourselves and not of others.
The leader visits them. What does Girona Basketball play?
It’s more of a regular season basketball game. However, the rival presents us with another challenge. He has a similar physique to Estudiantes in terms of size and players, but with different talents. Lluís (Costa) is a very clear game generator and the team is working. We see that there is an identity, what we are looking for, the space in attack and defense, the intention … While we are still in the process of solidifying certain knowledge that involves a job. This is a good time to test ourselves and see where we are going to keep evolving.
Would winning mean that the candidacy for the play-off and a possible fight for promotion is firm?
I’ve never played a game other than to win it. It’s simple for me. In the event that we succeed, we will talk about it, although winning or losing does not take away my confidence because it will not change my view of my teammates or when Fontajau is energized. The stand impacts and gives us a push. That will not change if we lose. What’s more, on Wednesday morning we will be at the same point as now whether we lose or win. But I want to win.
When he announced his signing, he said the goal was to enjoy basketball. Seeing how the team is, is it time to cheer on the fans and make it clear that they are going for the ACB?
Well … Obviously if all goes well the ACB will be a consequence, rather than a goal. Our goal is to get the most out of your workforce. If we do, we will be closer to achieving it. Playing a playoff and a final four is very difficult. Not to mention being first, that we are too far away because we are now six defeats away. We depend on the day to day and how things go. It is the most beautiful of this format because whoever gets there has gone his own way. We must continue to work to end the season with all the concepts well solidified and firm. If we are finally facing challenges, we must all understand at the same time what solution we find.
It will also help to have a full Fontajau. There are more spectators since his arrival, do you expect even more from now until the end of the season?
Of followers? I think it is we who must continue to encourage and transmit this effort of the dwarves. On the track you see spectacle, in addition to everything that happens around. It’s cool. People always appreciate it. I encourage everyone to come at least one day to see it. Surely from then on they will decide to repeat.
The match against Granada falls on Tuesday, but it is more important than ever to count on his support.
We are very excited to be with you. They give us a very big push. The team has had a different attitude for a few days now and both the fans are feeling it. I really enjoy seeing younger and younger kids in the stands and having a good time. They are the present and at the same time the future of the project.
In the hypothetical case that they made the “play-off” and passed the first round, would Girona be willing to make an effort and ask to be the venue of the Final Four?
If we find all the assets needed to do so, no doubt. We have good memories of the Final Four held in Girona. It would be a great opportunity for us to organize it, as well as for the institutions and the whole city. But hey, you have to get there first.
How has the team changed with their presence and the signings of Fjellerup and Urtasun?
We are more consistent. Despite the departure of some teammates such as Robert (Cosialls) or Olaf (Schaftenaar) who are always difficult, Eric (Vila) has relocated to 4 and has a clearer role than expected from the position. Txemi (Urtasun) and Maxi (Fjellerup) are complementary and have different profiles. Their profiles fit us very well on both sides of the track. The team has evolved. We are more compact, although sometimes it is also difficult to manage 10, 11, 12 or even 13 players. It is a consequence that cannot be solved right now, but it makes us better. The reality of professional sport is this and little by little the first team is taking the steps. We are becoming more and more professional and the demand is rising. Is inevitable.
Were the changes in the staff to be able to aspire to more?
Certainly. Txemi and Maxi give us another dimension. Like when I arrived, they solidified the idea. They also make it possible for the team environment to level up. That’s right. In the end, it is the law of life. We have been presented with challenges that we may not have had until now because we have always been very comfortable and safe with people we trust. As the team becomes more professional, situations are created that are not as comfortable as they normally are.
The seven consecutive wins include games in which he could not play. Did the track suffer a lot from the outside?
Yes, especially since we came from a dynamic of doubts. That’s when I suffered the most because I saw that mentally the team was hesitant. We tried to solidify it a bit, giving very clear guidelines of what we wanted and what we were doing. There are always things to work on and improve, the issue is to prioritize them and see what we build. Rather than putting out fires, we need to build a structure strong enough to withstand the ups and downs of the season.
Has it been proven that trusting Sargatal was right?
Certainly. He has never had an asterisk. Jordi does a great job, he is dedicated to it with his skin and soul and his work team is also evolving.
The team has also changed.
If we can help them from the club, I’m not talking about the player Marc Gasol, we will try to contribute any piece that can help them. We will always do this because it is important that they feel comfortable and safe. That way everything will be easier.