Juan Carlos Navarro is in Saint Petersburg accompanying the Barça in his series of Euroleague quarter-finals against him Zenith. The Russians started surprising with a victory in the first match at the Palau but the Barça team responded by winning the next two games and today they could seal their pass to Cologne Final Four if he achieves a new victory. “Seven years without Final Four is too long. A club like Barça always has to win things. We have several Copas del Rey, but the Euroleague is a key objective and that happens because we are in the Final Four. One of the objectives for Barça is to win a big title such as the Euroleague ”, says the new section manager in an interview offered to Barça TV.
Navarrese He has valued the Barça team’s ability to react in the series very positively. “” We did not start well in the playoffs at home. We play against a team that is very well, very well trained. I think we trusted each other in the first game. Here in Saint Petersburg the team has taken a step forward and we hope that this Friday the tie will be closed. And if it is not possible, we will have the option in Barcelona ”, points out the former player.
Navarro is not alone in Russia, where the two people who will accompany him in front of the structure of the basketball section have also traveled. Mario del Campo, until now the children’s coach, will be his assistant, while Mario Fernandez, who was his right hand in the quarry, will exercise the functions of sports director. ““ The new Board and the president trusted me to lead this project. By my side I will have Mario del Campo, which will be my attachment, and also to Mario Bruno Fernandez, who will be the sports director who will be with the first team. They are basketball people. Mario del Campo will be with me in all kinds of negotiations and speaking with the Board of Directors. Mario Fernández has been with me in the grassroots basketball and is people of the house. He is a hard worker and we have done a good job at the base for two years. With enthusiasm and common sense we will do it very well “, has valued Navarrese.
The current head of the Barça basketball has highlighted the good harmony with Sarunas Jasikevicius Y Pau Gasol. “Pau Gasol is a basketball legend and Saras has been very important for us to enter into this project. They also wanted us to be here ”, he explained. Navarrese, who values the progression of his good friend on his return to the slopes. “It is difficult for Pau, after two without playing, to perform at his best. But it is not only on the track, it is also outside. It is what he contributes to the players in each training session and now he is picking up the rhythm, strength, and every day he thinks less about the foot and it will help us a lot ”.