FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.06.2008 14:37

Savic looks back

Cristina Collado

Zoran Savic has looked back on his three-year spell with AXA FC Barcelona after deciding to leave the club. He explained what mistakes he may have made and what he felt he did well in his role at the club.

In his third spell at Camp Nou, Savic was the technical secretary and felt that it was time for a change this summer as he looked forward to going back to Bologna.

What is your appraisal of the last three years?

"Very good, I think. I would do two appraisals. From a professional point of view we cannot say that we are happy with what we have won in the past three years. From a personal point of view, I am 100 per cent pleased with everyone that I have worked with in the last three years. It was the third time I have been back at the club and I am pleased."

What have you not done in the last three years?

"A little social piece within the team, a bit more tranquillity. During the past three years there has been a lot agitation around the team. The has change has come about in the last few months. With Xavi Paschal as coach things have calmed down a little and the results have started to come."

What was the best thing about this stint at Barça?

"The best have been the past three months. We have changed the coach and the system of play. The team was closer to the fans and everything was better. I thought things were very positive towards the end of the league."

Ant the worst?

"The worst thing was the cup this year where we were bad and did not play well. Also when we were beaten in the semi final of the Final Four in Prague where we lost after being 13 points ahead. That harmed us a lot."

What would you change if you could?

"I would not change much, but the odd important thing. I would not make the change of coach early on. I also would not have wanted Juan Carlos Navarro to go and I would like to have kept Marc Gasol here. Those two things are fundamental. I think that if those two had been with us last season then it would have been different and we could have won the Euroleague and gone for everything else."

What would you say to Joan Creus?

"That he should what he thinks. Many people will advise him about the team, but he must continue doing what he wants and let his personality come through on this project."

What would you say to the Barça fans?

"I would like to thank everyone who has come to see our games in the Palau in the last three seasons. I still remember clearly our fans after we beat DKV Joventut in the semi final of the league. That was very special. The fans have always been close to the team and in the last section of the season we have had their support. I am with them. I want to thank them for everyone and I hope that they have more enjoyable nights in the future."