FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.11.2009 14:44

Pascual signs contract extension

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The head coach of Regal FC Barcelona, Xavi Pascual, has signed a one-year extension to his contract. This follows on from a similar deal agreed by the technical secretary of the basketball section Joan Creus on 30th October.

Xavi Pascual’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season but has now been extended until 30th June . The Club director responsible for the basketball section, Josep Cubells, described Pascual as, “a coach who puts his faith in home-grown players and attractive basketball, and who has a winning character”.

All-round satisfaction

The ceremony took place in the Club offices and was attended by the president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, the director responsible for the basketball section and secretary to the Board, Josep Cubells, and Joan Creus, technical secretary.

Both Club and Xavier Pascual are delighted with the new deal. He told us. “I’m very happy with the Club’s decision. My new deal and that of the technical secretary show the satisfaction that exists in the Club and that’s good for everyone”.

Josep Cubells told us: “With Pascual we are beginning a new cycle and we’re very happy with our decision. We believe he is a coach who will define an epoch in the Club. That’s why we’re extending his contract for another year to keep the fans dreaming of success”.

Basketball technical secretary Joan Creus told us: “One of our objectives was to extend Xavier Pascual’s contract. He’s done a good job and today that has been ratified. Extending his contract at this moment gives stability and that’s how both sides saw it”.

A record of success

Xavier Pascual’s record in charge of the basketball team has been pretty successful. He became head coach on 14th February 2008 in place of Dusko Ivanovic.

At 36, Pascual is the youngest coach to win the ACB league. After five barren seasons, he led Regal Barça to victory in last season’s playoff against TAU.

But6 that’s not the sum total of Pascual’s success with Barça. They disputed the Final Four last season, something that had escaped the team since 2005/06 and so far this season, Regal Barça have secured two trophies: the Catalan league 2009/10 against DKV Joventut, and the ACB Super Cup against Real Madrid in the Canary Islands.