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At 53, Svetislav Pesic has already won almost every other title possible, a list headed by the current world and European crowns he achieved as head coach of Yugoslavia. Even before those two triumphs, Pesic's curriculum bristled with titles: with Yugoslavia, the European cadets and juniors (1985, 1986) and the world juniors (1987); with Bosna Sarajevo, the Yugoslav League (1983) and Cup (1984); with Alba Berlin, the German League four times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) and Cup twice (1997, 1999), plus the Korac Cup (1995). He also won the Euroleague as a player, in 1979 with Bosna Sarajevo. This week, however, Pesic faces his first Final Four as a head coach. His attempts to reach the summit with Alba Berlin failed in earlier rounds. In truth, however, Pesic's first strong Final Four opportunity came this season with FC Barcelona, and he seized it. In addition, Barca has already won the Spanish King's Cup and has led the Spanish League throughout the regular season. Now aiming Barcelona for the only prize it has never won, Pesic told Euroleague.net this week that this year's Euroleague really has impressed him.
Are you satisfied with what your team has done so far?
"Of course I'm happy with the results we have had this season, but in my opinion, those results are above the potential of my team! We are where we are thanks to hard work and sacrifice by everybody, from the players to the coaching staff and the club employees. Everyone has given his best to be here."
If those results are above the possibilities of your team, what can you say about expectations? Barcelona is "forced" to win titles. Is it hard to live under such pressure?
"It's not easy, but I can't complain. This is a part of our jobs, and when you work in such a big club as FC Barcelona you have to know how to handle this pressure. Pressure also has a positive side. It raises our morale, it increases the sense of responsibility and it offers a big opportunity to all of us. Getting to a Final Four is surely a big sports success, but people want more, they want the title, and I understand them. I also want it. But that's another thing, our real expectations will be known when the Final Four is over."
What is the shape of your team reaching the Final Four?
"Before answering I want to say something. I think it's more difficult to win the ACB League than the Euroleague! To put it simply, 34 weeks of regular season, and a tough playoff with 15 possible games is really an odyssey. With almost 50 games and big equality among the teams, it is hard to end first. In the Euroleague, despite the great quality of the competition, there are a maximum 22 games. I think we reach the Final Four in good shape and high morale. The most important thing is that we have no injured players and we have all the roster available."
What do you think about this Final Four?
"It's one of the best in history. We can find three teams that everybody said would be there from the beginning, and a team, Siena, which is a relative surprise. I say relative because if you look at their roster, you can see it is a great team, with many expert players. Siena won a European trophy last year and in the Final Four they have the same chances as the others. In a tournament, the quality of a team will be decisive sooner or later, but in 40 minutes, anything is possible."
How would you rate the Euroleague season?
"Excellent. It has been, without a doubt, the best tournament in the last years. The sports quality was very high, the play of all the teams has improved, everybody plays faster, more aggressive on defense, and the games are more spectacular. Another thing is that, among all of us, we don't know how to sell the product better. The Euroleague is the best competition in the world after the NBA, but it is even superior in some aspects. For example, in the NBA there are a lot of regular season games which are not decisive, while in the Euroleague you must win every game."
What can you say about more than 43,000 people called to obtain a Final Four ticket last April 30?
"It is impressive, a historical number for the Euroleague, but also for all the world of basketball. This madness that affects us all regarding the tickets confirms the Final Four as the top tournament in Europe for clubs and the enormous popularity of our sport in Barcelona and Spain."
You will make your Final Four debut this year, while the other coaches already have experience in this competition, Ataman once, Ivkovic and Messina three times. Can this influence the final outcome?
"No, it's not related at all. I don't feel like a rookie. After so many years in this job, I see the Final Four as just another competition. And also with good options to win it."
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