May 25, 2013
Neven Spahija resigns from Valencia!
Neven Spahija In a surprise announcement on Monday, head coach Neven Spahija resigned from Power Electronics Valencia, the Eurocup champions, while indicating that he might yet coach in the Euroleague next season. On April 18, Spahija led Valencia to the Eurocup title and an automatic spot in the Euroleague by defeating Alba Berlin 44-67 in the competition's title game. Over this weekend, Valencia was knocked out of the Spanish League playoffs by Unicaja in the quarterfinals.

"It's not easy for me to say what I am going to say, but this is sports and you have to make decisions," Spahija said Monday at a press conference in Valencia. "My decision is to leave Valencia is a very tough decision, and even more so after such a good season. I want everyone to understand clearly my motive: it hurt to read often in the press that the number one issue was Neven Spahija's contract and his price.

"My motive for leaving is my ambition. I think that I have come to this club a little late. I arrived to Valencia Basket in one manner and I am going now with a club that wants to go another way. The motivation is solely a sporting one. At this moment I have two clubs whose ambition and budget are bigger than here, so it's not just money. I want to leave as a gentleman. I always wish to leave by the same door, by the front door, and as a great friend. These last two years I will never forget."

Valencia Basket club president Vicente Sola had kind words for Spahija, but did not indicate that he had another coach in mind to replace him. "We have to just thank Neven for a great season, the success he obtained for our fans," Sola said. "We wish him the best because he gave his best for us, without reservations. Neven leaves behind in our club his great humanity, his honor, his ambition and his great professionalism."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Euroleague.net
PrintPrint Send to a FriendSend to a Friend ShareShare

Submenu