Roger Grimau presented as Barça basketball coach
Roger Grimau was in ebullient mood in the press conference during his presentation as FC Barcelona's new coach of the basketball team on Friday in the Auditori 1899. "We will have a great time. We will give absolutely everything and let's hope we can bring joy to the fans," said the former Barça player. The Catalan assessed his new role and revealed "I have a lot of desire to put my stamp on the team and get my ideas across to the players."
"The challenge is a big one, I know that, but there is no challenge in my life that has given me butterflies in my stomach. When Barça came to me, I was clear I had to say yes. I am ready and I believe I can lead the group and happy I will not be alone," he added.
Grimau was accompanied at the presentation by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and the board member responsible for basketball, Josep Cubells.
President Laporta congratulated Grimau, adding that it was "a special day for the Club, and for the Barça basketball team." He continued: "We are really happy to be able to share this day with you. Now you will continue your career after being a player and doing great work as coach with the youth teams. It is a new project and despite the fact that it is a big challenge, we are sure that there will be great success. Your victories will be victories for the Palay and we all think that it was a the best decision for Barça."
For his part, board member Josep Cubells said it was the "start of a new era." He added: "Our aim was to take Barça back to the elite of European basketball. That has happened, making the Final Four and winning domestic trophies. The fans have come back to the Palau to get behind the team and be loyal. That for us is key and it is a new era which is important for the fans. An era with the spirit of 2010."
"Great work is being done"
Grimau stated that he is happy with the way things are going. "Great work is being carried out, we are signing very well and we will fight for everything as the aim is to win trophies as always."
On individual signings he continued: "Joel Parra will give us energy and he will key in the coming years at the Palau. Willy Hernángomez is quality and Darío Brízuela will bring his magic with the ball."
Grimau also commented on his style of play as a coach - "dynamic, with pace and pressure' - he said, adding that he would adapt the the players he has to get the best out of them. He also mentioned the demands of the competitions and the need to stay in touch with the youth teams. "The calendar is tough and my idea is to give playing time to everyone to keep them on their toes. That will be key and the idea is to have 14-15 players and keep an eye on the players from Barça Atlètic." .
Special anniversary
Before the press conference, Roger Grimau signed his contract as FC Barcelona in president Joan Laporta's office. At the presentation with Grimau were also Juan Carlos Navarro, manager of the basketball section, Mario Bruno Fernández, technical secretary as well as the new coach's coaching staff of Carles Marco, Òscar Orellana, Víctor Sada and Xavi Beltran.
Legends Nacho Solozábal and Juan Antonio San Epifanio ‘Epi’ were present as well as former team mates Jordi Trias and Xavi Rabaseda.
On his 45th birthday, Grimau was joined by his two children on the stage to receive his birthday cake and begin a new phase in his Barça adventure.