Seculich consulted with Paskual before agreeing to lead the basketball “Zenit”

The head coach of the Zenit basketball, Aleksander Seculich, said that he was consulting with the ex -team of the team, Havier Paskuel, before agreeing to lead the club.

The contract with the Slovenian specialist is designed for the season -2025/26 with the possibility of extending according to the 1+1 scheme.

– Tell us how quickly did you decide to lead the club from St. Petersburg?

– It took a little time, given the club’s reputation. I know what significance it has not only for Russian, but also for European basketball.

– With whom did you consult before giving an answer to Zenit?

– I talked with Chavi (Paskual), but in general I already knew what to expect from this club, and was very glad and flattered that I received an offer.

– Earlier you have already successfully worked in Russia. Does this mean that you do not need additional time to adapt?

– I think yes. I know the Russian mentality – at least I hope that I know. I know what to expect from the league, so adaptation will probably pass faster than in my previous club – Loko.

– When you left Russia last summer, there was a feeling that you did not manage to completely reveal your potential. What tasks do you set for yourself in the debut season in St. Petersburg?

– When you are in such a club as Zenit, the goals can only be the highest. So our main task is to try to become the best team of Russia.

– You said that you talked with Chavi Paskual before coming to Zenit. What did he tell you?

– We talked a lot. He spent amazing five years here, achieved excellent results. He brought the club the title and was very close to the historical exit to the “final of four” Euroleague. He won the Super Bowl, the Cup … He spoke only positively about the club. He did not tell me this, but I think it was not easy for him to decide to leave Zenit, – the press service of the team quoted the words.

Javier Paskual left Zenit on June 17 due to the expiration of the contract. The Spaniard led the team since 2020.