He doesn't have an easy mission. With a quarter less of the budget and with a calendar that does not let up, Roger Grimau (Barcelona, 1978) continues trying to shape the biggest challenge of his career and build a winning Barça. It's not being simple. Many changes and little time to assimilate them. On and off the hardwood, because the character of the new coach has nothing to do with that of his predecessor. Grimau makes his debut this Thursday in the Euroleague against Anadolu Efes (8:30 p.m.). Another litmus test after having already played two classics.
How is the locker room after the defeat against Real Madrid?
Defeats are always horrible and difficult to assimilate.
Has the classic arrived too soon?
There is a context that qualifies the result but, obviously, there are many new things and winning would give us a point of peace of mind. But we are on the right track.
What is the team missing?
A little solidity at certain times. When we have a few minutes in which we are not well, we receive too much punishment. And, when we are good, we don't finish punishing the rival.
With so many changes in the summer, were you prepared for a difficult start?
A three-week preseason is not the ideal situation to digest and mature all the new concepts, no matter how good the players are. We are at that point of grape fermentation to be able to make a good wine but the calendar is what it is and we have to face it.
Would you understand that there were nerves in the environment so soon?
I left social networks a long time ago, before becoming Barça coach, so I'm quite shielded and not many things reach me. But I'm from here and I know how everything works, although I don't know if we have to be at this point of drama after three days of the League. But it doesn't surprise me either.
Was it expected that training Barça would be like it is?
In life I get used to putting myself in the most critical situations to be prepared and face whatever comes. Obviously, it is being an intense job 24 hours a day. But it's what I wanted.
Does what you are seeing make you optimistic?
I am an optimist in life and I think that when we all get the automatisms we are looking for, things will be cool. Maybe my way of working is a little slower but I'm sure that when it takes hold things will go well.
Do you mean that he has a calm character, which has nothing to do with that of Jasikevicius, for example?
(laughs) I didn't expect this question.
It was inevitable. But you are a calm person, right?
Yes. It's not that I train this way, it's that I am like that in life and I like to be like that. I wouldn't know how to fake it, it would surely go wrong. I have raised my children like this and I am delighted. My son is already 18 years old and he is affectionate and responsible. If it has turned out like this with my children, why won't it turn out just as well in other aspects of life.
Said like that, it seems difficult to refute him...
Well, this does not mean that suddenly there cannot be bad temper, or there can be a fight. If you ask my children they will confirm it, as is normal, but all things must be in their right measure. And I am absolutely convinced that this way it can work very well.
Do you understand why players find it difficult to adapt to such a sudden change in doing things?
It must have shocked them. When you are used to a boss and another one comes along who works in a completely different way, it is normal. It is a process and we all have to adapt.
How is it achieved?
I still don't know my players and they don't know me either, we are still getting to know each other. They have to know what a silence means, which sometimes is much more than a shout, or what a look means. These are things that we will all learn. It will be a little slower this way but you have to go with what you believe.
Do you notice special pressure for inheriting a League champion team?
No, it is something that is inherent in the position. And there is no one around me who puts more pressure on me than I put on myself. There is no one more demanding and more self-critical than me with myself.
Do you have a hard time when you lose?
I beat myself up a lot about defeats because in the end I am the person most responsible for the team. When things don't go well, the one people are going to look at is me.
It sounds a bit like flogging...
There is a moment when a limit is crossed and it is not good, it was something that happened to me more before. I think now I'm more in line with balance.
Do you have a hard time sleeping after games?
In general I don't sleep much but it's not something that's because I'm the Barça coach, it's been going on for a long time and I don't know if I'll be able to fix it one day.
How are the new signings being integrated?
I think pretty good. It helps a lot that the majority knows about the selection. Although we are in that maturation process until we know each other.
Willy Hernangómez seems to be having a hard time...
I'm not worried about anything. We have signed him to play an important role. She comes from abroad and is still getting to know his colleagues.
The fans also expect a lot from Jabari Parker, a number 2 in the draft.
He is a very attentive boy. He always listens carefully and we make many individualized videos for him. If there is something he doesn't understand, he asks it and tries to assimilate it, to apply it the next day. We can see his desire to adapt and we are trying to find a space for him. That's my job.
