“Mental Work is Key”

Tabak, a breath of fresh air for MoraBanc Andorra:

Tabak, a breath of fresh air for MoraBanc Andorra: “Mental work is key”

The new coach makes his debut this Saturday with the visit of Dreamland Gran Canaria, marked by caution and optimism

The MoraBanc Andorra bench has a new tenant. Žan Tabak, experienced in a thousand basketball battles, is preparing for his debut this Saturday against Dreamland Gran Canaria. With the caution that characterizes him, but also with palpable optimism, the Croatian coach highlighted in his presentation that “when there is a change of coach there is always a positive air.”

Tabak, who comes from Split, is confident that the mental aspect will be the fundamental pillar of his work. “It is not my first experience in a situation like this and I can compare previous situations,” he said. He recognizes that players usually arrive with low morale after a replacement on the bench, so his priority will be to “work on the mental aspect.” He recognizes that there is no time for major tactical revolutions, so his focus will be on “using things that are already there and using them better.”

The defense stands as the great workhorse for the new coach. “Defense. I will not invent a new defense or make tactical tweaks,” he said. His plan involves “putting more pressure on the ball, passing hard blocks and more individual responsibility.” Despite the complexity of the CBA, where “one cannot relax at a defensive level,” Tabak seeks to simplify as much as possible to maximize performance.

Since his arrival, Tabak has had individual conversations with each player. “You have to talk to each player and see how they can help you and, in the end, negotiate to find a middle ground,” he explained. This closeness seeks to strengthen team cohesion and understand individual needs.

Saturday's rival, Dreamland Gran Canaria, remains in the background for the coach. “I only think about my team and I don't care about the rival. We have to think about ourselves and improve and lift our spirits. The rest is secondary,” he declared firmly. Its focus is on self-criticism and internal improvement.

Despite his optimism, Tabak does not hide his concern about certain aspects of the game. “There are many things that worry me. These scores that the team receives are connected to defense,” he admitted. The search for a new ball handler is one of the priorities, but he insists that the solution involves “maximum commitment to the players on a defensive level.”

The coach appeals to the fans: “I ask you to be with us. This is a marathon and not a sprint. We all need to be together.” He recognizes the frustration of the followers and the players, but is confident that, step by step, they will achieve permanence. “No peak efforts and we all need to push in the same direction,” he concluded.

Tabak also had words of praise for Joan Plaza, his predecessor and “teacher.” “I have a very good relationship with Joan and I sat down with him before he left here,” he confessed. He understands that professional sports are governed by results and that the club made the decision thinking about the competition. “I am a professional and I do my job,” he concluded.

Regarding the private conversations with Plaza, Tabak was discreet: “First I will look at my part of the work. I have all the information, but I will not talk about things that are not relevant. Joan is a friend of mine and he told me about his experiences and it is a private conversation.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does Žan Tabak debut as coach of MoraBanc Andorra? Žan Tabak's debut as coach of MoraBanc Andorra will be this Saturday.
Which team will MoraBanc Andorra play against in Tabak's debut? MoraBanc Andorra will face Dreamland Gran Canaria in Tabak's debut.
What is Tabak's main concern for his debut? Tabak's main concern is the defensive aspect of the team.
What aspect does Tabak consider most important to improve the team? Tabak believes that mental work is key to improving the team.
Has Tabak spoken to the players individually? Yes, Tabak has spoken to each player personally.
Is Tabak analyzing the rival, Dreamland Gran Canaria? No, Tabak has stated that he only thinks about his team and does not care about the opponent.
What does Tabak ask of the fans? Tabak asks the fans to be with the team and to support them in this “marathon”.
What is Tabak's relationship with Joan Plaza like? Tabak has a very good relationship with Joan Plaza, whom he considers his teacher.
What does Tabak expect from the debut match? Tabak expects a positive air after the change of coach and is confident in the improvement of the team.
What objective does MoraBanc Andorra have according to Tabak? The main objective is to stay in the league.