Basketball - Laso's departure hits Bayern basketball players hard
What is the extent of this decision, FC Bayern Munchen themselves defined it on Friday morning. "Significant personnel change", so labeled the German basketball champion the surprising announcement of the departure of its chief coach Pablo Laso.
After just one year and two titles, the Spaniard is leaving the Munchen team again. For family reasons. The 56-year-old is drawn back to his homeland. Shortly after the Munchen announcement, his hometown club Baskonia presented the former professional as their new coach. He is to sign there until 2027. "Pablo Laso returns home", it read in the Spanish statement. At Baskonia, Laso had once started his playing career.
The decision of the 56-year-old hits FCB hard, but it is met with understanding. However, the Bayern are suddenly without a trainer just a few weeks before the start of the season.
"Pablo's personal decision took us by surprise, but we respect him very much as a trainer and personality and thank him heartily for his work and great commitment in the successful past season", said business manager Marko Pesic.
Laso still had a contract with the Munchen team until 2025. However, over the past weekend, he asked for a meeting with the management and informed them that he wanted to prematurely terminate the contract. The double winner granted him this.
The former successful coach of Real Madrid had only come to the Munchen team a year ago. In his first and only season, he led the Bayern to the double victory in the BBL Cup and Championship. "We wish Pablo all the best for the future, not only because of the double win, he will always be connected to us", said Pesic.
The further personnel planning of the club will be communicated soon, it was further stated. Pesic therefore had to work under high pressure on the search for a new coach. But who will replace Laso is still unclear.
- Despite the departure of Pablo Laso, FC Bayern Munich continues to be a formidable force in German basketball, having won the Bundesliga title last season.
- Marko Pesic, the business manager of FC Bayern Munich, expressed his appreciation for Laso's work and commitment, noting that he will always be associated with the club due to their double victory.
- With the departure of Laso, FC Bayern Munich finds itself in need of a new coach just a few weeks before the start of the new Bundesliga season.
- Serbian-born basketball coach Marko Pesic is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Pablo Laso, who has returned to his hometown club Baskonia in Spain.
