Xavi Pascual and Georgios Bartzokas Reunite
The upcoming EuroLeague match between FC Barcelona and Olympiakos will see the return of Georgios Bartzokas to the Palau Blaugrana. Bartzokas, the current head coach of Olympiakos, previously coached Barcelona and has a notable history with both teams.
Xavi Pascual’s Tenure at Barcelona
Xavi Pascual recently celebrated his one-month anniversary as the head coach of FC Barcelona. His coaching style has already shown a significant improvement in the team’s performance, particularly in defense. Since Pascual took charge, the team has not allowed more than 80 points in any of their five games.
Defensive Improvements
Under Pascual’s leadership, the defensive average has dropped to 72.6 points per game, a notable reduction from 87.6 points previously recorded under Joan Peñarroya. Despite these improvements, Pascual acknowledges that there is still much to achieve.
- Defensive average: 72.6 points against
- Previous average: 87.6 points against
- Games without allowing 80+ points: 5
Georgios Bartzokas’ Return
Georgios Bartzokas served as the coach of Barcelona before his move to Olympiakos. He signed with Barcelona in 2016 but left after just one season, finishing with a disappointing record of 12 wins and 18 losses. This outcome led to an 11th-place finish in the EuroLeague, marking one of the club’s worst campaigns.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona is aiming for its fifth consecutive victory when they face Olympiakos. This match is crucial for the team’s standing in the EuroLeague. Pascual emphasized the importance of managing their demanding schedule and ensuring that the players are well-prepared for the upcoming challenges.
As the EuroLeague battle intensifies, all eyes will be on the rekindled rivalry between Pascual and Bartzokas. Fans are eager to see how both coaches leverage their strategies and experience in this pivotal matchup.
