Germany's Euro 2025 winning coach Alan Ibrahimagic has said that basketball still has structural problems in the country as he called for more investment into the sport. "We noticed once again during the tournament that there is huge demand for the clubs.
Germany's Euro 2025 winning coach Alan Ibrahimagic has said that basketball still has structural problems in the country as he called for more investment into the sport.
"We noticed once again during the tournament that there is huge demand for the clubs. However, there is a lack of capacity, both in terms of coaches and training facilities," Ibrahimagic told Monday's edition of Kicker sports magazine.
Ibrahimagic expressed doubt that the second continental title won earlier in September will change this situation in the short term.
"Despite winning the European championships, no one is going to agree to build a hall for us straight away. The (national) federation is working towards this, but public pressure is needed," he said.
But the added that the quality of coaches has improved, one of the reasons being that the domestic top flight Bundesliga has made the coaching position a mandatory full-time job.
Ibrahimagic was Germany's assistant at the Euros but coached the team over almost the whole tournament after head coach Alex Mumbru fell ill.
He previously mainly coached the German junior national teams, and said he has no problem taking a step back again after the Euros, with Mumbru expected to return for the next games in November.
"No problem. I could also leave and be head coach somewhere else if I wasn't so fulfilled here. When Alex hopefully returns refreshed for the November matches, I'll sit back down, and that's fine too," Ibrahimagic said.
However, he also said that the experience and success at the Euros will stay forever: "That's why I am sitting here for the interview, otherwise you probably wouldn't know who I am."
Category: General Sports
