Barça strikes down Joan Peñarroya

BarcelonaBarça is analyzing how to restructure its basketball section after the team hit rock bottom this Sunday with a defeat at Bàsquet Girona. The club has dismissed Joan Peñarroya, is looking for a replacement to revitalize the project from the bench, and, despite budget limitations, is exploring options to strengthen its frontcourt. The Terrassa-born coach will be replaced on an interim basis by Óscar Orellana. Joan Laporta's favorite is Xavi Pascual, but the coach is asking for a long-term contract and that his vision for building a competitive team be respected, a condition that entails significant financial demands that the club rejected a few months ago. "After Roger Grimau, there were approaches, but they didn't turn into any concrete offers. They asked me if I was available," Pascual explained in an interview on Catalunya Ràdio.

Joan Peñarroya became a problem on Friday, when, after losing to Real Madrid, fans demanded the resignation of Josep Cubells, the director in charge of the basketball section. The defeat against Bàsquet Girona (96-78), their third consecutive loss, was the final straw. Cubells, Navarro, Fernández, and Trias met at Fontajau.

The Catalan team hit rock bottom in a match that highlighted their current slump. The Blaugrana have now suffered four defeats in six Liga Endesa games. "I have little to say, Girona completely outplayed us. It's an unacceptable performance. After the game we played, we can't even hear ourselves speak," said Joan Peñarroya.

"I'm ultimately responsible for the team, and it's a tough day because we didn't compete as we needed to. It's a really frustrating day. What I ask of the team is that we stick together more than ever because there's still the whole season to go. We played a terrible game. We weren't up to par, and it's a damn bad day," lamented the Terrassa coach.

"Since becoming Barça's coach, I've been answering the question of whether I'm capable. I'll continue operating the same way. We don't have the approval of many people, but I feel strong. I don't make the decisions, but I'll keep hammering away and trying to change things," summarized Peñarroya, who was dismissed hours later.

"I think we need to apologize and be self-critical. Each one of us, as a team. What happened is a disgrace. I have no more words. I think it's too soon to be in this situation, but if we're united and change our mindset quickly and effectively, we can get out of this," said Nico Laprovittola. The Argentine player acknowledged that a change of direction wouldn't surprise the locker room. "I would understand a change on the bench; I don't know if it's the ideal solution, but yes, I think I would understand it. We're at the highest level of competitive demand at Barça, with everything that entails, and anything can happen," he added.

Hiopos Lleida is strong at home

Hiopos Lleida proved too strong at Barris Nord, surprising Baskonia with a spectacular 86-80 victory. The home team scored 49 points in a first half that fans will remember for a long time. The visitors' comeback added excitement to the game, but the victory was never in doubt. Melvin Ejim, Caleb Agada, and James Batemon added quality to Gerard Encuentra's exciting game plan.

Baxi Manresa, meanwhile, suffered a defeat on the court of UCAM Murcia, who have started the season like a thunderclap (84-65). Worn down from their Eurocup campaign, the Manresa team has only managed to win two of their first six Liga Endesa games. "We weren't at the level required for a game like this. We lacked the consistency to match the intensity of our opponents. Furthermore, we made unforced errors that they punished us for," lamented Diego Ocampo, coach of the Catalan team.