Madrid signs the most unexpected coach in history

BarcelonaA desperate Real Madrid, after closing a season in which it has spent more money in its history than ever before, has decided to make a surprising change of direction. The white club will dismiss Sergio Scariolo and pay the one-million-euro termination clause to sign Pedro Martínez, the Catalan coach who has just led Valencia Basket to the ACB League title. Florentino Pérez has promised him a contract until 2029.

The native of Badalona, who on Sunday watched live the match of the Catalan national team in Manresa, had a contract with Valencia Basket until 2028, but has communicated to the orange club that Real Madrid will pay his termination clause. The white club will face a financially significant operation as, in addition, it will have to pay a millionaire compensation to Sergio Scariolo.

After the president of Real Madrid rescued Juan Carlos Sánchez to lead the basketball section, Sergio Rodríguez announced his resignation on social media. The former player, until now sports director, did not want to work with someone he didn't get along with. Martynas Pocius and Paco Robles, Chacho's two main advisors, will also not continue at Madrid, which has rethought its structure from top to bottom.

If Pedro Martínez's departure is confirmed, Valencia Basket will have to rebuild the project, which will also lose players such as Jean Montero, Brancou Badio, Sergio de Larrea, Braxton Key and, probably, Jaime Pradilla, whom Real Madrid also wants to sign. The orange club will have to consider whether to opt for an internal solution, betting on Xavi Albert, or to bring in a coach from outside. Diego Ocampo, coach of Kids&Us Manresa, is one of the options.