Scariolo admits Madrid's defensive collapse after historic elimination against Tenerife

The elimination of Real Madrid in the first round of the playoffs represents an unprecedented blow to the white entity. Scariolo's team fell at the Palacio de los Deportes against La Laguna Tenerife with a score of 95-107, thus closing a season that began with high expectations but crumbled in the crucial phases. The last time the Madrid team suffered a setback of this magnitude in the playoffs was eighteen years ago.

The Italian coach appeared at a press conference shortly after the match to offer his analysis of what happened. Scariolo did not shy away from responsibilities and delved into the issues that plagued the team during the last months of competition, especially after the EuroLeague Final Four.

The imbalance between inside and outside play

Scariolo started his intervention by congratulating the opponent and its players. "Congratulations to their team, to Txus, Marce, Mills. I think we fought until we had the possibility to access the paint," the coach noted. However, he quickly moved on to analyze the offensive problems that hindered the team. "The very low accuracy in three-point shots didn't allow us to find a response in our outside shooting. We conceded many points, some very difficult, some after good defense, others due to their great merit, and some due to our mistakes."

The Italian particularly emphasized the lack of balance between inside and outside play as a determining factor in the defeat. "The little balance we had between inside and outside play cost us dearly. We were like two completely different teams," explained Scariolo. The coach contrasted the team's performance in the regular ACB season with what was seen in the final stages.

Tavares and Garuba's absences as a decisive factor

Scariolo did not hide that the absence of Edy Tavares and Usman Garuba marked a before and after in the team's performance. Both big men were crucial in the initial success of the season, but their injuries forced a rethink of the playing system. "You can't prepare for players getting injured," commented the Italian coach, acknowledging the challenge of adapting to an unforeseen situation.

The coach also stressed the need to improve defensive aspects that were compromised in the last month of competition. "There are things we have to digest and improve defensively," he said, admitting that defensive efficiency was lacking when it was most needed.

Defensive decline, the greatest pain

One of the aspects that caused Scariolo the most pain was the drop in defensive efficiency during the final stretch of the season. "It hurts especially, there have been seasons and championships where my teams have been among the best defensively, but our defensive efficiency in the last month was not sufficient," acknowledged the coach. This confession reflects the frustration of a coach accustomed to building defensively solid teams.

Apologies to a loyal fan base

Scariolo dedicated a significant part of his appearance to apologizing to Real Madrid's fans. Throughout the season, the white supporters provided unwavering support, even in the match of elimination. "We apologize to a fan base that has supported us throughout the year, even today. They have always been by our side. We are sorry for them," said the coach.

The Italian called for patience and learning in a moment of great frustration. "It's a time to learn, congratulate the opponent, and start preparing calmly and lucidly for the upcoming season," he said, trying to project a constructive outlook toward the future.

Scariolo also expressed his gratitude to the players and the coaching staff for the work they had done. "I thanked the players for the effort they have put in. A long and hard effort, they did it together. I also thanked the coaching staff because the work was very good until the team collapsed," explained the coach, recognizing that the collapse was not due to lack of dedication but to specific circumstances.

Bittersweet balance in his first year

When asked about his assessment in the first year back at Real Madrid, Scariolo was clear. "A very good balance until the Final Four, dominating the regular season of the league, reaching the EuroLeague final. With the downside of the Copa del Rey, which is not easily achieved. From the Final Four until today, a negative balance," summarized the coach.

This statement reflects the duality of a season that began with great success but ended disappointingly. The dominance in the ACB and the presence in the EuroLeague final showed a competitive team, but the subsequent collapse completely altered the campaign's perception.

Regarding uncertainties about his continuity, the Italian coach was clear and direct. "That's not a question for me. I have a three-year contract, and this is a question for the club," he concluded, ending the press conference with a statement that leaves the final decision in the hands of the Madrid-based board.

Real Madrid's elimination in the quarterfinals and the season without titles mark a turning point in Scariolo's project. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of both the coach and the team's structure for the next season.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Scariolo admite el colapso defensivo del Madrid tras la histórica eliminación ante el Tenerife