Vidorreta aims for 80% to surprise Barça

Txus Vidorreta faces his first Unicaja-Barcelona as the home coach with an energy he describes as renewed. In an interview with Marca, the Bilbao coach did not hesitate to express how he has experienced his arrival in Málaga after a decade in Tenerife. "I just turned 60 and I feel like I'm 50," he stated convincingly, emphasizing the impact his incorporation into the Málaga project has had. This feeling of rejuvenation is not coincidental: Vidorreta concluded that he had reached his ceiling in the Canary Islands and needed a change of scenery to start a new competitive cycle.

The motivation surrounding the coach is palpable. "I have always been motivated. I felt that in Tenerife I had reached my ceiling; I wanted a new experience and the option of Málaga came up. It has been a huge motivation. I told Juanma that I feel like they've rejuvenated me by 10 years," explained Vidorreta, referring to the executive leadership of Unicaja. His ambition is clear: "I come with a lot of drive and a great desire to do well every week to fulfill a long cycle in Málaga." These words reflect his intention to establish himself as a continuity project in the Andalusian club, distancing himself from any idea of a transitional step.

Current performance and the challenge of Sunday

Vidorreta has put specific figures on the moment his team is experiencing. With a record of 3-2 in the Liga Endesa, the coach acknowledges that Unicaja is operating at 70% of its potential. "I don't know the exact percentage we're at, but we have a short but effective rotation. We're at 70% and we've had five consecutive victories," he assured, showing satisfaction with the recent results. However, his focus is already on the next challenge: the clash against Barcelona.

For the Sunday match, Vidorreta is demanding of himself and his squad. "At less than 70%, we were close to beating Madrid. We need to increase that percentage and get closer to 80% against Barcelona," he stated with determination. This reference to the game against Real Madrid in the first round, where Unicaja lost 89-87, underscores that the team has been close to major upsets even without performing at their best. Vidorreta's logic is clear: if they can compete at 70%, the better their performance, the greater their chances of victory.

Outside shooting as a key to improvement

One of the aspects Vidorreta has identified as crucial for improvement is accuracy from beyond the three-point line. The coach referenced the game against Rio Breogán in Lugo, where Unicaja achieved a resounding victory (90-103). "The three-point line is fundamental, and in Lugo, we made ten three-pointers by halftime. It is one of the points we need to improve," he noted, using this game as a model for what is needed against Barcelona.

This observation is not trivial. Modern basketball, especially in the Liga Endesa, depends heavily on the ability to score from the perimeter. Vidorreta understands that to compete against a team the size of Barcelona, Unicaja must be able to punish from the outside, something they demonstrated in Lugo. The season's record includes a narrow defeat in Madrid and a convincing victory in Galicia, two references the coach uses to gauge expectations for Sunday.

The Carpena factor and emotional transformation

Vidorreta has experienced a remarkable transformation in his relationship with the Málaga public. In his previous visits to Málaga as a rival coach, he received a hostile welcome. "When I came to Málaga, they booed me, but I didn't feel it was a hostile situation," he recalled with some emotional distance. Now, the reality is completely different. "In the match against Andorra, I perceived that they were applauding me during the presentation. People are starting to like having Txus as a home coach and not as an opponent," he commented with satisfaction.

This role reversal has generated a special connection with Unicaja fans. Even symbolic aspects, like the club's anthem, are part of this adaptation process. "I hum the anthem while reading, but I'm going to learn it," Vidorreta joked, showing his willingness to fully integrate into Málaga's culture. The atmosphere at Martín Carpena will undoubtedly be a differential factor in the Sunday match.

"I can't wait to experience that game. Playing against Madrid or Barcelona in any arena means there’s an extra atmosphere. It will be the first time in many years that I do this in a crowded venue, as a home coach, with more than 10,000 spectators," Vidorreta expressed enthusiastically. This will be the 150th encounter between the two clubs, a milestone that underscores the historical importance of the rivalry. Vidorreta, who has coached in large stadiums, will experience this event from a completely new perspective: that of being the home coach in a court that cheers for him.

Confidence in the team's potential

Despite acknowledging the difficulty of competing against Barcelona, Vidorreta maintains a grounded confidence. "You have to be very good to beat Barcelona, but with the Carpena factor, a very good Unicaja will surely have chances for victory," he asserted with conviction. This statement is not a promise of triumph but a realistic assessment: the Málaga team, at its highest level and with the support of its fans, has realistic chances of surprising.

Willy Hernangómez and Kevin Knox in the project

In terms of players, Vidorreta expressed satisfaction with Willy Hernangómez's performance. "Willy's integration has been excellent. He is doing everything possible to adapt to our plan, although he has ups and downs," the coach evaluated. For the clash against Barcelona, Hernangómez will have extra motivation. "He always wants to have a great game, but especially against big rivals. For him, this is not just another game," Vidorreta pointed out, acknowledging that players elevate their competitive level against elite opponents.

Regarding Kevin Knox, a recent signing from the 2018 Draft, Vidorreta was complimentary. "Kevin Knox is a very good player and can play the four here in Europe. He is a great scorer and has a significant presence," he commented. However, Knox will not be available for the Sunday match. As Vidorreta explained in the pre-match press conference, the forward will arrive in Málaga on Sunday evening, so the team will rely on its current roster for the upcoming commitments.

Unicaja faces Barcelona in round 6 of the Liga Endesa, in a match that represents much more than three points in the standings. For Vidorreta, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that his arrival in Málaga was the right decision, that the project is solid, and that the team can compete against the best. With Martín Carpena as an ally and the challenge of raising performance to 80%, the Bilbao coach is fully prepared to take on the challenge with the energy of someone who feels rejuvenated.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vidorreta busca el 80% para sorprender al Barça