Penjaroya: "The atmosphere at Partizan is not positive" VIDEO

"I am very excited to be the coach of this historic club," he briefly said in English before switching to Spanish.

The first topic he wanted to address was the upcoming match against Maccabi.

"Maccabi currently has four consecutive wins and they are coming in good form. What I know is that the situation is as it is. I know what to expect from the stands. We take care of ourselves the most. We are trying to improve our game and focus on ourselves," Penjaroya said, adding:

"Knowing that the situation has been difficult over the past month, they are trying to fix everything. I know that this team was coached by one of the best coaches in Europe over the past 25 years, and especially considering that he is not just a coach in this city. So the responsibility for someone coming in as coach is even greater. As a coach, I will try not to be better or worse, but to prepare the team in the best possible way. It is very difficult given the schedule and the limited time to prepare the team, but the players have shown will and desire. I hope everything will be visible in the future and that we prepare the team properly."

 

He is aware of what needs to change with the Black-and-Whites.

"It is clear that in competitions like these, the team must be much better for the results to be different. Knowing what the game is like and how basketball has developed, the team needs to adapt, we need to change our style of play, play a bit faster. It requires sacrifice and getting to know each other in a different way," Penjaroya emphasized.

He was also asked which Serbian coaches influenced him the most.

"Serbian coaches have been outstanding over the past 20–30 years. Boža Maljković, Pešić—a historic coach. The Spanish school is very important. This is the moment for me to understand Serbian basketball, the ABA League, and Belgrade. The team has many players of different nationalities; my role is not the most important. I will give my ideas and, at certain moments, instructions in specific situations," continued the former coach of Andorra, Baskonia, and Barcelona.

Penjaroya was already a target four years ago

 

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Joan revealed that there was contact between the two sides back in 2021, but ultimately the team was taken over by Željko Obradović.

"It’s true that Partizan began negotiations with me three weeks ago. I am grateful to President Ostoja for the opportunity, especially since before Obradović’s arrival, there had been communication between the club and me about coming to Partizan. As for the negotiations, they were not strenuous. I had some issues related to terminating my contract with Barcelona, which were difficulties that needed to be resolved. After everything, it was necessary to find the best possible moment in an overall difficult situation to secure my arrival in Belgrade," Penjaroya explained.

He emphasized that he does not want to replace anyone.

"I know how the fans are in Serbia, this club, I know what they are like, I understand how people love sports. Željko Obradović is not just a coach in this city. I cannot change that. I have great respect for him. I am here to do my best and fix things."

He then reflected again on how the negotiations went four years ago.

"There was an option, but the timing was not right. Now the situation has changed. This is the most difficult moment to come in the history of Partizan, especially since I am a foreigner. I am grateful for this opportunity. I am convinced I can change the situation, but we need time," he concluded on the subject.

"The atmosphere is not positive"

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Penjaroya is not impressed with what he found in the locker room.

"First, I need to get to know the players, implement my ideas into the team, and above all clear their minds. The atmosphere off the court is not positive—my job is on the court. The first goal is to fight, to change our approach. There is no talent, no quality; we have to play together. We need to eliminate all negative signs and be positive. If possible, I would like us to play more aggressively. Partizan played well in the first EuroLeague games," Penjaroya said, adding:

"I don’t want to put pressure on the players. They shouldn’t think about the past. It can’t be forgotten, but we need to think about what’s coming. We need to consider how to change certain aspects of our approach. Mistakes cannot be repeated. The team can win, but also lose. But the way we play… We must show passion and energy. The team has to fight. It cannot look like before. I will strive to fix that and create a completely different picture. Our fans must enjoy the game, and even if we lose, they should see that we tried."

On Jabari Parker

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Penjaroya previously worked with the American player in Barcelona.

"Jabari is a special player. I had experience with him last season. I’ve been in Belgrade for three days. For me, all players are truly the same. It’s true that he is playing worse than in Barcelona. But he’s not the only one—other players may also be performing below their level. For me, every player is important. Above any individual player is the team. What we need to do is strive to make the team better and progress, as well as correct the mistakes being made," Penjaroya replied diplomatically.

He did not comment on joining the Black-and-Whites regarding another former player and former Partizan captain, Kevin Panter.

"Kevin is a fantastic person, a fantastic player. I haven’t spoken with him in the past month. I know he loves Belgrade, Partizan fans, and he always speaks highly of Partizan as a team, as well as the fans," Penjaroya concluded.

The press conference could be followed live via B92.sport.