Xavi Pascual awaits ‘exciting’ opportunity to return to the EuroLeague

Xavi Pascual, the 52-year-old former head coach of Zenit, is actively pursuing a return to the EuroLeague after concluding his five-year tenure with the Russian club, which included four seasons outside the elite competition. He described his time in Saint Petersburg as "very good years" but felt it was time to move on, having given his full commitment to the role.

Pascual, who previously won the EuroLeague with FC Barcelona, revealed he received multiple offers from EuroLeague teams during his Zenit spell but declined them due to his sense of responsibility and contractual loyalty. He acknowledged missing "very interesting opportunities" with top clubs but maintained his commitment prevented him from considering them.

As a free agent, Pascual explicitly stated his sole focus is a EuroLeague return, ruling out other options. He emphasized he won't start the upcoming season with any EuroLeague team and is prepared to sit out a year if necessary, though he remains open to compelling opportunities that might arise mid-season.

Addressing speculation about rejoining Barcelona, Pascual dismissed rumors as fabrications, clarifying the Catalan club never seriously pursued him. He noted, "When Barça wants something, they get it," implying the lack of genuine interest from their side despite public chatter about a potential reunion.

Reflecting on his 2016 Barcelona exit, Pascual attributed his departure to a critical lack of institutional support, stating, "when the club stops protecting the coach, the coach is dead." He highlighted experiencing damaging internal leaks and communication breakdowns during his final years, particularly citing complete isolation from club officials in his last season where "nobody wanted to die with me."