Subotić Demands Defence First for Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Slobodan Subotić has vowed to drive Bahrain up the world rankings with hard defence, sharp discipline and a brand of basketball the country can be proud of.

The Slovenian, who has taken charge of the senior men’s national team, said his first days with the squad had left him struck by the players’ work rate and grasp of the game.

‘They are very professional,’ Subotić said in an interview with the Bahrain Basketball Association. ‘They work hard, train hard and make my job much easier.

‘They understand basketball and take in what we ask of them very quickly. I do not have to stop training many times to explain things. That tells me they have a high basketball IQ.’

Subotić said defence would be the base of his work as he tries to lift Bahrain from 75th in the FIBA world rankings.

‘Defence is the first thing I bring to every team,’ he said. ‘That way of working has brought me results and titles.

‘I told the players from the first day that, unless they accept this, we will not achieve anything big. They understood the message and showed straight away that they were ready to follow it.’

The coach said he wanted Bahrain to climb well above their current place in the standings, but stopped short of making grand claims.

‘I am not a coach who promises many things,’ he said. ‘I will bring my European philosophy to the players, the team and the fans, and try to give them a team they enjoy watching and can be proud of.’

Subotić also said he welcomed the strain that came with the post.

‘I like pressure,’ he said. ‘It is good for me, and I try to pass that feeling to the players. We will do our best.’

Bahrain is already familiar ground for the Slovenian, who has visited the kingdom for matches against local clubs and for a friendly fixture.

‘This is not my first time here,’ he said. ‘I know the country and the city. I am very excited to be in Bahrain, and I am happy that the federation has given me the chance to work in a country that loves basketball.’