Igokea head coach Nenad Stefanović expects a challenging encounter against Cibona as his team looks to continue its improving form following a 77–72 victory over Slavia Prague in the FIBA Basketball Champions League.
The basketball club from Laktaši is currently facing a demanding schedule, with matches coming in quick succession across multiple competitions.
After securing their first Champions League victory of the season on Tuesday, Igokea will now turn their attention to an away clash against Cibona, scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Stefanović’s team has recorded two victories in its last three matches across all competitions, suggesting that the squad is gradually finding its rhythm.
Dragan Milosavljević and Strahinja Gavrilović have returned to training, while Joel Armoretrading remains unavailable.
Stefanović: Cibona’s coaching change complicates preparations
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Stefanović emphasized the quality of Cibona’s roster and the additional challenges created by the Croatian club’s recent coaching change.
“We are expecting a very specific game against Cibona, a team with an excellent roster and plenty of individual quality,” Stefanović said.
“What makes preparations particularly difficult is the fact that their previous matches were led by assistant coaches, while they have since appointed a new head coach, Ivan Tomas, who is known for his good work,” he explained.
Stefanović acknowledged that the coaching change had made it difficult to prepare adequately for the opposition.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in his team’s progress and determination to secure another victory.
“I believe we are improving our form, and we will do everything we can to win this difficult away game and get ourselves back on the right track,” Stefanović stated.
Hrštić: We are heading into the game determined to win
Igokea player Armin Hrštić also expressed optimism ahead of the clash, emphasizing that the team is entering the match at an encouraging moment.
He pointed to the Champions League victory over Slavia Prague and the team’s strong performance against Crvena Zvezda as signs of growing confidence.
“This game comes at the right moment for us, as the team’s form is improving following our victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League and an excellent performance against Crvena Zvezda,” Hrštić said.
“Our ambitions are certainly high, and we are going into the game determined to win,” he concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
