Zalgiris releases coach Zouros 0

After a heavy loss in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague opening game on Monday, Zalgiris Kaunas has decided to switch gears by letting go head coach Ilias Zouros.

Zalgiris sport director Vitoldas Masalskis was named interim coach while the search for a new head coach is undertaken.

“The game of Zalgiris was continuously getting worse and that was very obvious in the game against CSKA. We could have won against CSKA, not because they’re weaker, but because they’re just forming as a team, they haven’t found their game yet. We played at home and had to win,” said owner of Zalgiris Vladimir Romanov, adding that there was no time to wait for the team’s game to get better.

Zalgiris was the seventh head coaching stop in four countries for Zouros, who has headed the bench for four teams in his native Greece: Olympiacos, Peristeri, Aris and Panellinios. He also coached Sagesse Beirut to the Lebanese League title and the Asian Club Championship and spent a season-plus with Paris Racing Basket of France.