Martin Schiller: “We have a very interesting mix of players” 24
Martin Schiller arrived to Lithuania last week, and just like the players who arrived from the US, was forced to go into self-isolation. Nevertheless, decree passed by the government on the 10th of August allowed professional athletes and coaches to end isolation if their Covid-19 test comes back negative.
After receiving a negative response, the strategist soon left his hotel and headed straight for Zalgirio Arena, where he’ll spend a big chunk of his time next season. Schiller met up with his colleagues in the staff, had a look around what the arena has to offer and sat down for his first interview with Zalgiris TV.
“My test was negative. I actually brought a negative test from the US on the last day I travelled. I had to do it here again. The Lithuanian test was negative too, so I’m happy to be out of quarantine.”
Nevertheless, the 38-year-old Austrian started his work much earlier. Right after signing a deal with Zalgiris, he began filling out his coaching staff and kept in touch with the players online.
“For us it was important that I connect with the players quickly. When I was moving from Salt Lake City, I talked to every one of the players on the team. Coming here, we had Zoom interviews and watched video as well. It was a decently used time in the hotel room. The first thing we had to clarify with the coaching staff, was how do we organize the preseason. Organizing the preseason, structuring it with the athletic department and the coaches. We got that out of the way quickly.”
Although he didn’t have much of a say building out the team’s roster, Schiller noted he is happy with the complexion of the team.
“Generally speaking, we have a very interesting mix of players who are in their prime, or getting into their prime. The motivational level of that core should be really high. We have veteran leadership that will definitely help us, with Jankis and Milas. And then we’ve got some young, but very talented players too. I think the mix of the roster is super intriguing.”
The new Zalgiris wheelman was left impressed by the infrastructure in Zalgirio Arena and the fans that fill up Nemunas island.
“I think the facilities here are phenomenal. You have everything that you need, you can have 24/7 access to it. We’ve got a very complete staff, with specialists in each category. I’m really looking forward to getting started. When Zalgiris and Paulius called, the first thing that comes to mind is the arena with all that green. I’m looking forward to seeing it and feeling it.
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