Seven defeats in the last ten games have painted a panorama of tension in the Palau personified by Jan Vesely (Ostrava, 1990). The Czech center is one of Barça’s best players on the court, but a brief chat with him is enough to make it clear that he does not want to transfer that leadership off of it. At 33 years old, he has seen them in all colors and is one of those who wash dirty linen at home.
How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
It was a very family night, we all spent it peacefully together at home.
Is there any tradition in the Czech Republic like that of grapes in Spain?
No, we don’t have anything like that. It is something very Spanish.
You have to start the year facing Real Madrid, is it too much of a challenge?
We’re four months into the season so it’s nothing new. It’s just another week, except that between Christmas and New Year’s Eve we have Madrid now.
Real Madrid has 33 wins and only two losses this season, they seem unbeatable…
They are playing very well. They had a great block last year and they have made a great signing, so with that continuity they are playing well.
That signing is Campazzo, who seems to have improved the European champion even more…
As I said, he is an incredible signing and they are playing very well.
How do you prepare for a match when you have to face a player as decisive as Tavares?
For me the preparation is the same as other games. I look for the best way to confront him, how to attack him and how to defend him. That is the way to prepare it, like in the rest of the games.
Is it very hard to face a center like him?
It’s never easy, of course. He is one of those players with the ability to change games, we call him a game changer. He has a very large, imposing size, and also enjoys some moments of lucidity that can do a lot of damage to the opponent. It is not easy to face him but we have done it in the past so we are ready.
How does Barça face a classic like this given the delicate situation in terms of results it is going through?
I don’t consider it to be a delicate situation. We are still in a good position to face our challenges although we have gone through some not very good weeks, but we are not that bad.
Seven defeats in ten games is an unusual statistic for Barça…
Someone tell me which team plays at its highest level for an entire season.
Se le ve optimista.
Well, ups and downs are normal and it’s better to have them now than in April.
But how do you explain so many defeats in such a short time?
That’s what they are, ups and downs. The season really doesn’t last ten months for many players. Those who play with their national teams do not stop throughout the year. Maybe some players have some rest but many don’t. So the ups and downs are normal and always there. All teams have to suffer them and we had to suffer them in December, we hope to be able to put it behind us.
What did you think when you heard Juan Carlos Navarro’s criticism of the players?
I haven’t heard anything.
Really?
I don’t want to be caught offside.
Well, let’s continue… how did all those defeats affect the locker room?
Not as much as it seems, we all still know how to play good basketball and we had done so until now. We have to get back on track and focus on what’s next, working even harder because this season is very long.
What does it mean to you to be able to share a dressing room with your friend Satoransky?
We have known each other for many years and are used to playing together. Now we have been in Barcelona for a year and a half and I like playing with him beyond the national team.
It seems like they understand each other without having to look at each other…
We understand each other very well, even off the court. I mean I know exactly when it’s not right and he also knows how to see it in me. We know each other perfectly.
Let’s talk about the coach, how would you define Roger Grimau’s first months on the bench?
They are being good, in my opinion. I like the way he trains. It is not easy in your first year to have to face a schedule with the Euroleague but I think he is doing a good job.
It has been a big change from Jasikevicius’ way of working, what style are you most comfortable with?
I have been a professional for 17 years and I have had a lot of coaches so honestly it is not something that matters to me. I try to help my team the best I can. I don’t think about these things, really, I try not to worry about who is on the bench.
Why did you choose Barcelona when you decided to leave Fenerbahçe?
I needed a change and look for new challenges. That was the reason.
Did you get it right?
I do not regret anything. I am very happy, it is being a great adventure.