Sergio Scariolo gave an interview for Russian internet sports edition Championat.ru. The extract you can find here.
Senior Scariolo, what is your opinion on BC Khimki result in Eurocup Final Eight?
— Only crazy person can say that the advance to final game is a failure. For losing in a final game you should reach it. Unfortunately, our team came to Turin with leaders’ injuries – Delfino, Garbajosa, and Lampe. But we have done everything in ours power, we were focused to the victory. Frankly, it was very difficult season. I think the final of Eurocup is very good result for us, our club. I am proud of silver medals, because I know how many efforts it took.
The quarterfinals against “Lokomotiv-Rostov” looked not to be easy for BC Khimki. Maybe the defeat in Turin final caused the failure in first match?
-I think no. But you should ask individually each player. As for me, after first match I tried to be in a calm mood. I explained to guys, in my career I saw many cases of leader defeat in play-off. And I asked to my team to do their best in future games. I want to pay a compliment to our opponent –Lokomotiv-Rostov”, they have done a great job.
You seem to continue your work in Khimki. Are you satisfied with your life in Moscow Region?
— I like Moscow and Moscow Region. The only things I dislike are, I suppose you will agree with me, traffic and sometimes weather. Unfortunately, I am pressed of time. I would like to see much, but what I saw, it impressed me. I said that the season was difficult, but there are nice people around me in club. I feel drawn to them, and it is an important fact. And in this club everybody wants to develop and I want to make steps forward with them.
I think you have opinion of Russian people. How can you characterize them briefly, in some words?
— I am embarrassed a little. It is difficult to describe the attitude to people of many-millions in some words – it is not correct. I like to communicate with Russians, I feel comfortable. But to say briefly about Russian soul, hospitability I can’t.