The Serbian coach of the Roca Team, Sasa Obradovic, agreed to answer a few questions about his life in Monaco
Sasa Obradovic came to Monaco to take the reins of the Roca Team last March with a glittering record as a top-class player, coach and all-round star of the game. Voted EuroCup Coach of the Year in 2018, after reaching the final of the competition with Russian club Lokomotiv Kuban, he is also a former three-times European champion and World Champion with Yugoslavia. In the tradition of coaches from the yuglosav school, his watchword is: work, work, work.
- How are you finding life in Monaco?
Since arriving here, I've felt very good. When you're a basketball coach, you have to be ready to work anywhere. You have to move around frequently, discovering new places with each new experience, so you rarely have time to unpack your suitcases completely! But I must admit, I felt right at home here quickly. I've been given a warm welcome by the club and the fans. It makes me want to settle down here permanently! I feel important in Monaco, and I want to build something interesting.
- What's your usual routine?
I already have my favourite places. I like to grab a coffee in Fontvieille before training, that's part of my routine. It's not far from the stadium and I like the local atmosphere in that district. When I'm eating out, I like to try different restaurants and discover somewhere new each time. But I admit, I'm a creature of habit: I love going back to Avenue 31 and Gaia.
- In your experience, what makes Monaco special?
Monaco is obviously one of the nicest places in the world, everyone knows that! My career has taken me to a lot of different places, and this is definitely my favourite. What I like about it is that there is always something to do, yet at the same time it's always peaceful. It's a very relaxing place, and it's easy to stroll through the Principality without a care in the world. I'm happy here!
- How is the Roca Team's season going so far?
So far, we have met the expectations of the club and the fans. We feel the pressure, and that's positive, because you feel important and useful. My team goes onto the court aiming to win every game, and that's what you need when you have targets like winning the Eurocup.
- What comes to mind when you think about sport in Monaco?
I get the impression Monaco is the place for almost every sport. I like watching tennis, and actually went to a match at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters last year, as Novak
Djokovic is a compatriot! I don't have as much opportunity to follow AS Monaco Football Club as regularly, but I like going to the stadium. And of course there is the Formula 1, which is an incredible event. There are so many other things I'd like to do, there's just not enough time!
© Communications Department