Pepe Sanchez and his project with Estudiantes
"We gave back the illusion to the people"
The Olympic champion will return to the National League in its dual role of player and project it merged with Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca. His 14 seasons between the U.S. and Europe allow him to speak for his idea in charge of a team, which he tells to LNB.com.ar.
Pepe Sanchez acknowledges that the phone is burning, that has not stopped ringing. At this time of year is impossible to think about vacations. His decision to take a project lead responsible for the spot that corresponds to Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca in the National League, absorbs almost all day. Although now he's a bit quieter, because, as he tells LNB.com.ar, "next week will sign all papers with people from Estudiantes and presented to the AdC so that everything is official. We are in a period of hard work, with some setbacks logical. Deciding not to follow was somewhat difficult for Estudiantes and give away the spot is not easy. However, with the agreement of both parties we restored hope to the people of Bahia Blanca, which is that of being outside the National League have now a long-term and ambitious project. Renewed our expectations. "
- What are the goals that you approach this project?
- We propose three cycles. In the first two years will seek to reinstate the basketball in the city of Bahía Blanca and restore the relationship with people, while seeking to assemble competitive teams with aspirations of growing up. Initially we will seek the playoffs for the title and in the second year, if possible, reach semis, it would be great. In the third and fourth year there will look to fight for the title. In the past many years Estudiantes played to keep the category and now seek to grow, although growth is according to the financial support you have.
- What do you think organizational structure be?
- There will be a general coordinator, a marketing manager, another for communication and a team leader, which seem to me essential areas of any serious organization. In addition, there will be three persons in charge of social projects that are included in our proposal: one related to the clubs in the city, another one with artistic and social activities with disadvantaged or special sectors. In the first year will seek to consolidate the organization, in which human value will be key.
- How is the budget issue facing?
- We are satisfied, because it's done. In addition, we signed agreements for three years, giving us long-term peace. We will not move as planned, we will move with actual figures, but I guarantee recovery to all and offer organizational quality. To trust in the project must be persuaded with facts.
- You once said that in this league that paid money players and the representatives and the clubs were losing money.
- It's a mistake to think that the players will balance the economy. Neither they nor the coaches nor the players will offer to earn less. It is the employer who must state clear rules and make decisions to avoid inflating the market. The lack of accountability of some leaders hurting the club ends. For the passion of fans or people pressure the leadership makes commitments that can not be enforced. Then, as there is no personal guarantee is not in the pocket of the leader game, everything falls on the club. We must aim to change the organizational structure and the leader with their heritage endorse the commitments made. That would make for an end to madness. In the League is showing that few teams have a leader who responds with their heritage are more orderly.
- Do you think that change is possible with existing structures?
- Another way would be to have more targets for clubs. Here the 16 teams believe they are fighting for the title and from the moment that there are different budgets, there will be teams with more opportunities than others. Some are contenders for the final, others, hopefully, to be among the best 4 and others, if they make the playoffs, they should celebrate too. However, everyone gets mad to be champions and it seems that other than that, it is useless. We must break the vicious circle and professionally managing the sport, without damaging the clubs. Lowering costs is not pleasant, but it's true. In all this time I discussed the operation of the National League and I found many virtues and many flaws. Spending on contracts is a major drawback. Whoever wants to spend more, is in his own right, but must do so with real support.
- From Bahia Blanca long complained because there was no support from businesses and enterprises. You see the same?
- We have a good support. Like any city responds to stimulus and in this case worked well to generate the stimulus and that both companies and people are tipping to the team. Bahía Blanca is a city that lives mostly in trade and has some limitations. We must encourage it. We will face a logical transition to the identification of the city with the team we want. We do not want the disappearance of Estudiantes, because it has a rich history, if not the inclusion of the city to the team.
- How do you see the National League from the inside?
- From the sporting point of view is very interesting, we're fine. It should be a little make-up infrastructure and improve the image, bet more to the show to attract more people. There must be a general decision to target that. That was the last end enjoyed a product category. So you have to match up, not down.
- Are they going to remodel the stadium Estudiantes?
- Yes, we will initiate some reform in order to make it look better. We must fix the locker room, set up a VIP room for corporate events with sponsors and media room. We will provide it with a general cleanup and aim to improve the lighting and sound.
- How do you feel in the dual role of manager and player?
- Some experience I have to do things in parallel, because while I played, I studied, and then I got into several businesses. These months will be vital before the preseason to leave all things set with the working group. There, each sector will be responsible for their work and I will only focus on playing. Then you know, this is a business. Probably invest a lot of time and lose money ... (laughs). I hope I'm wrong, but I will definitely be the last one to cash its salary ...
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
