MoraBanc Andorra Coach Žan Tabak Urges Team to Step Up for Crucial Bilbao Clash

MoraBanc Andorra coach Žan Tabak has called on the entire team, including himself, to raise their game ahead of a crucial home match against Bilbao Basket.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's 7pm tip-off at the Pavelló Andorra, Tabak acknowledged the damage from last weekend's loss to Girona, which dropped the side into the relegation zone. The defeat stung not for the scoreline or performance, he said, but for its league-table implications.

"Everyone, including me, needs to take it up a notch because what we've done so far isn't enough," Tabak stated. "We have to find strength every day—it's not a miracle, it's effort from everyone in everything."

The Slovenian coach highlighted ongoing struggles with rebounding, a weakness present since the season's start. He had tried tactical fixes, but ultimately pinned it on physical conditioning.

Tabak noted that his players had time to recover and refocus after the Girona setback. Bilbao, coached by Jaume Ponsarnua, sit on the cusp of the playoffs and have lost just twice in their last 10 outings. "They're very different from Girona—not as high-tempo, but far better in execution," he said. The Basques rely heavily on inside play, which exploits Andorra's rebounding issues.

The visitors will test Andorra in a notoriously tough venue: a compact, heated arena with vocal fans putting constant pressure on opponents. "We need to be a very strong team here," Tabak emphasised. To match their previous effort, the hosts must sharpen details and improve execution.

Injuries add uncertainty, with Shannon Evans, Xavier Castañeda and Rafa Luz all doubtful, alongside a couple of other knocks. "For me, that's a bigger issue than the opponent," Tabak said, pending medical updates. He stressed the priority of home games and expressed confidence in fan backing, which he is passing on to the players.