Plaza Denies MoraBanc Friction, Focuses on Lleida Relegation Clash

MoraBanc Andorra coach Joan Plaza has firmly denied any friction with club management or sporting director Francesc Solana ahead of today's Liga ACB match against Hiopos Lleida, a key rival in the relegation battle. He stressed that his focus remains strictly on the available players, with no new signings expected to feature.

At the pre-match press conference, Plaza dismissed speculation about transfers, noting the squad's ongoing reconstruction remains incomplete. Players like Justin McKoy and Aaron Best are still with the team despite recent absences, while Xavier Castañeda trains with the group but awaits official clearance on loan from Unicaja Málaga after failing a medical with Lleida. "I can't confirm anything because it's all a dance involving the parent club, the player, his agent, and sometimes families," Plaza said. He added that any arrivals would not play today, offering at best limited rest for regulars, and reiterated: "I only talk about the players I have available on match day." With Rafa Luz sidelined, Plaza confirmed 11 players for the game at the sold-out Pavelló Toni Martí.

Plaza rejected claims of crossed statements with general manager Gorka Aixàs, urging unity: "We all need to row in the same direction to ensure survival first, then aim higher on court." He outlined the team's need for consistency, a clear pattern, and constant competitiveness, viewing the last match as progress despite areas requiring solidity.

Against Lleida, who arrive on a six-game losing streak after a tough schedule, Plaza praised their physicality, structure, and ability to target weaknesses, spotlighting former foes Oriol Paulí and John Shurna. Mental strength will be crucial, he warned. Player Gerard Encuentra echoed the call for collective response to lift morale amid two straight defeats and a six-point gap to safety, describing it as "a couple of threes in modern basketball."

Plaza hailed the full house—contrasting past low turnouts—and vowed to maximise current resources. "Right now, there is no further future than this," he said.