20.02.2008, 09:12
Equisoain trusts Balic

Eurohandball.com talks to Portland manager, Javier “Zupo” Equisoain. The former legendary coach tells us about the future team of Portland.

Equisoain trusts Balic

“The team for next season has been finalised. Saric will play for us,” says Zupo Equisoain. The managers of big clubs have no rest during the winter. The teams prepare for next season in this period and try to clinch the last deals for next year. Important players have been linked to various clubs. Saric, Urdiales, Ortigosa, Balic and Juancho Perez have to decide about their future. Zupo Equisoain, Portland San Antonio manager, talks about them.

Eurohandball.com: Balic, Ortigosa, Juancho… Where will they play next season?

Zupo Equisoain: The team of the next season has been finalised and people must keep quiet. Saric will play for us and a winger is signed (Santiago Urdiales). The seven backcourt players continue in Pamplona. We must think about whom to give the place of foreigner that remains empty with Andorinho leaving next season. We are also waiting to see the future of Ivano Balic.

Eurohandball.com: Are you worried about it?

Zupo Equisoain: Some people are talking about him and Zagreb. They say that Zagreb might pay 800,000 Euro that is stipulated in the contract of Balic as a compensation fee. This is a lot of money and it is difficult to pay. It is true that Croatia are preparing for the 2009 World Championship and they have a very good project. However, I will believe it if I see the money. We must wait.

Eurohandball.com: And what about the situation of Balic?

Zupo Equisoain: Ivano is a great player and I have a very good relationship with him. He gave me his word of honour that he would not play in other Spanish team than Portland San Antonio. And he knows that he must pay the 800,000 Euro to leave. He will not create any problem for us.

Eurohandball.com: What can you say us about other players, such as Ortigosa or Juancho Perez?

Zupo Equisoain: Ortigosa talked to Javier Cabanas and our coach told him that we are waiting for Balic to make decisions about the roster. It seems that Ortigosa cannot wait for us and he has an agreement with Ademar Leon for three years. The contract of Juancho will expire next June and he is working hard also to renew for another season with us.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi