Alba Berlin’s Struggles Continue Despite Hard-Fought Victory

October 28, 2024
With their latest home win against Braunschweig, Alba Berlin managed to secure a much-needed victory, yet the underlying issues within the team remain evident. The final score of 65-61 might give the illusion of a solid performance, but both management and players recognize that there’s still a long way to go.

Alba Berlin celebrates their hard-fought victory against Braunschweig.

A Mixed Bag of Emotions

Manager Marco Baldi expressed relief at the critical win, stating, “We desperately needed this. We must pull ourselves out of this rut, and it will only happen through more success.” However, the victory was overshadowed by lingering doubts about team cohesion and performance.

Flügelspieler Tim Schneider noted, “We need to win these Bundesliga games, and we must secure those wins convincingly.” The team struggled with maintaining their system, often breaking away to rely on one-on-one plays that led to mistakes and missed opportunities.

The Search for Confidence

Baldi recognizes that the wave of uncertainty currently affecting the squad is deeply troubling. “This is a phase where nothing seems easy. We cannot expect a sudden turnaround; everything must be painstakingly worked for,” he explained. Many players seem preoccupied with personal struggles, whether stemming from injuries or simply not being in their best form. Baldi emphasized the need for his players to regain that sense of confidence, stating, “They need to find their certainty in what they’re doing.”

Intensity at the Euroleague games is about to rise for Alba Berlin.

Upcoming Challenges in Euroleague

As if the concerns were not enough, Alba Berlin is in for a daunting week with back-to-back Euroleague matches. They face Anadolu Efes Istanbul on Thursday and a challenging new opponent, Paris Basketball, on Tuesday. Both matches will test the mettle of a team that has been struggling to find its identity.

Baldi issued a word of caution regarding Paris: “They are the exact opposite of us at the moment. They are bursting with energy and conviction. Many expected them to be easy prey, but they’ve proven to compete head-to-head in every match. This will definitely be a serious challenge for us.”

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture

As the players and management look ahead, the next few games could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of Alba Berlin’s season. The journey to regain self-confidence and establish team synergy starts now. Only time will tell if this victory marks the beginning of a turnaround or if further struggles lie ahead.

The team needs to come together to turn their season around.