Former Croatian Player Jurica Žuža Appointed Assistant Coach at FC Barcelona

Former Croatian basketball player Jurica Žuža has taken on a significant role in European basketball, becoming an assistant coach for FC Barcelona. The 48-year-old will be part of the coaching staff led by the newly appointed head coach, Aleksander Sekulić, who has signed a two-year contract with the club.

Žuža and Sekulić are no strangers to working together, having previously collaborated at three European clubs: Nymburk in the Czech Republic, Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. This established rapport is expected to benefit Barcelona as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Barcelona enters the new season aiming to rebound after losing the championship playoff final 3-1 to Valencia last season. Despite not winning any trophies, the Catalan club reached the domestic league final for the first time in two years. For Žuža, this appointment represents one of the biggest challenges of his coaching career.

Žuža began his coaching career in 2016 after concluding his playing days, which started at Zadar. Sekulić joins Barcelona from Dubai. The duo will make their debut on the Barcelona bench on September 19 in Badalona, facing Valencia in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup. The other semifinal match will feature Joventut against Baskonia.