A Slovenian Coach Takes the Helm at Barcelona
FC Barcelona confirmed on Friday that Aleksander Sekulic will take charge of its basketball department on a contract that runs until 30 June 2028. The agreement marks the first time a coach from Slovenia has led the Catalan club’s top‑flight side, a milestone that underscores the club’s ambition to blend local tradition with international expertise.
Sekulic arrives after a distinguished itinerary that has taken him from the Adriatic coast to the Russian capital. He most recently guided Dubai BC to the ABA League championship, a feat that included a dramatic victory over Valencia Basket in the EuroLeague debut. His résumé also features stints at ERA Nymburk in the Czech Republic, where he captured a domestic title, and a two‑year tenure at Lokomotiv Kuban, followed by a high‑profile appointment at Zenit Saint Petersburg for the 2025/26 season.
Beyond club success, Sekulic has been a pivotal figure for the Slovenian national team since 2020. Under his guidance the side secured its maiden Olympic qualification, a breakthrough that culminated in a fourth‑place finish at the delayed 2021 Games. He also served as assistant coach during the 2017 Eurobasket triumph, a experience that deepened his tactical acumen and network within European basketball.
The club’s sporting director praised the appointment, highlighting Sekulic’s blend of championship experience and developmental insight. Fans are expected to welcome a coach whose career reflects a global perspective, while analysts predict that his offensive‑oriented philosophy could reshape the team’s style on both domestic and continental stages.
The hiring also reflects Barcelona’s broader strategy of expanding its brand footprint across diverse markets. By tapping a coach with roots in Slovenia, the UAE, Czechia, Russia and Japan, the club aims to strengthen ties with supporters in those regions, a move that aligns with its recent outreach initiatives in Asia and the Middle East.