Emma Meissmann will soon meet her club’s coach: “It’s a shame she knows me so well” | Belgian cats

Maljkovic, it’s a name that might ring a bell among European basketball experts. After all, Marina Malikovic is the daughter of legendary Serbian coach Bozidar Malikovic.

Sr. Maljkovic, now 71 and president of the Serbian Olympic Committee for several years, is one of the most successful coaches in European basketball.

Bozidar Malikovic was successful wherever he went. His list of honors includes several national titles in 4 different countries. He also won the Euroleague 4 times with 3 different clubs.

In the Maljkovic family, the apple never fell far from the tree. Because daughter Marina (41) is also making a very successful career as a coach.

Marina Maljkovic is known as a tactical mastermind, striking the right shots at the right times He plays He can draw. She has already led her country to win the European women’s title twice, in 2015 and 2021.

At the club level, she is also in the process of collecting palm trees similar to her father’s. She already has a few national titles in different countries on her honor list.

She achieved her greatest success as a club coach in April, when she led Fenerbahçe’s Emma Messemann to victory in the Euroleague. Soon Maljkovic will have to compete for Serbia against Meesseman and the Belgian Cats.

“I think it’s a shame for me personally that she knows me so well,” says Emma Meissman. “I know how she organizes her defense to keep someone out of the game. I know it’s going to be a tough game for me anyway.”

It also works the other way around, of course: Miesman also knows how Maljkovic works. “I know He plays, which didn’t really change her much. I also know her style of play. I am confident that we will find solutions.”

Messman describes Malikovic’s basketball: “It’s very aggressive and physical, on the edge. Her teams really test how far they can go with referees. Basketball is often a mess, and you think that’s a good thing. I really expect an out-of-control game.” “

Malikovich is also not averse to mind games. In the run-up to the quarter-final against Belgium, the Serbian national coach firmly assumed the role of the underdog.

“We have a new generation coming in. They are fighters, but Belgium is the front favourite. It will be very difficult for us.”

“I have confidence in the players, but I cannot ignore the fact that we will be playing against a great team and against a player like Emma Meissmann, the best player in the Euroleague.”

Will Maljkovic rein in her protégé Messmann, or will her fellow Belgian outsmart her coach? Catch it live on Sporza from 2.50pm.