Gordon Herbert would have liked to coach the German national team and a club in France. However, the German Basketball Federation (DBB) vetoed the decision because it only wants the world champion coach for itself.
Herbert, who led the German team to win the World Cup in September, received an offer from the French club Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne before. However, the DBB refused him the dual role. “I discussed with the DBB the possibility of coaching ASVEL and remaining national coach at the same time,” the Canadian tells “kicker”: “The DBB did not support the idea.”
Herbert declared that he accepted the decision. “I would never do this without the approval and support of the association,” said the 64-year-old, who extended his contract with DBB until 2025 shortly before the World Cup triumph. The “SZ” first reported on the association’s veto.
“The matter is closed for us”
Herbert also qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris with Germany at the World Cup. “I have made a three-year commitment. If the players have also made such a three-year commitment, I stand by that without any doubt,” the coach continued.
The Euroleague club Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne had recently advertised intensively for the world champion maker. “‘Gordi’ is my number one choice,” Even Asvel President Tony Parker said in an interview with the French trade newspaper “L’Equipe“: “We agreed with ‘Gordi’ on the length of the contract and the amount. We agree on everything.” But now there will be no such dual role.
“I love the players, it’s an honor to coach them,” Herbert made it clear and underlined his close relationship with the team around captain Dennis Schröder. Meanwhile, the DBB announced via a spokesman in the “SZ”: “For us the matter is closed, the president of Villeurbanne can say whatever he wants.”