Two-time NBA MVP and former Nets coach Steve Nash is also co-owner of Real Mallorca, which is playing today in the Spanish Super Cup.
The name Steve Nash is synonymous with the world of basketball and the NBA and will most likely evoke an emotional response from older fans of the Suns, Mavs and Lakers who remember the player in his glory.
After 19 seasons in the NBA, including 2 season MVPs, 8 All Star appearances and over 10,000 assists, the South African-born player was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2018.
Before joining the Brooklyn Nets as head coach in 2020, the 50-year-old decided to start a business venture in another sports world in 2016, joining former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and becoming a shareholder in Spanish soccer club Real Mallorca.
At the time, the Palma side were languishing in the third tier of the pyramid system, but they have now become a fixture in LaLiga and last season they reached the final of the Copa del Rey and despite the defeat, reaching the final secured a place to set. in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Nash spoke to AS's David Alonso about his journey with Mallorca ahead of the second semi-final, where they face Real Madrid.
-This must be a proud moment for you
-Yes, I am very excited, especially for the players and the fans. It is a great achievement to play in the Super Cup and the players have earned it with their hard work last season.
-You took over Mallorca with the team in 2ªB (third level). Does it seem like a dream to be in Jeddah for the Super Cup?
-Reaching the final of the Copa del Rey last year was already a dream. The resilience the team showed throughout the competition made us extremely proud. Being able to watch that match live in Seville was an incredible experience, despite the defeat.
-When you joined Mallorca as co-owner, you said it was a long-term project. Are expectations exceeded?
-The club has grown a lot since we arrived and obviously the most important thing is to be in LaLiga and do well. We have also taken important steps off the field in terms of infrastructure and the modernization of the stadium, which are essential for the future.
-Is it crazy to think about the Champions League in the short term?
-The achievement of participating in the Saudi Super Cup already shows that anything is possible, but we must be clear and remember that everything we have achieved so far is based on discipline and fairness.
-Girona has already shown the way…
-It's a great story, but it's a different club than ours and with different circumstances. Being part of the City group has allowed them to share a number of resources and that is a path we will not be able to follow.
-What options do you see in the match against Madrid?
-Real Madrid are masters in these types of tournaments and are packed with world stars. We will have to be at our best, work hard and have enough confidence to have a chance. Football is unpredictable. I believe and trust the personality of our team.
-Do you also have a soft spot for Madrid or Barça?
-I'm a Mallorca fan! I'm not a fan of either of them, but I admire their history and their achievements. Both have had great teams over the past 25 years. I have always followed football since I was a child and recognize that Barça under Guardiola was an inspiration.
-So what's your second team?
-My father has always been a Tottenham fan and I have been a Spurs fan all my life. It's in my blood. I've been to White Hart Lane many times and loved the atmosphere there.
– Did you play football?
-Yes. It was my first sport and goal was my first word when I was a baby. My father was born in London and was able to play at a semi-professional level. I always loved it, but I stopped playing when I was 13, when I chose basketball.
-Who do you think is the MJ (Jordan) of football?
-In my opinion, Messi is the Michael Jordan of football. I think he's the best of all time.
-Which Madrid player would you like to see sit out this match?
-It's a difficult question. I know Mbappe hasn't had the start many expected, but his quality is undisputed. Vinicius is a top player and Bellingham is a match winner. I also like Modric, who always plays calmly and is ready to make a difference, whether he is a starter or comes off the bench. In short, it's hard for me to choose, I would say most.
-What are the differences between the NBA and LaLiga?
-Of course the promotion and relegation system, the player selection and the salary ceiling. Both are top competitions at international level, but these parameters make them completely different.
-Is football in Spain more passionate than the NBA in the US?
-They are different forms of support. In Spain there are clubs that have existed for more than a hundred years and have a strong following among fans. In the NBA, there is generally less tradition in this regard, but I would also argue that the competitive landscape is very different.
In Spain, football is the undisputed king of sports, and in the United States it is divided between basketball, baseball, American football, ice hockey and football itself. I would say that traditions are more deeply rooted in Spain.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of fans traveling with their teams, so common in their country, is not very common in American culture due to the long distances and large number of regular season games we have.
-Do you watch more football or basketball on television?
-I watch a lot more football than basketball. At least until the NBA playoffs come around.
-You have been a football commentator and analyst. Who will win the Supercup?
– Mallorca, of course.
-What is your future ambition at the club?
-Dreaming big is nice, imagining Mallorca playing in the Champions League or winning competitions would be great.
However, the priority is that the club is financially sustainable and that means staying in LaLiga. We want the fans to be proud of their team and the club. We will continue to improve and evolve the infrastructure. Long live Mallorca!
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