ESP – Real Madrid appoint Messina as coach

MADRID (ACB) – Italy’s Ettore Messina has signed a three-year contract to coach Real Madrid.

Messina, who ended a successful four-year stint at the helm of CSKA Moscow after leading the club to the Russian Superleague title, will was unveiled as Madrid’s new coach in the Spanish capital on Friday.

Real Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Ettore Messina so that the Italian manager becomes the coach of the basketball team for the next three seasons.

“Madrid have reached an agreement with the current coach, Joan Plaza, to part company by mutual consent. Real Madrid wishes to thank him for the work done in recent years at the club.”

Plaza was the ACB’s Coach of the Year a few seasons ago after leading the club to ULEB Cup glory and the Spanish title.

Messina, 49, won two Euroleague titles while guiding CSKA to four straight Four Final Four appearances.

The former Virtus Bologna and Benetton Treviso coach also won four Russian league titles and two Russian Cups with CSKA.

FIBA