Real Madrid part ways with head coach Laso for medical reasons

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Real Madrid basketball officially parted ways with their head coach Pablo Laso for medical reasons.

"Following the heart attack our coach suffered several weeks ago, Real Madrid has consulted with several doctors and cardiology specialists, all of whom have expressed the clear risk that continuing as coach would represent for his health at this moment in time," Real Madrid said in a statement.

"Real Madrid last week approached Laso about him giving up his role with the first team, whilst fully respecting the financial conditions established in his contract and proposed to wait and see how his physical condition progresses this season, before assessing the situation in March or April," it added.

In June, the 54-year-old manager suffered a heart attack during the semifinal clash in the Spanish basketball League and did not return to the bench.

He led Real Madrid to clinch 2015 and 2018 EuroLeague titles, six Spanish League championships, six Spanish Copa del Rey triumphs, and seven Spanish SuperCups.

Laso had been head coach of the team since 2011.

The Spanish manager formerly managed Castellon, Valencia Basket, Cantabria, and Gipuzkoa Basket.