Carla Leite’s move to the WNBA has caused friction in Spain. Following her selection by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft, the French international has faced criticism from her Zaragoza coach, Carlos Cantero. Cantero will have to manage the team without Leite for the remainder of the season. His comments were reported by El Periodico di Aragon.
“I have a negative view of her departure. I could elaborate further on the subject, but it’s not worth it. The coach has a perspective that many do not share, and I prefer not to reveal it to prioritize those who remain, who have given their all and will help us succeed within the team with a capital ‘T.’ […] Carla did not carry the same weight as other players. We could not count on her in the Super Cup or in the EuroLeague qualifying match against Brno, and we adapted and won those games.”
It is worth reminding the Spanish tactician that Carla Leite was the second-highest assist provider and second-highest scorer for her team in the EuroLeague this season. Furthermore, she concluded her Iberian stint with an outstanding performance in the competition’s third-place playoff, scoring 20 points and dishing out 6 assists against Girona to secure the bronze medal.
English Translation:
Carla Leite’s departure for the WNBA has drawn criticism in Spain. Days after it was announced she would be joining the WNBA, having been selected by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft, the French international has been criticized by Zaragoza’s coach, Carlos Cantero. Cantero will need to navigate the rest of the season without her. The remarks were reported by El Periodico di Aragon.
“I view her departure negatively. I could go into more detail, but it’s not worth it. The coach holds a perspective that many don’t share, and I’d rather not disclose it to focus on those who are staying, who have given their all and will carry us forward as a team. […] Carla didn’t carry the same weight as other players. We were without her for the Super Cup and for the EuroLeague qualifying game against Brno, and we adapted and won those matches.”
It’s worth noting for the Spanish tactician that Carla Leite was the second-highest in assists and second-highest in scoring for her team in the EuroLeague this season. This is especially true considering she finished her time in Spain with an excellent performance in the bronze medal game of the competition, tallying 20 points and 6 assists against Girona to claim the bronze medal.
