Iisalo, who is starting a new job in Paris, plans to learn French in order to adapt as well as possible to the new environment.
Transferred to Paris Basketball club as head coach Tuomas Iisalo has had time to get to know his new company for a couple of weeks already. Having coached in Germany for seven years, Iisalo has also spent a lot of time getting to know the neighboring country’s culture. In his opinion, it is important for a coach to know the local culture.
– Both the coach and the club have to adapt to the new situation. However, it is good for the coach to understand that there are cultural aspects that must be taken into account.
According to Iisalo, French culture is very different from German culture. French ball culture emphasizes individuals and talent, while Germany has disciplined players. Some of the differences will only be revealed later through individual issues. However, the Finnish coach is familiar with multiculturalism.
– I have always tried to build the team in such a way that players and coaches come from different cultures. We create common rules of the game for operations and act according to them.
One way to adapt to a new culture is to learn the local language. The Parisian club has promised to organize French language lessons for Iisalo in the afternoons at the club’s office. The goal is to learn at least the basics.
– Learning the French language is a gesture of respect and respect for French culture, as well as a sign that I am ready to adapt to the surrounding culture. I find it very important, says Iisalo.
A successful coach does not take pressure from his own role
The long-term goal of Paris Basketball, which plays in the French premier league, is to create a successful brand and club at least on a European scale. However, Iisalo, who was selected as coach of the year in the basketball Bundesliga and the Champions League, does not feel pressure from his new job.
– The head coach always bears responsibility for the team’s result. I feel that taking responsibility is the force that drives me forward.
Iisalo does not yet set long-term goals, but the team will initially progress one game at a time. However, Iisalo is satisfied that it was possible to make long-term contracts with the players.
– The activity between the players and the coaches has improved on average when it comes to the second or third year.
An NBA career would require building a new path
In recent years, we have become accustomed to seeing Finnish basketball coaches on international courts. Iisalo’s brother Joonas Iisalo received a two-year head coaching contract at USC Heidelberg. Susijeng’s head coach Lassi Tuovi was with the Utah Jazz organization in the NBA summer league.
However, according to Iisalo, success in Europe does not correlate with the NBA, because the rules and operating culture are different. For a family of five, it would mean building a completely new path.
– Instead of climbing some coaching ladder towards the maximum peak, we have tried to find a solution that is best for both sports and family. It’s not a one-man shop, I think of this as a family business.