Pablo Lasso takes the helm at Bayern Munich after a year marked by health and recovery
One year after a heart attack forced Pablo Lasso away from competitive basketball and away from the ski slopes, the landscape of his life has shifted but not the core rhythm of his passion. The Spaniard, born in Vitoria on the 56th anniversary of his career, stepped back from Real Madrid and began to reassess his routine. He’s trimmed a bit, pays closer attention to nutrition, and schedules more medical follow-ups than in 2022 when chest discomfort sent him to a Madrid hospital. Yet his daily pace remains familiar: a blend of discipline, focus, and relentless love for the game.
Pablo Lasso becomes the new coach of Bayern Munich
“I’m fine. That was a long time ago. I wasn’t afraid because I felt no pain. My aim now is to live a healthy life and follow my doctors’ guidance. They tell me I must handle things differently, but I don’t sense a need to change who I am. If there’s a fight to be fought, I’ll fight it.”
These words came just hours before a key European clash at Palau Blaugrana, where Bayern Munich prepared to face Barça in the Europa League. After a period away from the bench, Lasso stepped back into coaching with Bayern, embracing the experience with renewed energy. He explains, “I’m enjoying it again, having a good time. Basketball is my life. I started coaching professionally when I was 15. It’s nearly 40 years, and not coaching would disrupt my routine. The adrenaline, the locker room, the game prep — I missed all of it. This year has allowed me to follow matches from new angles and travel with a fresh perspective.” He also recalls advice from Xavi Pascual: staying calm helped him re-enter the professional arena with confidence.
Lasso received several offers to return to the sideline, yet he chose Bayern for reasons beyond money and location. He emphasizes comfort and growth within a club that has built a strong framework in Germany. “Germany’s league has grown in recent years. Bayern runs things well; there’s a clear organization and a real idea of development. I am happy with this decision”, he asserts, noting that after eleven seasons with Madrid, a fresh start in Munich felt right.
Lasso weighed the professional and personal factors carefully. The choice to move abroad was not taken lightly, but the prospect of contributing to a club with ambition and solid infrastructure resonated with him. He describes a future built on a winning mentality and ongoing growth, with the goal of lifting the Euroleague trophy as a central objective for the team. He speaks about assembling a squad that can compete at the highest level and delivering results that align with Bayern’s rising trajectory.
Real Madrid dismiss Pablo Lasso for medical reasons, a month after the heart attack
In the wake of his dismissal, Lasso initially expressed frustration with how the decision unfolded, a disappointment tied to prioritizing his health. With distance now, he has moved forward and keeps the door open to future possibilities, including a potential return to the Spanish capital. He describes a clear focus on the present and the future, not dwelling on past hurts, and he envisions a season with a new team and new goals at the center of his narrative. He admits that December’s date holds significance, but he does not expect special attention; his aim is to help Bayern win on the court.
His current mission is to turn Bayern into a championship contender. Lasso states that the objective is straightforward: win the Euroleague and build a project that sustains success over time, supported by a roster that includes prominent signings this summer. The arrival of players such as Serge Ibaka, Leandro Bolmaro, Devin Booker, and Sylvain Francisco marks a pivotal shift for the Bavarian team as it unfolds its plans for growth and resilience.
Serge Ibaka, a Spanish international, represents one of the most anticipated changes for the upcoming road trip. His return to action will be gradual, considering he has not played for an extended period. Lasso approaches Ibaka’s integration with measured patience, acknowledging the need to rebuild rhythm and chemistry. He praises the team’s evolving project, noting that several new players have joined and that the club remains focused on steady improvement. Regardless of results, the team’s trajectory is clear: continue growing, adapt quickly, and stay united as a collective.