Basketball Bundesliga club BG Göttingen has released head coach Mikko Riipinen. This was announced by the Lower Saxony, who are already a relegated team, on Monday. The reason for this is the fact that the Swede wanted to make use of his exit clause after the ongoing season in order to accept an offer from another club.
“The way of communication by Mikko disappointed us because he gave us the impression that he is planning the coming season with us. The base of trust is no longer available,” said BG Managing Director Frank Meinershagen: “We would have loved to continue working with Mikko, but can understand that he takes the chance to take the next step in his career.”
For the remaining two season games on Thursday (6.30 p.m./Dyn) and on Sunday against the Rostock Seaawolves, the previous assistant coach Kenneth Desloover takes over. Riipinen had succeeded Olivier Foucart last January, but he did not manage to secure the relegation. Göttingen is currently the bottom of the table with a record of two wins and 28 defeats.
“Leaving the BG is not easy for me because it is a club that I respect very much. I can only say good things about this warm -hearted club, the beautiful city and the fans. I will remember this time forever,” said Riipinen.