Blatt: «We'll give our best»

Olympiacos will be playing against Panathinaikos tomorrow(09/11, 20.00 CET) at the OAKA for the 6th round of the Euroleague and coach David Blatt states to be ready for the first Greek derby of his career!

"It's a double joy, a double delight for the basketball world and the fans!", was the first comment by the 'reds' coach. "We don't only get to play a huge Euroleague game, but also the derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. It's an interesting and special game, with a lot of tradition and I hope that tomorrow's game and its level are going to be meeting with the history and the tradition of these games".

Asked about the key to winning, he replied: "There is no one thing… We play on the road, so we need to play in a certain manner as to increase our chances for a victory. This includes things we need to be doing both as individuals and as a team. We will need to be ready to fight for forty minutes and give our best to win".

On how he feels in view of his first Greek derby, he said: "I have participated many games in the past as an opponent of both Panathinaikos as well as of my current team and this has given me insight to the tradition, history and quality of this team. However, now I have the chance to participate a direct match up between the two teams, maybe the most famous derby in the whole of Europe. This is exciting, it's a kind of reward for me and I'm looking forward to it".

When asked to comment why his team plays better away from the SEF and if there is some kind of pressure at home games, he made clear: "It has nothing to do with pressure. I don't think we've been playing better when on the road. Unfortunately, we played a bad game at the SEF against Armani, but apart from that we have played well no matter the venue".

About the participation of Janis Strelnieks, he said: "Who said he isn't playing? We'll see after tomorrow's morning practice. Right now, we don't know".

Coach Blatt will be playing against another one of his former players. Keith Langford… "I know Keith very well, we have had a very good cooperation and I respect him. If Keith wants to play less, then it's all the better for me! But I don't expect this to happen… It's not necessarily happening. We need to be ready for Keith's quality and his game style as well as that of many other players of Panathinaikos. They are a team with a quality roster, just like we are as well…"

Asked about the level of the new players and whether they have responded to his demands, he replied: "I think that our new players have performed well, despite this being their first year with the Euroleague. They have done a great job and have given promises for the future. We had known from the start that they are going to need time to learn about the level and the great teams they are going to be playing against. They have done a great job and I'm happy with everything they have done up to now".

His personal preparation in view of the game against Panathinaikos is not going to be any different from what he's been doing in view of any other game… "It's true that it's the first Panathinaikos - Olympiacos derby I participate, however, it's not the first derby of my career. I have been to different countries and with different teams that have games like this one. I have participated many crucial games in my career, so as to allow myself to prepare as usual. I'll prepare to do my job and do the best I can to help my team win. I'm not changing anything…".

Finally, asked whether he's going to be watching any movie with his favorite actor, Robert De Niro tonight, he said: "It wouldn't hurt… But probably no… I'll be working a little more and prepare for the huge day we have tomorrow".

«Everyone knows the importance of the game against Panathinaikos»

Vangelis Mantzaris stressed: "All games between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, either in Greece, or in Europe, have special importance for both of us. Tomorrow, we'll be doing whatever we can to win. We want to be getting an important victory both for ranking reasons, as well as psychological ones. We know that a victory against Panathinaikos is helpful in every aspect. We have different team philosophies. I think that the key to the game is going to be controlling the tempo and rebounding".

On the different face of the team at home and away games, he said: "We have done rather well, except for the bad performance against Armani. In general, we have shown a good face in the Euroleague and we want to continue this way. We have been working very hard and we always try to get better. We are a new team and we certainly need time to bring on the floor all that we can and want. I think that tomorrow everyone is going to be giving their best to get an important victory for the future. We have played better on the road than on our home games and it's certainly something we need to see why is happening. Our home court should be our strongest weapon, taking into account our fans and their support. For some reason though, we've been more focused on the road. I don't know why".

Finally, on whether everyone knows what a Panathinaikos - Olympiacos derby means, he said: "Everyone knows what this game means and the same goes for the coach. He has explained to everyone what this game means, the history behind both teams. We all know what we are up against and what we need to be doing".