Blatt and Spanoulis talk about Baskonia (pics+vid)
Following the majestic victories against Panathinaikos and AEK, Olympiacos is summoned to play one more important game in less than 48 hours. Our team will be hosting Baskonia at the SEF tomorrow (08/01, 20.00 CET), for the 17th round of the Euroleague and wants a victory that will maintain it in the course to win a spot among the top four teams.
"Another strong Euroleague match up", said the 'reds' coach, David Blatt. "It is obvious that Baskonia has a quality team, they have shown so. It's very important for us to remain focused on a high playing level. We need to try and play the best basketball we can, because it's a very important game. We recognize that we play against a very strong opponent".
When asked how hard it is for him to prepare his team play back to back games in less than 48 hours apart, he replied: "It's a special moment in our schedule, just like it is with the schedule of most teams. We have to play five games in ten days. So, we need to kind of minimize the number of those things that we need to 'cover' and remain clear as to the principles we want to follow. We need to prepare ourselves day by day, mentally and physically".
Finally, on whether he's afraid that his players are very excited by the victories against Panathinaikos and AEK, he made it clear: "No. They are players that have their feet solidly on the ground throughout the season. They understand that they shouldn't get overexcited, neither get disappointed, because the season is long and we need to approach the situations and the games day by day, week by week. We need to be consistent. And I think our team is so…"
«Records are secondary»
Our team's captain, Vassilis Spanoulis, stated: "We play against a very good team. They have had some injuries lately, however, some other players have come forward. They are a very dangerous and experienced team. They have the final four in their home court. They rank a little low, so they need victories to come ahead. Games against Baskonia are always hard. They have a very good coach, very good players and it's going to take a lot of caution".
About the back to back games, the said: "It's not just us. The whole of Europe plays back to back games. That's our job. Baskonia is a team that plays fast and has good offensive rebounding. We need to control the turnovers, control the rebounds to be able to control the game tempo".
Finally, on whether his next target is to become the top scorer in the history of the Euroleague, he replied: "The truth is that when I play I'm not that into all these records. I want to be helping my team. Records are secondary. The most important thing for me is to help my team win and enjoy each game. That's the most important thing for me together with remaining healthy".
Look at the photos here.