Bartzokas & Larentzakis about the game with Virtus 

Olympiacos traveled to Bologna, where they will be playing against Virtus tomorrow (19/12, 20.30 CET), in the first of the two road games during the double game Euroleague week.  

"I think that the notion of 'must' is embedded in the mentality of the teams that have demand of themselves and that is all the truer with Olympiacos", the 'red & whites' coach, Giorgos Bartzokas pointed out. "There was a 'must' in the game vs Valencia also, but our team played a game much lesser of what we demand from ourselves. It was below the fans' expectations and we paid for it, because in every aspect of the game, we were much worse than what we should have been. But this always works as a wake-up call, at least for serious teams. We want to believe that we are a serious team. We must show a reaction as to how we approach the games and in regard to issues like these ones, that are really important."

Talking about the Italian team, he said: "Bologna is third right now, not because they've had a favorable schedule, but because they deserve it. Their ranking reflects their quality and their game style. I want to remind you that they are the same team, and maybe with a deeper roster last year, that were almost ranking in the bottom and the same team this season, with motivated players, cohesion, good understanding and maybe a different way of playing the game, they have righteously reached the top. Their home court is a tough one and we beat them with difficulty there last season. They are a team missing Mickey right now, but with Dunston and Shengelia playing both the '4' and '5' positions. They have a certain flow in how they attack, with great speed, they play together. They have lots of quality. There are players like Cordinier that have really upscaled their game since last season. All in all, they are a team that plays very good basketball". 

On his part, Giannoulis Larentzakis stressed that: "We want to show reaction following the defeat to Valencia at home. We weren't who we should have been. A new, tough week is ahead, with two road games, but I believe we'll come back and be who we must be. Bologna is a rather tough team that plays very well right now, but I think we have the foundations and the quality to win".