Bartzokas: «I'm grateful for the qualification»
The coach of the 'red & whites', Giorgos Bartzokas, pointed out the significance of the fact that Olympiacos once again secured a spot in the playoffs, following the second win in a row in Belgrade.
"We are grateful for the atmosphere here. Of course, everyone saw that the game was a war! Crvena Zvezda did not want to give up and they tried to win with everything they had. Despite us leading almost throughout the game, the incredible talent of some our opponent's players, that is Hanga, Teodosic, Nedovic and the amazing game by Bolomboy, caused us a lot of problems and hindered our effort to 'finish' the game earlier. But, the important thing is that we won. What counts at this point is to win. We secured a playoff spot and that's amazing for our team. We've had so many problems during the season, lost players, had so many injuries, even now, Milutinov and Petrusev are still out. So, I have to say that I'm grateful to my players and the whole organization for making the Top-8 once again".
Asked if he thinks that the return of the incapacitated players will allow the team to qualify to the Final 4, he replied: "Yes, I 100% believe that. We won the Euroleague in 2013 despite having lots of problems during the season. When a team is getting really tested during the season, they get to be ready at the end of the story. Last year, we were winning almost everywhere, we were the top seed in the regular season, we won the quarter-finals with ease, were leading in the final against Real Madrid for 39' minutes and 33'' and a buzzer-beater cost us the title. But, that's basketball. Sometimes, when you are going through tough situations, your character gets tested and your personality as well and I'm truly happy for my players, who are still here despite the problems, at the highest level in Europe. The competition is getting tougher by the year".
After being asked about the two Serbian teams of the Euroleague, he stressed the following: "I would like to express my immense respect for the club of Crvena Zvezda. Despite having zero chances at qualifying, they had 15,000 fans by their side. That's basketball and that's what basketball is about. The team, the coach, and the players fought hard for the win and their reputation. Yes, we are friends, but we are enemies on the floor. Last year, we lost in this gym. That's how basketball should be played. Many fans in the stands, great tradition and it's important for a country like Serbia to have these two teams, Crvena Zvezda and Partizan playing in the Euroleague. We love playing here".