Bartzokas: «We did not play up to standards»

Olympiacos failed to finish the finals series at the OAKA and according to Giorgos Bartzokas, this was due to the fact that the 'red & whites' did not play up to their standards. 

"Congratulations to Panathinaikos. They played with determination. We did not play up to our standards, at least compared to the two previous games. Unfortunately, we weren't able to play defense with intensity because quite a few players were charged with many fouls early in the game, 2, 3, 4 fouls and we had to play with untested lineups. Panathinaikos' reaction was expected. Now, we are going to prepare for the Wednesday game at home". 

Asked whether Olympiacos can continue playing at a high tempo and win the League title with that playing style, he replied: "I don't think the tempo is that high. It's the good execution, it's the quality of the two teams that are facts. There is mental fatigue for both teams. I think we have to stick to our plan, to team game on both ends of the floor. I don't think we are worse offense wise, or that Panathinaikos is worse defensively. Each team has their own characteristics. Tonight, we were mentally unprepared for what transpired. Especially when we got ahead by one point and were had mental control of the game, we played 4 or 5 really bad defenses and gave them three balls. That was the crucial point in the game".