Bartzokas: «Fenerbahce has an excellent roster» (vid)

Giorgos Bartzokas and Evan Fournier discussed Olympiacos' premiere with the new season's Euroleague in Istanbul against Fenerbahce (04/10, 19:30 CET).

Asked about the importance of the team getting tested in a tough court for the first game of the season, the coach replied:  "I think it is important... we are also looking to find what our potential is, through every practice, every game, and because we haven't played enough games, there are questions in terms of our readiness. I think though that all the teams are more or less at the same level. Fenerbahce is a team with an excellent roster at all levels and of course, it is a tough first game for us".

About scouting the first game: "The scouting is there because all the teams have played pre-season games, we played against them in Crete. So we have quite a large sample of their game style. And the same goes for them, they know how we play. There are the players' characteristics and the coach's philosophy. We have adapted through all of that, we have a game plan that we hope will follow to the 't' to try and win the game".

Regarding the absentees: "McKissic will be with us, he has participated in many practice sessions lately. But Milutinov, Fall and of course, Evans are out".

Finally, about Marjianovic: "Marjanovic has played two games with them. There is no doubt about his quality and knowledge of the game. One question is his level of readiness because it's been years now that he hadn't had a lot of minutes and you know that this has an impact on players. They have three or four very good players, the forwards are very good, the guards also. I don't think they lack anything".

Fournier: "It's good that we begin with a strong away game, I'm very excited"

Evan Fournier was asked about his first European game, in a tough home court, against a tough opponent and his answer was: "It's good we start the season with a strong away game. I'm excited. I can't wait for the game. I hope we have a good practice session tonight and we'll see what happens on Friday".

About whether he has adapted to the Euroleague: "Basketball is basketball. I think the biggest difference is when you change teams and you have to adjust to the new coach, the plays, your teammates. These are the biggest changes. But basketball is just basketball in the end".

In closing, he talked about what it is Olympiacos must pay attention to against Fenerbahce: "When you play such a big game on the road, it's important that you are the toughest team and you must respect the game plan and play as a team".

YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL STATEMENTS IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS: