Bartzokas: «We must not allow Bayern to play their game» (vid)
Olympiacos' coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, talked about the game against Bayern (25/10, 21:45) a little before his team departed for Munich, focusing on the German team's home games up to now in the competition. Also, he informed that Nigel Williams-Goss will not play and wished good luck to Filip Petrusev who joined Crvena Zvezda on loan.
His opening statement was: "Bayern is a team that scores more than 100 points per game at home and right now, they are the No. 1 team in terms of point scoring and points in the transition. So, we need to control the tempo, not make hasty decisions, not allow them to play their game. These are going to be crucial factors to win the game".
About whether it's dangerous for Olympiacos to approach the game against Bayern like the one against Efes: "Of course it's dangerous, because we were very mediocre at defense during the Efes game. We have to improve our defense, in aspects of the game that we are lacking right now, like rebounding, like the defensive transition... They are things we are working on at practice. And of course, adding more players helps us and will help us".
Asked whether Williams-Goss will play: "No, because he only practiced once today, so it's really risky to use him. He's coming with us because we are going to practice on the next day of the game also, in view of the game on Sunday".
About the loan of Filip Petrusev: "I wish Petrusev good luck, it was his choice because he thinks he will have more time and a bigger role in Crvena Zvezda. He was pushing towards that direction and his wish materialized".
Fall: «Fournier will be a key-player for us»
Moustapha Fall talked about our team's upcoming game, the return of Milutinov and his co-patriot, Evan Fournier.
Asked about Bayern Munich - that scored 97 and 109 points in the last two home games this season - the French center commented: "We know they are good in the transition, that's why we must make the right choices in offense and return to our defense fast".
On whether it's going to be a risk for Olympiacos to approach the game against the German team with a 'run & gun' mentality, just like the game against Efes evolved: "Yes, because the second quarter against Efes was very bad, we allowed them to get into rhythm and that's why now we must obtain control of the game from the start to the end".
About the return of Nikola Milutinov and if that makes him feel more comfortable: "Yes, I always feel comfortable with him. First of all, I have to be comfortable with myself. I'm finding rhythm as we speak, I'm getting into shape..."
About Bartzokas' game style: "It makes me feel good. It's my fourth season into that system, I have to pass the ball which I've always liked, so I feel very comfortable".
About his co-patriot, Evan Fournier: "I don't know about the next game, but Evan will be key for us in the season. He hadn't been playing a lot in the past two years, but he's finding momentum. He's improving every day and by the end of the season, his presence will be really beneficial for us".
THE FULL STATEMENTS IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS