Bartzokas: «We must focus on our game plan» (vid)
As Olympiacos' squad was preparing to depart for Monaco, our coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, spoke about the game against the Monégasques (04/12, 20:00), as well as 2025’s Final Four, which will take place in Abu Dhabi.
“If we know a bit about basketball, we would be naive to we believe that a team changes in a day. (Monaco) Are already highly capable. Vassilis (Spanoulis) will surely put his own spin on things next. They are a team built by my friend, Sasa Obradovic. He did incredibly, having gone to a Final-4 and winning two domestic championships. Both he and the team he built deserve congratulations. Of course, Vassilis will have to add his own theory and philosophy to their game. They are a team that can do a lot because of their athleticism and the flexibility they have with players that can have impact in many positions”.
On what Olympiacos has to do to win: “We need to be steady and compact for 40 minutes. They are a team that attacks constantly, with many ball handlers; with players that pass well and play iso. Recently they have also been passing very well. They had many assists both against Panathinaikos and in the game they played next in their domestic league. They also have their weak spots, as all teams do. We will have to focus on our game plan. We must execute well, have patience during the game, match their athleticism. Of course, their unique arena always has an effect as well."
On the Final-4 which (barring unforeseen circumstances) will take place in Abu Dhabi: “I don’t know whether we will be in the Final-4. We must only be concerned with that if and when we’re faced with it. There are certain criteria for making this choice and the people who are in charge of doing so, must know what they are doing”.
Fall: “It will be a… dog fight.”
Moustapha Fall spoke about Olympiacos upcoming game against Monaco, as well as the choice of Abu Dhabi as the location for Euroleague’s Final-4. "It will be a tough game, we know that, as is every Euroleague game. Spanoulis is a good coach and we’ll see whether he had time to really prepare his his team. We know that Monaco has a lot of talent. It will be a… dog fight. We will be ready”.
On the keys of the contest: “We must be physical, we must protect the ball because they have a lot of talent.”
On the Final-4 taking place in Abu Dhabi: “I do not care where it takes place, I just want us to win the Euroleague. Firstly, let’s be present and then win it”.
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