Statements on the game against Paris

During the press availability ahead of the game against Paris (6/12, 21:15) for Euroleague’s 14th round, Olympiacos’s coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, spoke about the characteristics of our upcoming opponent, as well as the issues the team is facing, in Moustapha Fall’s absence.

Initially, he stated: “What we have to understand is that Paris is not a random team, but one that has a clear structure in their game. Both defensively and offensively they do the same things and they do them really well. They have also been doing it for over a year; maybe two or three. They have this philosophy, their lineups are very specific, their substitutions happen at specific times and of course, they play very well. They are a very good team, and that is why they are first in the standings. At the same time there also circumstances around the game which mean that we have one less day of rest. We returned (from Monaco) in the morning, at 6 a.m., and because it is an energetic bout, we will need to be very “smart”. Not get carried away by our excitement or our emotions. It is a game where every possession is important, we must not hand them the ball, not rush into things. Additional, Fall will not play tomorrow, so we have less options at a position where we think we are good. Sasha went to the hospital and got an IV, started antibiotics -for tonsilitis- in order to feel better. So we have issues in the team, but despite of that, it is a game we want to hit hard, set the tone. The arena will be sold out. Yesterday was an important win but we must immediately let that go to be effective tomorrow”.

Vildoza: “Tomorrow it will be a ‘battle’"

Luca Vildoza, in response to questions about the game against the Parisians, emphasized: “It will be a difficult game. They play with a lot of confidence, at a high pace. I think that tomorrow will be a ‘battle’ of who will control the game, forcing their pace. Our pace of play is unlike theirs. Undoubtedly, it will be a tough game, as they are a very good team, with very good players that are in excellent form. Essentially, it will be ‘war’ tomorrow”.

On TJ Shorts, November’s Euroleague MVP, he said: “He is a very good player. Very fast, I think the protagonist of the team. He has impressive stats, it will be difficult to stop him. Knowing that, we will try to take him off rhythm with our defense”.