Bartzokas: «An important win in a tough schedule»
In the Press Conference following the game against Monaco in Monte Carlo, our team's coach, Giorgos Bartzokas talked about the keys to the big win, the way Olympiacos defended but also about the team's next opponent (Paris, 06/12).
In his initial statement, the Olympiacos' coach said: "It was a really good game. The quality level of both teams was very high. Excellent players, excellent teams and I think an impressive game for the fans to watch. That's how Euroleague is right now, you have to play at the highest level, be compact... We were very good offensively for 40 minutes, but our defensive game only worked in the second half, when we allowed only 35 points, instead of the 47 we received in the first half. It was important for us to focus on what they were trying to do on their offensive end, they tried to pass the ball, they had 16 assists in the first half, but at the end they went back to what is their natural game style, lots of iso, many pull up jumpers and we defended really well at that point, which actually allowed us to win. Good luck to Monaco for the games to come. For us, it was an important win in a tough schedule, but we have Paris ahead of us on Friday (06/12). Our opponent has an extra day to rest and it's going to be a game where energy is going to be really important".
Asked about the way his team succeeded in blocking Monaco's passing game, he explained that: "We changed three different types of defenses during the game. We had to have good defenders on the ball, like Williams-Goss, Walkup and McKissic, but we also needed to defend iso, we wanted to prevent the ball from going to Mike James and hence we risked some pull up jumpers from other players. Of course, there are other very good players on their team, like Okobo, Loyd, Strazel. But we believed that by focusing on Monaco's guards, we would have the key to what was important for this game. We thought we were not to lose from receiving points in the post".
About Sasha Vezenkov: "Vezenkov had a problem with his throat, he's on antibiotics. He got hurt in the eye during the game, but everyone knows how important he's for us. I appreciate all that he did for us to win. Fall deals with a leg problem, we'll see about that tomorrow. We hope we have everyone available on Friday".
About Fournier and the shots, he attempted: "When you have a player like Fournier with such a scoring instinct and a desire to win, sometimes you allow them to go a bit overboard. He's a very good player, a good teammate, it's acceptable by me and by them".
About the difficulties of a double game week: "It's really tough, it's something all coaches talk about. We are going to be back in Athens late and go to sleep at 6 a.m. What kind of practice are we going to be having tomorrow? Some video, some therapy... We don't have the time to prepare properly. That's why during double game weeks, some times execution is worse in the second game. And many times, games are decided by luck or by individual efforts. It's not hard just for us, it's hard for everyone. We have 85-90 games to play, so for us coaches, practice is important, but we don't have the time for it".
About Vassilis Spanoulis: "I'm happy for Spanoulis, he has created a huge brand name as a player and that's how he landed very good coaching jobs. Peristeri, the National Team, now Monaco, which is a target for any coach at this level. With two years of coaching experience, he has the chance to coach an amazing team, I'm happy for him. But, I'll say it again, Sasa Obradovic has done an amazing job with the team, with two titles and a Final Four, he has my utmost respect".
About our team's next opponent, Paris: "The way they play is totally different to ours and that's hard, especially now that we don't have the time to prepare, to make the adjustments we need to be doing. They are a pleasant surprise, they deserve to be here, basketball needs something new. I'm not saying that because we are here, but because French basketball has a unique tradtion and talent and they have 3 teams with the Euroleague. Villeurbanne is also a very good team, and two of the three are definitely Top-8 contenders and probably Final-Four ones. Basketball in France is amazing, a little below fooball and you see so many French players with the NBA. They are a new market that creates opportunity".
About the Abu Dhabi Final Four: "I was asked about this before, I don't want to criticize the decisions of the Euroleague, I'm not good at that, I'm just a coach. If you asked me, it would be better to play in Belgrade, in Europe. We would be having more fans with us should we qualify for the Final Four. Those who make these decisions know better than us, a new market is opening up and may an opportunity for European basketball to get more exposure? I hope they have made the right decision".