Bartzokas: «We must certify that we are the better team»
In the media day in view of the game against Alba (20/12, 20:15 CET), for the 17th round of the Euroleague, our team's coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, talked about the particular characteristics of the German team.
Asked about the challenges of the game, he said: «The challenge is that we have to play a second game in two days and possible 'underestimation' of an opponent that ranks low. Adjusting to their game style is always an issue because they play even faster than Paris, numbers prove that and if you don't set up certain thing on both ends of the floor, you participate a game they are used to playing better than you do. Ideally, we would like to execute well, do our job, take the game where we want it to go to win».
Asked about Alba's playing tempo and whether Olympiacos should be following suit, he pointed out: «Each team plays the way they are used to playing. We have certain habits in how we play and practice. If we suddenly enter a game and do things different from what we are used to doing, it is very probable that the opponent, regardless of whether they have matching or less talent in their ranks, becomes better than you. We must impose our game style. We play harder than them, with more contact on both ends of the follor, we have to screen well, cause them problems and of course certify the fact that we have better plaeyrs and a better team. But, I repeat, nothing is pre-determined with the Euroleague, it takes effort».
Vezenkov: «We must not underestimate Alba»
Sasha Vezenkov, when asked about the MVP award before the 16th Euroleague round, said that: «These things are for the fans to talk about, to tease one another, to exchange opinions. We don't really care about all that. The important thing is to win games. We are in December and that's the important thing, for the team to win, get better and be ready when it matters».
As for the upcoming game against Alba: «All these years, Alba has been playing the same style... They may have had more quality in previous seasons, we remember who was played for Alba, but this season, they gave Partizan a hard time, they have won some. They are not a team to underestimate. If we remain serious, everything will be fine».