The Presidents talk about the qualification to the F4

Just moments following the win over Real Madrid and the qualification to the Abu Dhabi Final 4, the 4th consecutive one for Olympiacos, the team Presidebts, Giorgos and Panagiotis Angelopoulos talked to the Media commenting on the 'red & whites' feat.

On how they feel:

• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “These are unique emotions; for us, for the whole team, and for Olympiacos fans. Since we took over the club, this is our 10th Final Four and the 4th in a row. We’re hoping for even more. We’re living some truly thrilling moments.”
• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “We’re happy, we’re proud. When you realize that for the last four years, you’ve been among the best teams and always fighting for the top, you understand that eventually you’ll reach the summit. I don’t know if it will be this year, but that’s what we’re aiming for.”

On whether this qualification feels different because it comes in the club’s 100th anniversary year:

• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “Of course, 100 years is a major milestone in Olympiacos’ history, and we all want to celebrate it with success. But, as I said, this is our 10th Final Four - our 4th in a row - which shows consistency at the top. The hardest thing is staying at the top for such a long period. If you really think about what this means, it’s like a lifetime. Other clubs fight just to reach one Final Four. The fact we’ve done four in a row doesn’t mean we’ll do it again - we have to savor this moment, enjoy it, and go after it. Hopefully, it ends well.”
• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “It’s a special moment with the club turning 100. But whether it’s 98, 99, or 101 years, we’ve always had the same passion to reach the Final Four.”

On Real Madrid’s absence from the Final Four, just like in 2009:

• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “The good news is that Real Madrid won’t be in Abu Dhabi. Over the last three years, they’ve made it to three finals and won a Euroleague. They’ve been our nemesis; they won’t be there this time.”

On whether they ever imagined 10 Final Four appearances when they took over the club:

• Giorgos & Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “No, we never imagined it. It didn’t even cross our minds or our dreams. What’s happened has surpassed everything. It’s very important that all the people from Real, the coach, the GM, came to congratulate us and wish us good luck. The same thing happened last year in Barcelona from their president. This is a huge success. Winning in Barcelona last year, in Madrid this year, and earning the respect of these giants; it says a lot.”

On Kostas Papanikolaou’s performance and contributions over the years:

• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “Kostas is our captain, our cornerstone; he’s always there. He was outstanding today, and we hope he’s the one lifting the trophy in a few weeks.”
• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “Kostas is one of only four players to appear in all four of these consecutive Final Fours. He hit a three-pointer for each one tonight. It’s pure joy to watch him drain those big shots and lead us to qualification. But also Vezenkov and the rest of the guys; they stood by each other, even through the tough moments and during the comeback. They stayed calm and got us through.”

On why their celebrations weren’t too loud:

• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “Oh, we did celebrate. Maybe you just missed it. Let’s leave the rest for Abu Dhabi.”
• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “Maybe it’s because we came into this with a 2-0 lead which we had never done before. So that gives you a bit more calm and confidence.”

On whether there’s added pressure after three unsuccessful Final Four appearances:

• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “We don’t put any pressure on the team. We’re always with them, we support them however we can, and we do everything in our power. They shouldn’t see it as pressure. When you’re among the elite, you go into a semifinal and a final to fight for the title. That’s the mindset; not pressure or anxiety.”
• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “There are dreams and very high expectations. Pressure always exists in sports.”

On the fans and ticket planning for Abu Dhabi:

• Giorgos Angelopoulos: “We are fully prepared.”
• Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “We know a lot of fans trust this team, and many already booked tickets months ago; five or six months in advance. So the turnout will probably be bigger than we expected.”