Fournier: «We are expecting a huge battle»
Olympiacos is facing off against Partizan in Belgrade (14/01, 19:30 CET), for the 22nd round of the EuroLeague and Giorgos Bartzokas together with Evan Fournier got to talk about the game while at the Athens airport before takeoff.
Asked about the turbulent season Partizan has been having, Bartzokas commented: «They are weakened, based on their ranking, but if you take a look at their roster and the quality of their players, it makes you wonder how this is even possible. They are a team seemingly not compact, that gives up on a game when the situation evolves unfavorably to them. They are talented though, they have a good coach and of course these games in Belgrade are always particular, both for us and them. We are expecting nothing less than a difficult game».
About the level of readiness of his team: «I don't like talking percentages. Morris is out and Jones cannot play this game; everyone else is available. We have a very good roster; Ward is back; McKissic is traveling with us. We have been practicing well, we have been playing well lately, if we continue moving upwards, we are going to be a tough opponent for anyone».
About the point-guards and whether he has adapted to playing with less available choices: «Ntilikina is back, he's traveling with us and he's playing. In the previous games, when we were playing with one point guard, we tried to play with different lineups that would be helping us, with guards, forwards, to run our game. I don't think that anyone can claim to like not having a point-guard. The best situation is to have three point-guards, as we do, and we believe all three are good players. We hope all three are available».
On his part, Evan Fournier pointed out the following regarding the game against Partizan: «It's only the second time I play in Belgrade against them, but last season it was probably the loudest homecourt I've ever been at. It's was a very dynamic atmosphere, a very intense game and it was fun. We are not playing in the big hall, but rather in Hala Pionir and we expect a huge battle, because they are a good team. The mental part plays a very big role, but we cannot just disregard opponents».
About how the team prepared for such an intense game, the French guard replied: «Same way as always, if I am to be honest. For me, it's more fun to play games like these, with such loud fans».