Bartzokas: «It’s not going to be easy»
Olympiacos is playing against Anadolu Efes (April 4, 20:00 CET) on the road for the 13th day of the Euroleague TOP-16 and Giorgos Bartzokas explains why the game against the Turkish team is not going to be easy.
“It doesn’t sound easy at all. After the last two victories against two strong Spanish teams and the way we got those victories, we get to feel optimistic about what comes next. We need a victory tomorrow in Istanbul; our path takes through that gym. I believe it’s not going to be easy. Nobody gives away anything in this competition and everyone has realized that we are going to have a tough mission. There is no Euroleague team coming on the floor with no motivation. Even if there is no ranking benefit to gain, winning in this competition always sets opportunities for future career moves. Efes lost with no resistance at all in its home court last week, but they almost beat Barcelona, they only lost in the last minutes in Milan, they are a quality team and I am certain, just like its coach has actually said as well, that they are going to have great motivation for the game. We want to continue with our good performances, play as a team like we have been doing and cover for two really important missing players” the Greek coach originally stated.
Later, Giorgos Bartzokas was asked whether the fact the Efes has nothing substantial to gain from the game makes the task of his players easier. “Our players, especially the Greek ones that have been with the team for years, cannot start feeling relaxed now. Last season, with only one game to go for the TOP-16, we had played Fenerbahce, that had been totally indifferent due to already being eliminated. If you recall, we had struggled for the victory. We actually had to make an upset at the end to make it. I think we were trailing by 7 – 8 points and then got the lead, although the opponent was missing players and was indifferent ranking wise. Perperoglou is closer to coming back with the team at the moment. Stratos will be entering practices on Saturday, will try to have him play a few minutes on Monday against KAOD and will see after that. Nevertheless, everyone is about to return to the team, the day that we are all going to be together again is close”.
On his part, Ioannis Papapetrou said that: “our goal is to play a very good game and win. It doesn’t matter if a team has nothing to gain, all teams, even on no end games for them, go after the victory in the top competition in Europe. That is what Efes is going to be doing tomorrow and we need to remain serious from the first moment to win”.
The Greek forward commented on his personal performance in recent game that “it’s not about getting the opportunities; the thing is to be able to come through with what your coach is asking from you. To do the best for the team to win. This is my goal. With Stratos or not I’m trying for the best for the team when I come on the floor. I feel good and as long as we are winning I’m happy”.