Sfairopoulos: «Critical, but not the most important one»
Olympiacos visits Fenerbahce Thusday (23/2, 18:45 CET) for the 23rd day of the Euroleague and Giannis Sfairopoulos and Erick Green got to talk about the game against the Turkish team.
"It's not the most important game up to now. There are many more games to play. It is certainly a critical game, but not the most important one. It's more critical to Fenerbahce, than it is to us. I believe that the pressure is on Fener in view of this game. We know we are facing a very good team, a team that has a clear perception of what its game should be on both ends of the floor. A team with a lot of foreign players and a good, high quality roster. For us, the important thing is to follow our plan, we know their weaknesses, we want to attack those and play smart. We should also not allow the atmosphere have an impact on us, we know it's going to be a packed gym and the atmosphere is going to be explosive, so we need to stick to our plan and do what we must do".
Asked on whether the break had a positive impact on his team, the Greek coach said that "we have had this small break, there was time to rest some, but not enough time to help us overcome some injuries. The players that are here are ready to fight and give their best. We had both positive and negative elements in the first game, Fenerbahce fought to the end and got to shrink the margin, they are a team that has a leading role in Europe in recent years and it's only fair this is happening, we need to remain focused for 40 minutes".
Asked about the differences between this game and the one of the first round, the Greek Champions' coach said that "what the first game shows is that we need to remain focused for 40 minutes. We are not looking at the +9 from the first game, just like in any other game; we want to give our best, regardless of the result".
ERICK GREEN: "It's a big game, important for both teams and we need to be ready for this game, follow our plan for 40 minutes. It's going to be a different match up in regard to that of the first round. Now Bogdanovic will be playing, they are going to be playing in front of their fans and all of that makes tomorrow's game totally different. We are a big team, I don't like talking about our opponents, but rather about our plans. If we do what we need to, there is nothing to be afraid of. I'll have to step up, when key players our out due to injuries, I know I'm going to be having a different role. We all need to step up, the same goes for me. For us, what counts is winning, regardless of who plays better. We need to win to secure home court advantage".