Statements by Mr. Angelopoulos
Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos was in Belgrade and watched our team's game against Red Star. Following the victory over the Serbians, Mr. Angelopoulos talked to ERT.
Questioned whether was … Istanbul like, apart from his own celebration, Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos answered that "when necessary, it will happen. I believe it was a very big win, in a very tough court, in a civil atmosphere, an amazing game that reminded us of the Istanbul final. Everyone is entitled to dreaming a lot"
Next, Mr. Angelopoulos was asked whether the Champions' heart played a role "I think this was it, we were missing a lot of players, Matt as well, we have had many problems and many players that weren't at the top of their game due to injuries. It proved that it is always that someone will be stepping up for the team to win".
Asked on whether it was the performances by Agravanis and Papanikolaou that decided the game, Mr. Angelopoulos explained that "Printezis' three was also very important and each play was of high level, it resembled a play-offs or title game. I think we are going to do very well".
Olympiacos has been playing at top level for many years now and when the one of two owners of the teams was asked about the secrets to success, he replied that "the secrets are many, we are going to be analyzing them when the time comes, it's that we have a Greek coach, Greek players and generally, the main axis of the team is Greek, but we also have very good foreign players. It was Green that passed the assist. It's not only that we have a Greek axis, the Greek players have excellent foreigners by their side, there is however no distinction among Greeks and foreigners. The main thing is how they all blend together. I congratulated them, but let's keep it up to that".
Olympiacos is in the quarter finals for the 11th time in 12 years, a feat only matched by Barcelona and Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos answered that "I think that together with Panagiotis, we have succeeded something unique, what you call stability at the top, it's something only done before by Barcelona, we are the top Euroleague team in the last eight years and I and my brother Panagiotis are proud for what we have achieved. We continue strong with the new Euroleague structure as well".
Next question had to do with the new Euroleague format and the many injuries suffered due to it. "Yes, that's a fact, unfortunately, we have always suffered from injuries, we hope that everyone comes back in healthy for the play-offs. That's our goal".
Olympiacos is on the way to Istanbul, and Mr. Angelopoulos answered that "we first have the game against Real Madrid, but anyone is allowed to dream. The game against Real Madrid precedes all that, it's a very big game. Olympiacos wants to win and needs to win. The Istanbul Final Four is still far away, Printezis' shot reminded us of it, but up to that".
Asked on whether he got envious of the atmosphere created by the Red Star fans, the President of the Greek Champions answered that "I cannot say that I got envious, it was an impressive atmosphere indeed, the gym is very good, the fact that the Final Four is going to be taking place here and I hope we are going to be here as well. The gym helps a lot. The atmosphere was very good but I can't say that I got jealous. But it was a very good atmosphere indeed".
As for the recent posts in regard to the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Mr. Angelopoulos explained that "the State has some thoughts, but when they make it more specific, we'll be talking in more detail. It's not time yet. There are some thoughts, but when we are told about more specific things we are going to be talking about them. Then we'll be talking about our position. Until then we are waiting from the government. I wish they improve on the proposal".
The last question had to do with whether he wants to dedicate the team's route to anyone. Mr. Angelopoulos just said "See you in Istanbul…".