Blatt: «We want the passion and the energy of our fans » (vid)

Before even 48 hours will have passed from the victory in Munich, Olympiacos will be hosting the European Champion Real Madrid at the SEF (22/11, 19.45 CET), aiming to a win that will allow him to build solid foundations in the new chapter that the team wants to open in its European route…

 

"A week with two Euroleague games is always a great challenge and fills us up with enthusiasm", David Blatt commented. "We have had a very interesting series of games, since we played high level ones. We played against Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos and Bayern. We now have one more high level one ahead of us, which is great. I think we are ready for the challenge and are looking forward to a hard and quality game against a high level team, with great tradition. We are looking forward to seeing our wonderful fans coming to support us. It's a fact that we need their help. They can give us boost with their energy and passion". 

Asked if he feels better following the victory against Bayern, he replied: "I've said it in the past and I'll say it again… I was never worried after the hard losses against very good teams, just like I don't get excited from a good victory last night. Things are never that bad or good as they seem. You need to focus long term".

He seemed impressed from the rumors in regard to the additions to the roster… "It's unbelievable how some rumors circulate and names are tossed around. I was asked today if we are getting a player whose name I don't even know. I know the market, but I hadn't heard of that particular player. So the mil of rumors or the media expectations are much larger than mine. The market is open, things happen, people make suggestions out of nowhere and then this is becoming the news. We can't control that. So, I'll just say that: If Kevin Durant suddenly decides to leave Golden State, we'll get him. However, since this is not going to happen in the immediate future, I'm also giving you my word, that we are not getting him!"

When asked to predict when the team is going to be at the desired level, he pointed out: "It's still November. It's a new team with both young and experienced players that play together for the first time. I want everyone to be healthy and get better each passing week. When our schedule starts reversing after November, because it's been too hard up to now compared to that one of other Euroleague teams… I think you'll see a tremendous change in our performance and consistency".

About the intense support of the Olympiacos fans in Munich: "They really helped. Their number was touching and they supported us with passion. They gave us strength, together with those who had come to practice on the eve of the game. It was a great feeling and it's indicative of the family atmosphere on the team".

Llull, Ayon and Kuzmic are not playing in tomorrow's game… However, David Blatt had to say: "Neither will Axel Toupane will be playing, and Janis Strelnieks is just coming back to the level we all know he's capable of playing. You saw his impact on last night's game... Teams will be missing players. Real has a roster of 15 quality players, so if two are out, it's not that decisive. Certainly not for one game. So I don't see how we can rely on that, or how this is going to help us. We need to play our game and try to win a quality ridden opponent and that's what we want to do".

 

Finally, he was asked to comment on Maccabi hiring his predecessor in the Olympiacos' bench, Giannis Sfairopoulos. "First of all, I wish him good luck. After Olympiacos, for whom I work for and that I love, Maccabi is one of my favorite teams. So I hope to see them succeed together. Maccabi is a challenging team, in a difficult moment, but I know him, I think he's a good coach and I wish him the best".

«I'm not back yet…But I will!»
 

Janis Strelnieks is looking forward to playing against Real Madrid. "It's going to be a difficult game, especially after the tough games we played during the past few weeks. We have had a really difficult schedule. We haven't had much time to prepare for tomorrow's game. Real Madrid has been playing really well up to now, they have a good momentum and they haven't lost a game. We are looking forward at playing against them! It's always good to be playing against good teams and good players".
 
He was on fire in the 4th quarter against Bayern and had a major contribution towards winning. But he thinks he hasn't returned 100% from his injury… "I'm still trying to get better, given the fact that I hadn't been training for a few weeks. It will take time for me to get back, but I will!".

 

On coach Blatt's faith in him: "It's always good when the coach trusts you. It gives you confidence".

 

On him being the X-Factor for Olympiacos in the game against Bayern… "I don't think myself as the X-Factor. We did a great job in the fourth quarter. I know how difficult it is to be playing in Munich because I played in Germany for three years. They are a very strong home court with a good atmosphere. We knew the game was going to be hard, but we did what we had to do, we won".

 

Then, the Latvian guard talked about the team's friends that were by its side in Munich: "I know there are a lot of Greeks in Germany. It's always good to play with the support of your fans, not only in Greece, but anywhere you get to play".