Blatt: «We are hungry» (pics+vid)
The Olympiacos' coach, David Blatt, wants more than anything else to 'offer' the 'reds' fans, a great team performance in tomorrow's game against Panathinaikos (04/01, 20.00 CET).
"It's a very important Euroleague game. At the same time though, it's a derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos and this alone bears its unique dynamic. We are thrilled to be playing in our home court, in front of our fans. I'm sure they are going to be bringing tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the game. We are hungry to give them a good performance and a reason to celebrate".
Asked whether Timma and Agravanis will be playing, the replied: "Agravanis has been out longer than Timma has. We'll see how they do in today's practice".
About what it is that Olympiacos needs to change in comparison to the game in Istanbul, he said: "We obviously did not play a good game against Darussafaka. But this happens sometimes with the Euroleague, if you don't shoot with good percentages, you are not playing the game you had been constantly playing previously. We need to return to the basketball we had been playing before this game".
In terms of the presence of Rick Pitino in the Panathinaikos bench and what it is he thinks the new coach had time to change with the opponent, he commented: "In general, it's more of a psychological motivation issue. However, the more practice sessions are made, the more you will see emphasis put on tactical issue. I'm sure that with the days Panathinaikos has had available to prepare for the game between us, we'll be seeing different things on the floor that we haven't seen before".
Asked whether the two defeats in OAKA (for the Euroleague and the Greek League) put more pressure on him and his players, he stressed: "We don't need more or less pressure. What's important is the game that, as I said before, has its own dynamic. We simply need to get on the floor and play the high level basketball we had been playing before Darussafaka".
He was then asked to say something to the 'rookie' of the 'eternal' derbies, Rick Pitino… "Maybe it's something he hasn't experienced before. However, he has played many big games in his career and I'm certain he's going to enjoy the atmosphere".
He pointed out about the sold out: "I'm going to say it again… Olympiacos has great fans and we are always looking forward to playing at home. We want to give them a good performance".
Finally, about what it is he would be changing in terms of the first two games against Panathinaikos, he made clear: "I think we have talked enough about these games and I don't want to be going back to them. There are obviously things we could have done better in these games and some other things we need to do better to win. But I want to see us play the game I know we can play and have proven to be able to play… Then we'll see what happens…"
«These games are won by teams»
Giorgos Printezis said in view of the game: "It's a very important game, against a team like Panathinaikos. We all know the importance of playing games like this one. We are coming from a negative result and we really want to play a very good game and remain in a position to go after the top four tiers or rather the top 8, because it's still very early. We hope to play like we have done in the first round when we had a very good outlook and do the same in the New Year".
On whether tomorrow's game has similarities to previous ones against Panathinaikos, he replied: "They are totally different games. The truth is we were less ready at the time. They were two games that were decided by details. We have now worked together for two or three months more and I think we have been playing better as a team".
Asked on what Olympiacos should be getting better compared to the game against Darussafaka, he said: "We need to improve on most areas of our game. We weren't shooting well, we did not play good defense, we did not control the rhythm, we did not get the rebounds. Especially in games like the ones against Panathinaikos, that everyone is aware of their importance, you need to be ready in every aspect of the game".
Then, the experienced forward "disagreed" with the reporter that maintained the idea that games like these are won by the Greek players. "These games are won by teams. It doesn't matter if you are Greek or a foreigner. We all need to be playing well. And if someone is not in a good day, someone else needs to step up and cover for him and help the team win. That's the most important thing".
Talking about the 'packed' SEF, he pointed out: "Tickets have been sold out for a week now, and we are very thankful to our fans for that. I hope their energy helps us have a good night, play good basketball and they enjoy the game".