Κemzura: «We should try to reverse our image»

"We did not play well against Villeurbanne and the whole team wants to reverse that image and have a successful season", the Lithuanian coach said, who was summoned to take over the 'reds' bench after the resolve of collaboration with David Blatt.

"Our opponent may be new in the Euroleague, however, they have been playing together for quite some time now. They have quality, height, balance and experience. They are a serious team, just like all Spanish ones. They seek to play fast and they play aggressive defense. We tried to prepare for this game thinking about what the best choice in our offense was going to be and how we were going to attack as well as how we are going to stop them in defense".

On what it is he changed during these five days he's in charge, he replied: "There's not much you can change. We'll stick with what worked for us and the same principles. We don't want to burden the players. We'll try a little more in the offense, we'll maybe trying to simplify a few things, with good distancing and reach the opposing defense correctly. In defense, we have to control the tempo, contain their pick n' roll game, they have experienced big guys".

When asked if he thinks that victory is going to be decided inside the post, he said: "Not necessarily. All details are going to count. One of the categories that are going to play a significant role is that of rebounding and second chances. It's going to be important, just like turnovers are going to count. We have minimize our turnovers when arms are stretched, because they are a tall team, even their guards are tall".

He was then asked to 'reveal' if he had disagreed with some of the choices of his predecessor. "What I can say is that I had been with him when we were making the team. I voiced my opinion on all transfers. However, sometimes what you have thought is not always working for various reasons. What I can say is that I was in agreement with all the signings".  

The last time he had been the head coach for a Euroleague team was seven years ago. On whether he has changed since that time, he commented: "I believe that you become smarter as you grow older. And that's what I think about myself also. After Prokom, I had been the head coach for other teams, not at Euroleague level. When you are a head coach, maybe the biggest challenge is to finding solutions when there are limitations with your team. So, I'm excited and slightly nervous. I really want to succeed in tomorrow's game".

On whether he will remain till the end of the season, he said: "I was told to be ready to coach tomorrow's game and the one next week and then we'll see… I honestly don't think that far. I only think about the game tomorrow, that's where I'm focusing".

«We need to stay together»

Nikola Milutinov stated in view of the game against Valencia: "we have a tough game ahead of usι. Especially now that we are amidst a difficult situation. We should stay together, play well and give all we got to win this game».

Asked on whether it is hard for him and his team mates to focus following the latest developments, he replied: "It's hard, but we can't change anything right now. Just as I said, we need to stay together and put in the greatest effort possible in the game tomorrow. We have practiced well and we try to improve our game, because we know that we didn't play well against Villeurbanne. We have been trying to change all that".