Bartzokas: «Olympiacos is above all of us»
Olympiacos will be hosting CSKA tomorrow (25/02), for the 26th round of the Euroleague, aiming to return to winning.
“It’s been proven by our course this season that there are no games that Olympiacos is predetermined to win or lose”, the ‘reds’ coach, Giorgos Bartzokas commented. “We have made some big upsets winning games that no one expected us to win and we also surprised people losing games that no one expected us to lose. So, since we haven’t been consistent in that aspect, I don’t like to predetermine anything. Each Euroleague game is hard, the name, the talent and the quality of our opponent is proof enough. Of couse, it’s also very important the shape each team you meet is in, just like the shape we are in is equally important. We are coming from a losing streak, however, CSKA is also coming from losing games that can of course be explained. They have had injuries. Milutinov is out, Shengelia has missed games, James, they had to sign players… We are in the same situation also, Papanikolaou hasn’t been playing for quite some time now, Harrison hasn’t played, Vezenkov did not play in the previous games and we are now trying to get back together. We have signed a players, since Martin will be out till the end of the season. So, without Martin and Papanikolaou, we are missing our two most ‘hustle’ players. That is the players that play with the greatest intensity and energy and it will take for all our players to make an additional step to that direction”.
Asked whether the players’ personal motivation needs to be activated, given that there are only very limited chances for qualifying to the next phase of the competition, he replied: “There is both a ranking and team motivation. It needs to become clear to everyone on the team, that our club is above all of us. Olympiacos is what it is. The team sizes up in both the European and Greek basketball. Everyone needs to understand that Olympiacos is above egos and “personal interests”. We all need to play for our team and all of us, coaches and players, to give the best we can and do what we need to do for our team”.
About the signing of Kostas Koufos and whether he was a solution of urgency, he replied: “He’s definitely coming as that, because we had to make a decision within one day following the game against Efes. Unfortunately, Martina suffered a raptured meniscus and as soon as we became aware of the MRI results, we had to make a move. Unfortunately, taking out a player from the team is not easy at this time in the season. Kostas has a given quality and a reputation that accompanies his talent. You know very well of his career accomplishments, however, he’s been inactive for a year. We made a decision that benefits both sides. Kostas gets to be active with basketball once again, and we also get to have a player of his quality. We can’t know how soon he will be able to provide solutions. However, being a Greek player at a very good age, with that talent and potential, I think it’s a very good opportunity for Olympiacos and Koufos to see if we can continue our cooperation into next season”.
Finally, he was asked to comment on the teams’ injury status. “Papanikolaou’s case is the one that hurts as the most and is especially sensitive. It’s not just and orthopedic problem but also one of neurosurgeons. There are a lot of doctors on him right now. We can’t say anything at the moment, except that he cannot be playing into the near future. As you know, Martin has been out for at least a month. Harrison, who has had a muscle spasm and did not play the previous game, made the whole practice session yesterday, he will be practicing today and will make the final roster, except for any unexpected sudden development”.
«We need to change the ‘chip’»
Sasha Vezenkov said about the game: “First of all, we can’t be talking about a good time, since we have been in a very tough position during this last month. We need to be focusing on our performance, play focused, give 100%, stop repeating the same mistakes we have been making in the past few games. Certainly, the game’s tempo the rebounds, the energy are going to play a role and we need to match up with CSKA energy. I also believe that one on one defense as well as team defense are going to be key. We need to contain CSKA’s assets and play a good game in the offense”.
On whether players are now focusing more on personal motives due to the limited chances for qualification, he said: “ I think there is no individual motivation. There only has to be a group one. We need to improve the way we presented ourselves in previous games. We need to win, so that with this win change the ‘chip’ somewhat and bring back a good atmosphere. We are together, but this changes needs to come. So, starting tomorrow, we need to give 100%, play well, give it all and this enough for us to win”.