Bartzokas: «Our mission is a tough one»

The ‘reds’ coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, got to highlight the quality of Olympiacos’ next opponent, none other than Real Madrid (08/10, 20.00 CET).

“Right now, Real Madrid may be the most ready team in Europe. This is due to the fact that their coach, who is a very good one, has been in their bench for years and they have a core that dates back many years, to which experienced players have been added. Except for depth, they have 15-16 very good players, that can keep playing up-tempo without getting tired, because anyone who comes on the floor is a very good player. So, they are a team that seems to be at a very good place right now. They proved it with the ease they beat Efes in the previous game, but also by the fact that they still haven’t lost a game in the season. It’s only obvious that we have a tough mission ahead and we need to execute our plan to the ‘t’ to win the game”.

On whether the result will be largely decided in the Fall-Tavares duel under the rim, he stressed: “I don’t see that playing out not even in the slightest. Basketball is a sport of co-operations and it is never than one player is solely responsible for anything. It’s a purely team sport. Nor Fall is going to be playing only when Tavares is also in the game. We don’t have that approach. What matters is that rebounding is certainly a big part of the game and it is well understood that we need to be working as a team in that area. In general, it’s a game that we need to pass the ball a lot. That’s the main thing”.

On his part, the French center, Mustafa Fall, pointed out: “We have been approaching this game just like any other Euroleague game. We are going to be trying to play as hard as we can and be really competitive. Real is a very good team, however, if we do what we need to be doing, we are going to have a chance at winning the game”.

On his duel with Tavares, he commented: “All battles in all positions have an impact on the game. It’s definitely that Real has big bodies, they also have Poirier. It’s going to be a real battle for me, but also for Hassan (martin) and all our big guys. Real has a full roster, so they are competitive in all positions anyways. We are going to have to fight as a team and do the best we can to win the game”.

YOU CAN WATCH THE STATEMENTS BY MUSTAFA FALL AND GIORGOS BARTZOKAS IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS…