Papanikolaou: «We need to be cautious with Monaco»
Tomorrow (27/10, 18:45 CET) Olympiacos will be hosting Monaco for the 5th round of the Euroleague and according to Kostas Papanikolaou, the team shall have to line up completely focused on securing the win.
“Circumstances in no way secure the result”, the captain pointed out and continued: “We are definitely in a good shape, but we need to work hard against a team that has proved up to now, even with their road games, that they can compete in any court. They won in Bologna, they lost to Maccabi after having lead by 19. They are a very talented team, they beat Panathinaikos in the OAKA last week, so as I said, we are going to be need to work hard and play focused to challenge victory”.
When asked to compare last season’s Monaco to this season’s, he said: “They have added quality and talent compared to last year. That’s what I think. They have the same coach, they are almost the same team, they have the same philosophy and playing style, but will more quality in more positions. They have added players like Moerman, who has big Euroleague experience, John Brown had a good season with Unics last year until the Russian teams exited the competition. Also, Diallo is in very good form. They have a lot of players that need our attention”.
Finally, about the enthusiasm evident among the ‘red & white’ fans due to the undefeated record, he commented: “We’ve been repeating ourselves but, just like the coach and the other guys have already said many times before, yes, we are in good shape, but, it’s still October. All of this means nothing. On the other hand, you cannot deprive the fans of enthusiasm, of the fact that they enjoy what they get to watch. The fans’ enjoyment is one thing, our job is another”.