Sloukas: «Stronger and more focused»

Kostas Sloukas has not forgotten about the loss in Tel Aviv for Euroleague's first round and that's why, in view of tomorrow's game against Maccabi at the SEF (27/01, 20.30 CET), stressed that his team should come out on the floor stronger and completely focused for forty minutes. 

"We have said that we are going to sum up what we will have accomplished at the end. We are still half-way through the Euroleague season. We are at top seed, but this adds no extra stress. We are looking at one game at a time and the game with Maccabi is a game like everyone else. I personally remember the first round game in Tel Aviv, when we got to lose our concentration for five minutes and hence lost the game. That means that at home we are going to have to be even stronger and focused for forty minutes". 

Asked if he thinks that the game is going to be decided by offence or defense, the 'red & whites' guard replied: "The important thing for Olympiacos is regardless of whether the game is a high or low score one, to win it. And up until now, for most of the time, we have gotten the results we need. We have to play our game and remain focused. Our defense is the main component of our success and we need to continue the same way together with our fans, so that we get one more positive result".   

Finally, about whether he thinks the guests' perimeter is what needs the most caution, he said: "Maccabi has a complete roster in all positions. They are a finely structured team that is also fighting to make the playoffs, which means that they have the potential to hurt us. That's why we need to be absolutely ready".