Bartzokas: «We want to finish in first place»
Olympiacos departed for Belgrade, where tomorrow (06/04, 19:00 CET), will be playing against Crvena Zvezda for the 33rd round of the Euroleague.
The ‘red & whites’ will fight for the win, according to coach Bartzokas’ statements, in order to clinch the number 1 seed. “Since we have achieved our previous goals, finishing in first place is now the target. We would like to be first seed. We have to win one of our two last games, which is doable. We can do it”.
The Serbian team has no chance of advancing to the playoffs, however, this does not mean they are indifferent to the result. “I don’t expect anything less than a difficult game. The Euroleague is such a competition where no one is relaxed and no one plays without motive. We have to put in real work if want to beat them there”.
Finally, asked whether the remaining games are a good opportunity for Kostas Sloukas to get back into rhythm, following the injury that kept him off courts for a significant amount of time, he replied: “The gravity and the importance of these games, combined with the quality of the opponent, are not ideal for experimenting. We could say that the Greek League offers such opportunities. Nevertheless, Kostas is going to be playing the minutes he has to play according to the schedule worked out for him. I believe that gradually, since he has been practicing better lately, he will be at a good level when needed”.
«We deserve first place»
Shaquielle McKissic also talked about the goal of being no. 1 seed. “First place is an important goal for the whole team. We have worked very hard this season, so I feel that if a team deserves it, then that team is us”.
Talking about what it is Olympiacos should be doing to come back with a win from Belgrade, he said: “We will have to contain their guards and not allow them to play the pick n’ roll. We must play hard in defense. If we win, it will be good. If not, it will be disappointing. But I hope we’ll make it”.
Finally, when asked why it is that he always plays that good towards the end of the season, he replied: “I don’t know… It’s a good question. Maybe it has to do with the moon and the sun. I don’t know! But I do see the finish line closer and I really want to give it all. They playoffs are around the corner, so we have to make a step forward”.