Bartzokas: «We must have motive»

The coach of Olympiacos, Giorgos Bartzokas, pointed out that the series against PAOK is not a mere procedure and that his players need to have motive, intensity and willingness to play.

“The first game of the series against PAOK is over in a very difficult manner for me. And that’s because in the first half, we seemed to believe that we were going to walk our way through it. I think this was kind of expected and maybe somewhat normal, since we have spent great intensity, both physical and mental, in the games with Fenerbahce. So tonight, we seemed to be empty of energy and motivation. PAOK definitely took advantage of it and because they are a very good team, they passed the ball well, scored 11 threes, scored 45 points in the first half and we had to play an intense second half, when we received 20 point and we finally got to win the game with ease. I’m going to say it again, the series with PAOK is not a mere procedure. PAOK is a good tea and now they play without the pressure of a must win series and that’s why they’ve been shooting the ball so well. We have to play our regular games, motivated, with enough will and intensity to win the series. We are now focusing on preparing for the final four”.