«We are lucky to have these players»

Olympiacos won the Greek Cup title for the 3rd year in a row and our team's coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, gave credit where credit was due! 

"It was a very intense game for both teams. Our defense was very compact, as usual. We only received 58 points and contained a team with lots of offensive talent like Panathinaikos, which shows focus and class. We plan, but the players are the one to execute, they play for themselves, as well as for the jersey and the club they represent. That's the greatest blessing for a coach, we are lucky to have these players. I want to thank everyone close to the team, the staff, the Presidents, Mr. Skindilias and our fans that are very happy right now. I dedicate the trophy to our dear friend Vangelis, who has multiple sclerosis and fights a personal battle every day. This is the biggest battle, there are so much greater battles than our own. There are no core players in our minds. Tonight, without Goss and Milutinov, to whom we dedicate the victory, we succeeded in getting the win. We went through three especially hard days against three good teams. The level of the Basket League has gone up and you have to give it all to win".  

Asked if he has felt that he and his players have been under scrutiny at times, he replied: "We don't feel that people doubt us. Everyone around us is being critisized, in any job. People in the street tell me to be strong, that they support us, so, I don't feel alone. I feel the support of the club and fans. We don't feel scrutinized, at least by those who matter. Now, if some people are 'trolls'..."

On his part, the final's MVP, Moustapha Fall, pointed out: "It was a good game, we won one more trophy and I'm very happy about it. Sasha Vezenkov texted me to congratulate me".