Bartzokas: «Efes will be among the Final Four contenders» (vid)
Olympiacos is flying to Turkey today (17/10), only a few days following the Euroleague premiere against Fenerbahce, to play Efes for the 4th round of the competition (18/10, 19:30 CET).
The team's coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, talking about the upcoming game before the departure of the team, said the following:
"Each team has some characteristics based on the philosophy of the coach, and of course based on the players' characteristics. What we must know is that Efes has lots of talent. If you see the additions they have made and the dynamics of their roster, you will see that they have 3 players in every position and they are all very good. Many of them have won the Euroleague and are very experienced. They also know it's a very important game tomorrow because they have lost their two previous games. We are talking about a team loaded with talent and I believe they are going to be among the strongest contenders for the Final Four".
Asked if he's afraid that Efes has still not shown their true potential and if this may become evident against his team, he said: "These players know, they have lots of experience with the League and realize when the crucial games are. Right now, for them to lose a third game in a row, a second consecutive on in their home, is going to be a problem and they are going to be especially decisive and good. The game is going to be sold out, the environment will be tough for us. Of course, we too have potential, we believe in our team, we believe in our plan and we have to be better than in our last game and get better as time goes by",
On whether he keeps things from the game against Armani as the product of a higher readiness level: " I think what we need to think about is that every practice session, every game, helps to the cohesion of the team. What counts right now is that cohesive teams don't give up when things within a game get tough. Those who lack this element, give up for some reason... All teams have talent, the question is how consistent you are with your game plan, if you continue playing your game despite the ups and downs of the score and the team's psychology. We hope we get to stabilize this element. I mean to be compact, not allow the opponent to get to our head, not allow their comebacks to interfere with our game. It's really important to just keep playing".
About reports in relation to the possibility of Petrusev leaving the team: "I read about it after practice was over. To be honest, I don't know about something like this".
Vildoza: «I really enjoy being here»
Luca Vildoza, when asked about scouting Efes and the things Olympiacos should be paying attention to, said: "We mustn't be talking about Efes, we must be talking about us. We have to improve the details of our game, the way we approach it. We must be tough with our defense. We must not allow so many offensive rebounds to the opponent, as the case has been in previous games. Now, with Moustapha Fall returning, I think we have secured that, but we still have to work, so that the whole team performs better".
About feeling more confident after beating Armani Milan: "Yes, I think that day by day I feel calmer, I have more confidence and I'm truly enjoying being here"
Asked whether Giorgos Bartzokas' style of playing is a better fit for him: "I know I'm very happy to be here, I'm with one of the best teams in Europe, I try to enjoy it, although I'm fully aware of the pressure. I know I have to get better with my defensive game, my focus, but I'm happy to do it, because I'm really content with my coach and my teammates".
THE FULL STATEMENTS IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS