Bartzokas: «Each one of us must fulfill their role to win»
During the media day in view of the game vs Bayern Munich at the SEF, for the 20th Euroleague round (10/01, 20:15 CET), Olympiacos' coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, talked about the particulars of the game and the absence of Kostas Papanikolaou and Evan Fournier that the team will be called to manage.
In his initial statement, the team's coach said: "The game is very difficult, we play agaisnt a very good, offense oriented team, with scoring guards that direct the game to high scores. Unfortunately, we are at a time when two important players, Fournier and Papanikolaou, are not playing tomorrow because they have the flu. So, the rotation is going to shrink even more. Plus a few more minor injury problems that I don't expect to turn into absences. So, it's a difficult game, maybe in our heads a little more than everyone else thinks. Bayern has been establishing stability, they are not a shooting star. They are consistent, they play very well, especially at home, but also on the road, they have won big games. I think it's going to be a demanding game for us and each one of us must be ready to fulfill their role to win".
Asked if Olympiacos had reached their ceiling: "I don't agree with that. We have won big game,s we are coming off a four game winning streak. If someone thinks the way we won in Milan or in Kaunas was easy, they are wrong. Maybe that's what people think because we haven't won at home with a 20 point lead, but ranking shows that we are in a good path and at a good level. Olympiacos has a better winning record than last season, so I don't agree with the sentiment. You can beat a team in the Euroleague with a 30-point advantage, but you can also lose with the same difference. That's how the competition is. We have lots of players coming in or going out. We started with 4 big players and at some point we only had one center. I'm happy with where we are".
Vildoza: «We must stay true to our principals»
On his part, Luca Vildoza said: «It's going to be a difficult game. I think they are a really good team. They are in shape, even if they lost to Real in their last game. They are coming here and they will play to win. We must be ready. Anywat, we play at home and this should be our fortress».
Asked whether defense is the key against a talented scoring team like Bayern, he stressed that: «Yes, we must watch out for everyone. Edwards has been having a great season, and so does Booker. We know they have lots of scoring talent and that's why we must stay true to our principals and follow our plan 100%. We also have a very talented team and we must take advantage of that. We must be ready to take the win».
About the absence of Fournier and Papanikolaou: «We must all be ready. Both Fournier and Papanikolaou are important parts of the team. We are all good players and we can all do something more to compensate for them, I, Shaquielle, Nigel, Tyler. We can all play a good game and help the team».