The 'reds' motivation...
Τhe clock runs backwards in view of the Greek Cup Final and the two gladiators came into the court with the standard Press Conference. Dusan Ivkovic and Teo Papaloukas represented the Greek Cup holders who are going to champion their title on Sunday (15/5 – 18:30) against Panathinaikos.
Dusan Ivkovic spoke about the final: “I expect a strong game. We play the European Champions and I want to congratulate Panathinaikos for the justifiable win of the Euroleague. We are greatly motivated for the victory. We have had some serious problems. Nesterovic will not be playing, while Spanoulis started practicing Monday and played one friendly game. I hope our fans really help us. The police has taken reasonable measures and I believe that we are going to watch a good game and the fans will be supporting their teams to watch a good final”.
The Serbian coach was asked about the differences of that game in relation to the two Olympiacos victories for the League’s Regular Season: “There is a great difference in regard to the regular season games. Now you can win a title with just one game. The teams know one another and I don’t think that the game is going to be decided by some unknown factor. The two teams have been preparing with extra care. It’s a motive for us to beat the best team in Europe”.
Teo Papaloukas in turn stressed: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos for their great achievement. It has been difficult for us, since we had really wanted to be in the Final 4. At some point something has to happen, there has to be a beginning. The first domestic title is very important for us, mainly for psychological reasons. We have been facing some problems, but we have to fight even if we are only five of us. We have shown that we know how to deal with Panathinaikos and I hope we can do this on Sunday. I hope the atmosphere is the same with the one in the Peace and Friendship stadium during the Regular season. Both teams deserve to be treated in the best possible fashion by the fans. At the end of the game we should only be talking about basketball, because there are going three to five games that follow. May the best team wins, but may we all also be leaving the gym happy for what we have accomplished”.
Next, the Olympiacos captain pointed out: “The difference with the league games is that now there is a title at stake. Panathinaikos having won the Euroleague adds extra motivation for us. We want to play as good as possible and win. If someone is to be stressed out, this is Panathinaikos, because, being the European Champion you are thought to have to win all domestic titles as well. It will be more awkward for them to lose”.