Sfairopoulos: «Let's get ahead»
The goal for tomorrow's (26/01, 19.00 CET) game of Olympiacos against Red Star in Belgrade is a powerful comeback to winning.
That's what Giannis Sfairopoulos had to say, who, despite the "brotherly" relations between the two teams, knows that the mission for his team is going to be very tough… "We are playing against a very strong team, especially at home. They rely on fast pace, good ball movement and shooting from the perimeter. They have very good shooters. We are going to have to be ready to fight. We are going to need to be focused, do what we need to do to get back to winning following two unfortunate results and bad performances. We need to come back with a good game and contest for the victory".
On the reasons for the bad performances: "You cannot have a team play the same throughout the season. We have seen many Euroleague teams go through a rough patch. For instance, Real Madrid has lost five games out of six. We have had injuries that stopped the rhythm. Injuries, that although covered for by the remaining players, when you get to play with a roster of 10 or 11 out of 16 players at your disposal, cause accumulated fatigue. Those who play suffer the wear and tear and those that come back from inaction due to injuries are not in the best shape possible, so you cannot have a consistent rotation to help you fight the tough games. And all of these happen, more problems tend to surface, which you can face only by remaining together. All these days, I and the players have tried to stay together, to cope with the situation as a team in order to get ahead once again. Find good rhythm once again and eventually raise our game quality".
On the fact that he began his career in the Olympiacos' bench from a game in Belgrade, but also being at the brink of taking down a series of personal records, is something that does not concern him… "Feelings have no place in professionalism. Everyone needs to do their jobs, without being influenced by our thoughts or emotions… There is no reason to make an assessment of any kind… We are in the middle of the season and we still have a long way to go. Records are of no meaning now either for me or the players. We only care about what's best for Olympiacos. Records are for reporters. They don't count for me. The only thing that counts is for the team to move ahead with its goals".
«We are ready…»
Jamel McLean commented: "We are ready. We have practiced well this week and we are focused. It's going to be a tough game, in a tough court in front of a passionate audience. They play very physical, we know that. They are also very talented and when at home, they are especially good and fast. We need to remain focused in our defense, push the ball in the offense and disrupt their tempo".
Asked whether the fact that the game is held in the city that is going to host the Final Four will inspire him and his team mates, he replied: "Everyone wants to go to the F4 at the beginning of the season, but we have to look at one game at a time. We cannot be anxious about anything. We need to approach this one game at a time, especially in a competition as competitive as the Euroleague. So we need to stay focused on this game only and let everything else happen…"