Bartzokas and Jean-Charles talk about the game against Baskonia (pics+vid)

A few hours before the first tip off of this season’s Euroleague, the coach of Olympiacos, Giorgos Bartzokas and the French forward, Livio Jean-Charles, talked about the home game against Baskonia (01/10, 20.00 CET).

“I wish for health that everything goes well”, was the first comment the ‘reds’ coach made and he went on with the following: “The premiere is traditionally difficult. Especially when you play at home, there’s a level of elevated pressure. Baskonia is a team that has had the same coach for quite some time and has a certain playing style. They have played three official games and this gives them an advantage compared to us, because they have played tough games against Badalona and Valencia on the road. All in all, they are more ready competition wise, because they had also started pre-season earlier than anyone else. However, we believe we are ready, we are at a good level. We are going to be playing with enthusiasm and confidence and we will try to control their game, which entails more than 50% execution during the first seconds of their offensive plays. They are a team that runs the court in the transition every effectively, they have fast execution and it’s important that we control the rhythm of the game. We need to put pressure with offensive rebounding, have good communication so that they don’t get to execute fast and successfully”.

On his part, Livio Jean-Charles said: “It’s important to begin the season with a win. It’s an extremely important game for us and we have studied a lot about it. Baskonia is a strong team. They have made some adjustments and have some very good players, like Baldwin, who had an amazing season last year with Bayern. Of course they are a dangerous team. The rally to the playoffs begins tomorrow and I believe they are one of our main competitors in this battle. The return of the fans at the arenas is definitely a plus for us. I came to Olympiacos for their fans as well. Last year we did not have the chance to have them close, however, I got a small taste on the road and it was crazy, so I’m looking forward to meet them”.

YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL STATEMENTS BY GIORGOS BARTZOKAS AND LIVIO JEAN-CHARLES IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS