«We need to do the best we can to keep the fans by our side» (vid)
The coach of Olympiacos, Giorgos Bartzokas determined defense to have been the key to the victory over Monaco.
“It was a game the way we expected it to be. We knew that Monaco is a very strong team and that they attack very fast. We had to be ready to play defense early in the game. We weren’t ready to do that in the first quarter. Our offense was lugging. That’s why we gave them many points at the fast break and they got to score 27 points in the first quarter. Then our defense stabilized. This gave us confidence. When we ready correctly what their defense was giving us, we easily won by 20 points. In a bad night in the terms of shooting, with less than 30% in threes during a home game and many open shots, as well as missed free throws. The important thing is that we won. Monaco is a talented team. I would like to congratulate the players and our fans. The atmosphere at the SEF tonight was warm, just like in every game. We will try to do the best we can to keep the fans at the SEF and make more to come”.
About the signing of Quincy Acy, he said: “I’ll say it very simply. I wanted Quincy Acy, the exact player and name. If he had been a play maker, then I would be getting Quincy as a play maker. It has nothing to do with injuries. When I was with Barcelona, I had tried to sign him mid season, but the deal fell through and he went to Maccabi. He’s a player that creates cohesion within the team, the way he plays and defends, he’s very tough and supportive. I have known about all these traits for 4-5 years now, maybe more. We had looked into his case at the beginning of the season as well, but now it was a good chance for us to sign him. Of course the decision has drawbacks as well and these have to do with the time he has been inactive. To be in competition rhythm, he will have to have time. But we are a winning team right now, which means our team does not have a serious problem, so that we need to put someone in immediately. He’s a player that plays to win, we are a tough team and we are going to be adding one more player that plays for the team, sacrifices his game for his team mates and I’m happy and optimistic. I wish to thank the administration for making the transfer happen”.
YOU CAN WATCH THE STATEMENTS BY GIORGOS BARTZOKAS HERE