G. Bartzokas: «We must match up their energy»
Olympiacos travelled to Kaunas yesterday (15/03) with a chartered flight, having quite a few of their fans with them, that are going to be supporting our team with their voice during tonight’s (16/03, 19.00 CET) game against Zalgiris.
The ’red & whites’ are currently enjoying 'solitude' at the top of the ranking board, however, they don’t feel complacent. “Being at the top is important. We are now six games before the end of the regular season, however, nothing has been determined”, was what our team’s coach, Giorgos Bartzokas pointed out and continued with the following: “I think that the only thing that is almost certain is that we have qualified for the playoffs and we are going to have the chance to compete at this stage of the competition. So, we have six games ahead of us and we have to approach them as finals and I do mean that, beginning with the game against Zalgiris. It’s a very demanding and difficult game. Zalgiris is also approaching the game as a final, since they are fighting to qualify for the TOP8. We know it’s going to be a difficult atmosphere for our team. We are going to have to be very focused to play a good game and win”.
Talking about the keys to the game against the Lithuanian team, he said: “At this moment, we don’t know if our opponent is going to be missing players or not. We, however, are going to be playing without Sloukas. Like any other time though, we are once again going to rely on team game. Zalgiris is a team that attacks the ball a lot, they paly with great strength and energy, on both ends of the floor. When their main facilitator is out, they usually transition to playing with post up, posting their 3s, 4s and 5s. It’s a game we must control and match up their levels of intensity. We must play our own game”.
Finally, he thanked the fans of the team that travelled with them to support them in the game with Zalgiris. “Throughout the season, we have had fans with us in every chartered flight. I think it’s a very good experience for them and also for us. The support we’ve been having is unique. Kaunas is not an easy destination and the fact we are going to have fans there is very important. Big thanks from me and all of the team for the support”.
G. Larentzakis: «We are going to give 100%»
“Ranking first does not have an impact. We are definitely happy about it, it’s a testament to the work we’ve been putting on the court”, was what Giannoulis Larentzakis commented. “From that point on though, we only have in mind the difficult game against Zalgiris, in a very tough court. Our opponent absolutely needs to win, since they are fighting for a spot in the TOP8. But, we are also not indifferent, nor had we ever been indifferent in any game. We are going to give 100% to win and remain at the top of the ranking.”
Highlighting the Lithuanian team, the Olympiacos guard pointed out the following: “They are a very tough team. We definitely have to match up the energy and the rhythm they are going to try and impose. If we play hard, just like we have done in most games up to now, I believe everything is going to be ok”.
Finally, talking about the team fans that travelled with them in the chartered flight to Kaunas, he said: “One more trip with our fans! We are very happy that our fans have been traveling with us to support us. I hope to celebrate one more road win with them”.