Bartzokas: «I’m very optimistic»
The coach of Olympiacos, Giorgos Bartzokas, appeared to be optimistic for the outcome of the 5th playoffs game against Fenerbahce at the SEF (09/05, 20:30 CET).
“I wanted to impose a playing style on this team, believing that this style is going to lead us to a high level. I think it has proven to be the right style up to now. We have won any domestic title we have challenged. We have done what we have done, we don’t need to tout our own horn. And we have the chance to go to yet another Final Four. We are going to make everything in our power to do that. I’m very optimistic, but I repeat, the opponent plays as well. Fener is a very strong team and a very experienced one. They have a lot of experience both in terms of the technical staff as well as the roster. They are talented and they have great depth. They have added a player like Dorsey two months ago, who has been playing a key role. I don’t have to say anything else… Tomorrow is judgement day. We are going to play with strength, we’ll play intense, we are going to enjoy the game and we are also going to be stressed just like everyone does in games like this one, but I’m very optimistic”.
About the new sold-out and the record levels of interest in acquiring a ticket, he said the following: “If anyone asked us at the beginning of the season, what it is that we want, we would have said exactly that… To have the opportunity fight for one more Final Four with our fans by our side. The fact that the whole sporting community is focusing on this exact series is impressive. The fact that we have had 85,000 requests for tickets is a novelty for Greek basketball! I think that this team has drawn interest for the way we’ve been playing the whole season, with its fighting spirit and with the goal being qualification to a back-to-back Final Four. The atmosphere is going to be tough for our opponents, just like it was for us in Turkey”.
Asked whether the captain, Kostas Papanikolaou, is going to be able to play in game 5, he replied: “He will try to get through a potion of the practice session. He has tonsillitis, he’s on antibiotics, but he’s doubtful. Right now, I can’t say anything for sure”.