Llull: “The Copa is special because it's a title decided in four days”
“The team knows how to play these kinds of games and we're highly motivated," said the captain.
Sergio Llull spoke to Realmadrid TV to discuss the Copa del Rey opener against Baxi Manresa, with the quarterfinal set to be played this Friday at the Gran Canaria Arena (6:30 pm CET): “We have to be aware that there's only one game in the quarters, and it's against Manresa, who are playing very well. It's a special competition because the title is decided in just four days. The team is highly motivated and hungry."
“We have to keep doing what we're doing. We're on a strong run in the league, having won eight in a row. The team is working better as a unit, the new guys have settled in fully now. It's a title up for grabs, you always have to compete to the max and give it your all on court. In four days, you could be lifting a trophy, and that really motivates us."
Experience
“I can provide the experience of having played in a lot of Copa del Rey games and I know how the tournament works. I can help out the new guys and perhaps offer a little bit of advice. They have to understand that anything can happen in the Copa, and nobody is going to gift you anything."
Clash with Manresa
“I wish we'd been handed a different opponent because only one of us can win and I'll try and make sure that's Real Madrid. Playing against Manresa is special because it's where I grew up as a player and as a person. If I hadn't spent those four years there, I wouldn't have made it to where I am today."
Key elements of the opposition
“We're in for a tough game, they set you a lot of traps in defense, and they run really hard. They bring a good pace to the game and they're very dangerous. They take a lot of three-pointers, have great weapons and we'll have to switched on to all of that."
The Copa mentality
“We're treating it as three finals in order to win the Copa del Rey. The team knows how to play these kinds of games and we can't wait. We know it's not at all easy to win this competition."
Crucial stretch of the campaign
“It's an important part of the season. Everything we've done up to this point is worth nothing because in the Copa, it doesn't matter if you're first or second in the league. Anything can happen. If you win the tournament, it gives you a big confidence boost for what lies ahead."
Message for the madridistas
“We promise to give it our all, and fight hard to win another Copa so we can celebrate with all of you."