Chus Mateo: "We have an important challenge coming up at the end of the Euroleague Regular Season"
"We have to be focused from the start and be tough in defence," said Feliz before the game against Virtus Bologna.
Chus Mateo and Andrés Feliz spoke ahead of the match between Real Madrid and Virtus Bologna, corresponding to gameday 29 of the Euroleague (8:45pm CET). The coach referred to the game to be played in the Italian city: "It's an important challenge that lies ahead. We have six games left but we're only thinking about the next one, which is Virtus at home. They're not high up in the Euroleague, but they're fighting to be league champions. They'll be strong at home."
"We have the potential to play a good game away from home and that's how we're approaching it. Hopefully it will be the springboard to a good finish to the Regular Season. It's true that anxiety can creep into the game, but that will disappear when we achieve our objective. In the meantime, we're going to have to play high-pressure games like the one this Thursday and we need to manage that anxiety and nervousness a bit better."
Outside shooting
"In part, the anxiety is affecting our outside shooting. We have always played a style of basketball in which we circulate the ball well, with good shots and percentages. Maybe the anxiety has affected us too much, we should suffer less and enjoy it more."
Mentality
"When things are going well, everything is easier. We have to become mentally strong. At times this year we have been. In December we gained confidence and had a good run. When we have had the opportunity to take a step forward, we have not done so, but we're going to keep trying."
Deck
"We would like him to get the all-clear as soon as possible. He's training with the group at a good level but there is a certain amount of caution we want to take with him. We have to be patient because we don't want him to relapse. His injury was at the end of December and three months have passed since then. We don't want to rush with someone who will be important for us at the end of the season."
Feliz: ‘We know how important the game is’
"We're approaching it with a great sense of responsibility. We know how important the game is. We have to be tough physically and in defence. In offence, we have to be at a high level to get an important win."
"It's a big game. It will be important to be focused from the first minute. We have to be more of a team than ever, keep believing and trusting until the end. I feel happy to be here, to keep learning, progressing and trying to contribute to the team."