Chus Mateo: “We're ready for a huge game with the support of our fans”
“We have to try and make Paris Basketball uncomfortable and bring down their shooting numbers," underlined Abalde.
Chus Mateo and Alberto Abalde spoke in the build-up to Real Madrid-Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague Play-In (Tuesday, 9:00 pm CEST). The coach discussed the match set to be played at the Movistar Arena: “We have to achieve the objective we set ourselves at the beginning of the year, which was to fight to finish as high as possible in the table. The Play-In is a route to the playoffs and we have to make it count. The team is playing with fantastic mental strength at the moment and we're ready for a huge game at the Movistar Arena with the support of our fans. They expect a lot from this team, the mentality and refusing to give up on a single ball. We need our people to be right behind us, cheering us on so we can make the playoffs."
“I'm expecting a Paris Basketball team to turn up and play in the same way they have all season, with an edge and freshness to their game that they've shown all year, which has kept them near the top. I'm sure they'll make a lot of three-pointers, but I hope we'll still be able to win the game regardless of how they play. We have to play a little better than them."
The team's development
“We've been patient and we've got back up again to build a team that looks like it's working how we'd envisaged at the start of the year. We're playing well and I hope we can keep our levels up until the enter, without losing the identity we're finding for ourselves this season."
Obradovic's comments making Madrid favourites
“I have the utmost respect for him. He's an example for all of us to follow, an icon of the game. Of course, it makes no sense for me to believe his comments. That won't do anything for us, we have to keep working hard."
Key elements of the clash
“Defense will be crucial but we showed some fantastic defensive moves in the last game and they scored 105 points. Higher or lower estimates depend on the number of possessions and they make sure they are loads. They play every six seconds and look to score points. We have other strengths, and we'll try and impose them. We have to defend well but be sharp in offense too."
Tavares named March and April MVP
“I'm always thrilled for him. He's a much loved player around here. These are great personal successes but I'm sure he'll be more focused on the team wins. He's looking to clinch a prize for his team. He's doing a great job too, he's playing at a very high level and I hope he can keep it going until the end of the season."
Abalde: “It's a key game”
“We're really excited ahead of the match against a team enjoying a spectacular campaign. They're a special team and they're pretty unique in the way they play, but this is the game that puts us in the playoffs so it's crucial."
“Having our people here to support us is huge. We feel so well backed and I'm sure that will help immensely. They play at a really high pace and have lots of offensive weapons. We have to make them uncomfortable in offense and bring down their shooting numbers a bit. For us, it's about being solid, controlling the rebound and imposing our pace."