Chus Mateo: "It's going to be a great playoff"
"The most important part is about to begin, and the team is fully prepared to win the series," explained Hezonja.
Chus Mateo and Mario Hezonja spoke ahead of the first game of the Euroleague playoff between Real Madrid and Olympiacos, which will be played in Athens (Wednesday, 8:30pm CEST). The coach analysed the match: "We've been fighting hard for a while now, and that helps you feel strong. We're going to fight against a giant on their home turf, but we like these challenges. We've come back so many times this year... We have a chance to compete, have a good playoff, and reach the Final Four. I see them as a determined team."
"We've drawn the best team. They finished top of the regular season. They've played almost automatically, with a very solid way of doing things, both at the back and going forward. Defensively, they're a very well-drilled side. They play as a team, and it'll be a big game and a big playoff, no doubt about it."
"I can form my own ideas about how I think they're going to play, but I'm sure they'll arrive in good shape and with everyone available. We're going to face an Olympiacos team that always plays with a lot of heart and pride. We've faced them in the last two Final Fours. They're going to compete and play well, and we'll have to play better to beat them."
Is Real Madrid underestimated?
"I don't pay much attention to what people outside the team say. I value what I hear in the dressing room. If there are no cracks or loopholes there, we can go into the playoffs confident that we're going to compete in every game. What people say outside the team has never bothered me. The sixteen consecutive league wins and seven out of eight in the EuroLeague give me confidence."
Pressure
"I think it's the pressure you put on yourself. We know the club we represent and we always aim for the top. Every time you put this badge on your chest, it's not so much pressure as responsibility. There are a lot of people who identify strongly with this badge and these colours. For us, it's a responsibility to bring them joy. They have home advantage and Real Madrid always makes things difficult for them. I don't know if they'll be very happy to face us."
Bruno Fernando's situation
"He seems to be better, but we'll see tomorrow. I'm taking all 14 players with me. We're all ready to travel and tomorrow we'll decide who will play."
Hezonja: ‘We're on top form’
"It's a key moment in the season. We've had a lot of ups and downs to get here, but the important thing is to get here. The most important part is starting, and the team is fully prepared to win this playoff series."
Rivalry
"When there are so many good players and coaches in both teams, the pride that makes these games great comes out. We know the rivalry that exists, and we're ready for the series."
Olympiacos
"They have a lot of players and were the best team in the regular season. It's true that they faded a little at the end, but it didn't affect them. We're in very good form and have played many more important, do-or-die games this season, and that also helps."