Llull: “This has to be a wakeup call to start differently on Friday”
“The goal is to win a game in Athens," stated Abalde.
Sergio Llull and Alberto Abalde spoke following the opening EuroLeague playoff match between Real Madrid and Olympiacos in Athens. The captain explained: “At the start of a playoff series we can't afford to be soft against a team that has finished first in the Regular Season and is playing at home. The first half really hurt us. We tried to get back into it, but with such a big deficit from the first half, it was really tough."
“We've been warned again, this is the playoffs, this is the level of the tough EuroLeague playoff we've been dealt, and I think this has to be a wakeup call to start differently on Friday."
Game two
“It's very difficult to come from 20 points down in 20 minutes against a team of this quality on home turf. We tried our best and we fought to the end but we have to improve and look at the mistakes we made. Every one of us needs to think about what we can do better for the good of the team ahead of Friday's match."
Atmosphere
“These are big games, it's a EuroLeague classic with a fantastic atmosphere and that should be motivation for us to give a better account of ourselves on Friday."
Abalde: “We have to be more solid and consistent”
“We can't afford to start like that at this ground, because Olympiacos in Athens are such a strong team - that's why they finished top in the Regular Season. It was a poor start and we were trailing throughout the game. We have to be more solid and consistent. When we're disciplined as a team and solid at the back, we're tough to beat. We have to build up a rhythm and shoot well, but that comes second. The goal is to win a game here. That will be key."