Chus Mateo: “We knew how to do damage with our big players”
“In the league, we're having a good middle part of the season, we've won 13 in a row and that also makes you feel stronger,” said the coach.
Chus Mateo analysed Real Madrid’s victory over Surne Bilbao Basket on matchday 25 of the Liga ACB. After the game at the Movistar Arena, the coach had this to say: “We played a practical game. We shared out the minutes and reserved some players who might have been carrying injuries. We didn't open up the game until the third quarter. We were patient enough until the moment came and when it did we managed to build up a comfortable lead.”
“We knew how to do damage with our big players. Both Tavares and Ibaka had good games. We managed to make the most of that advantage at the start. Llull made some very important shots in the third quarter to open up the game. I'm pleased because we managed to settle an important game for us against a Bilbao team that was also without its top players.”
Ibaka’s performance
“He played really well, not only in attack. He played very well under the hoop, from three-point range, and in blocking. I can't ask more of him than what he does. He always works well. I'm pleased for him. It shows what a good player he is without a doubt.”
Calendar
“The EuroLeague is what drives our mentality. We want to make the playoffs. We have to be patient enough. When we get there, if we do, we'll play a bit more freely. If we have a good game against Paris Basketball, which will be crucial, we can get right into the playoffs. That will give us more peace of mind and we'll be a bit stronger. It's been a tough year. In the league we're having a good middle part of the season, we've won 13 in a row and that also makes you feel stronger.”
How does he see the team ahead of Thursday's game?
“We've been playing crunch games for a month and a half in the EuroLeague, and we have that mentality. I hope we can play well. I think the team looks good and we're looking forward to this stretch. We don't realise how difficult it is to combine the League and EuroLeague. I hope we can have a good game.”