Chus Mateo: “It's another final against Valencia Basket and that's how we'll approach it"

Chus Mateo and Hezonja spoke to the press prior to today's training session. The coach discussed the Copa del Rey semifinal clash with Valencia Basket (Saturday, 6:00pm CET): “In the Copa, you have to recover quickly from your efforts on the previous day. We have one day's rest and that helps us to recover physically and mentally. Yesterday's game took a lot out of us and we need to improve on things we didn't do so well, but the key thing is that we're back playing in a semifinal. It's going to be another demanding game and when we get there, we'll try and make sure things go a little differently and we deal with it better and smooth out some of the mistakes we made against UCAM Murcia”.
“Having won the three games against Valencia Basket this season has no influence whatsoever. Neither do the 44 wins in 51, or the 7 we've lost. Not losses, not wins. It makes no difference. All that matters is Valencia Basket, this is a single game, a final within a semifinal and that's how we're approaching it."

Opponent
“Form is important in this game, and so is mental strength. Games can feel long, tough, and they force you to make key decisions at every moment and choose your options wisely. Those details make the difference. We're up against an opponent who plays good basketball, defends well and is strong near the hoop. We have to make the most of our opportunities if we're going to beat them.”

How to approach the game?
“We have to maintain our focus for the full 40 minutes, improve on the mistakes we made the other day, but we did a lot of things really well too. It's going to be a different match and there are always things that change. We have to be switched on."

Hezonja: “We have to be physically and mentally prepared”
“We're in good shape. We picked up a big win yesterday and tomorrow we're up against a team we know well from the League and the EuroLeague. They're a great team and we have to prepare well to make sure we're at 100% and make it through to the final."
“We've faced Valencia Basket three times this season and I'm not sure it will have an influence but this is a Copa del Rey match, it's hugely important to us and it doesn't matter that we know them, the key thing is to be mentally and physically prepared."

The approach
“I have no pressure but there is no margin for error in the Copa del Rey. This team is experienced, sticks together and knows how to win big games. I have faith in my teammates and in the team."