Chus MateoThe Real Madrid coach, commented on the “enthusiasm of his team” to clinch a title that is “both so close and so far away”, adding that “a classic in the last four is too long and it is a convenient one”. Has an ace up his sleeve”.
,We go to Kaunas with great hopes of becoming champions, although we clearly know how difficult it will be. we are not stupid, There are also three other teams that deserve to be there. We are strong, with will and energy”, Mateo said at the ‘media day’.
Madrid comes into this crucial event with significant casualties, especially in the ‘4’ position, with the absence of Yabusele due to suspension and Deque and Poirier due to injury.
“We will try to replace them as we can and make up for those losses. It is part of the game to have absences, but it is true that they occupy the same position as Mirotic and we will see if we Guess what, it is not easy to defend with him as well. We have the energy of the team and with the other players”, he remarked.
The team’s momentum looks good after overcoming the playoff against Partizan.
“We were happy to be there until the last moment and be able to win the Euroleague. Certainly with less energy than we would like, but with the illusion that it compensates. We are both close and far from achieving it and It gives us extra motivation”, noted.
The coach said, “We did something very good, recovering from the 0-2 defeat in the playoffs and it has helped us to see ourselves stronger, although Barcelona are a formidable opponent who play very well with players of an exceptional level.” “
Mateo wants to instill confidence and enthusiasm in his players.
He said, “They are two different things, thinking we are very good and believing we can do great things. We overcame a very adverse situation and arrived with great enthusiasm.”
He insisted, “All of this has made us strengthen ourselves and make us believe that when we are together we can handle everything.”
To cover the loss at the ‘4’ position, Mario Hezonja and Elie Ndiaye are the top balloters.
“Yeah, they have options, but there’s also Abalde or Rudy. We’ll look at the best option. He’s done a great job over the course of the year,” Eli said in the fifth game of the playoffs. Mario is having an extraordinary season. And it is helping us a lot. A game in the last four and also a classic in the Euroleague is too long and it is always convenient to have an ace up your sleeve,” he declared.
For Matteo “there is no point in talking about favourites”. “We’re going to play a basketball game, we are who we are and we are who we are. Now all we have to do is dream, illusion. No injuries, no fatigue, no statistics, just There’s a semi-final.” Sport in which everyone would like to be an athlete”, he concluded.
