Papanikolaou: “We are here for the title, successful season anyway”

Olympiacos is in Kaunas to win its fourth European title, however, even if it doesn’t make it, its year will be a success!

That’s right, Kostas Papanikolaou, with the captain of the “red and white” basketball team speaking to the press representatives, as part of Media-day about the Final-4 and not only…

What Papanikolaou said in detail:

For naming Vezenkov as the most valuable player of the season: “Sasha’s award is a confirmation both for him and for the Association.”

For the way for Olympiacos to reach success: “When you have a recipe that is successful, more successful than any other time in the years of the Association, it is a bit of a trap to change things on it. It is the job of the staff how we will approach the games, but the basic idea will be the one that brought us here.”

For the pressure that exists: “Everyone is under pressure, all four teams, our life is to play such matches and claim titles. It would be a sin to say we don’t relish the chance to challenge for titles. That’s what it’s all about, being on the center stage and playing for leagues, cups and European trophies. You shouldn’t see it as pressure but as an opportunity to get something that many players and coaches want to conquer.”



For the people and their intense presence in Kaunas: “He is an integral part of the team, all the years. They were by our side through the good times, through the bad times, they gave their presence this year as well and at the end of the day the whole organization works to make the world happy as well, beyond the personal ambitions of everyone.”

As to whether the presence of Olympiakos in the Final-4 is a reward: “The whole year is already a reward for the team, what happens in the Final-4 does not mean that it will be a failure. The result does not erase the year we have had, all these records we have made. That we have the best player, the best coach, or the success we have had so far and the recognition from all our rivals. Certainly, the title is the most important thing, that’s what we’re here for and that’s what we want more than anything.”