The positives he gave to Mars the participation in the EuroCup was analyzed by Yannis Kastritis.
The coach of the “yellows” spoke on the show “Instant Replay” with Marianna Axiopoulou and Grigoris Papavasileiou, stating that the European competition can be a pole of attraction for transfer targets, clarifying, however, that the Mars he will not deviate from the financial standards he has set.
The statements of Yannis Kastritis in detail:
For the participation of Aris in the EuroCup of the new season: “We are excited, we are happy. Obviously in order to reach the final announcement yesterday we knew that a process had started for several weeks, so more or less we were in this particular mood and in this direction we have all been working for some time».
On whether Aris missed a participation in a European event: “He was definitely missed. All these years that the team did not play in a European competition was one of the requests, in a good sense, of the world, it was obvious that this was missing. To be fair to the Mars world, everyone was aware of the situation, there was a great deal of understanding of what a difficult “path” management had to walk in order to move forward with the group’s financial recovery. Not only were they understanding, but the team also got a lot of support from the people, culminating in what happened last year with 9-10 sold outs at “Alexandreio”, which gave the team a competitive and financial boost. Right now, again aware of the situation, he is returning to a European competition and, in fact, to the EuroCup, but on the other hand, we all know that the moves should be prudent, careful, within the financial capabilities of the team, so that we also have a competitive person, but also not to risk anything from the great effort that has been made in recent years on an economic level».
Because they will now have 2 games a week: “The truth is that we are talking about a completely different process and training approach. It is different to have one game a week and five training sessions, which are also stronger. Now basically the maximum stress load of the players will be for two games and in between we will talk more about a maximum training and more management. There is no stress in any case, we are talking about a different approach. I think that for the players it is much more attractive and this helps us to a great extent in “building” the roster and approaching players. EuroCup is a platform that definitely provides you with 18 games, which is also what all the athletes are asking for in the foreground. The advantages are many. Aris in his staff has people with technical know-how who know from European competitions, so I think we will have absolutely no problem approaching the situation exactly as it should be».
On whether their presence in the EuroCup changes their philosophy and design: “First, our philosophy will change in regards to roster depth. We have 2 matches a week and should have at least 10-11 players ready to fight at all times. Regarding our racing philosophy, we continue on the same plan, we will march with athletes who have motivation and a “thirst” for distinction. Even for EuroCup level our budget and budget will be if not the lowest, then the lowest, so the “recipe” should be the same. It is a EuroLeague anteroom event, it offers a specific package of matches and this makes the whole concept very attractive for athletes. We will select children who want to come and stand out. We can’t spend a lot of money, so most likely we won’t be able to get guys with EuroCup experience. However, we will be able to have high-level athletes with quality characteristics that we would not be able to attract otherwise. With the motivation of participating in a European competition they will choose to come to our team».
As for whether the world can also contribute financially to the team: “I’m not entirely competent to answer that, but the truth is, because we’ve been talking with management for a long time about all the issues, people have made a plan. Of course, like any serious company of any level, you’re trying to secure some standard revenue. There is no doubt that the world of Mars will be helpful in this effort, even on a financial level. Financial support is not the first thing the team asks for from the world, but I think we can be honest that a full pallet, in addition to the impetus, also gives a significant “breathing space” on a financial level. However, I consider it completely unnecessary to refer to this, because the people of the team have proven even in very difficult times and periods that they know this and have financially supported the club in difficult times».
On whether he feels that Aris is his family: “Undeniably yes. I have said many times, I also said it at the end of last season, that when you know that somewhere you are loved, supported and you experience this in your daily life, you think twice more about leaving it. And with me, my family, my partners, the players this happens. This is how Ares and his world are. I have completed on a personal level 2 seasons in the team and a total of 3 years. Everything was difficult, which means you “bond” with your partners, you need cooperation to get through. From what it can be seen, even with the end of last year, we did well. We all managed to get through the difficulties together and that means we are “bonded”. When he gets into it and the world becomes something very strong and “warm”, which we can definitely call a family».
On whether all this air on Mars helps kids stay on the team: “Absolutely yes. We all know what Mars means. This is heritage, it is the ‘identity’ of the team and it never changes. For any professional who enters the Mars family, this becomes even more powerful. When you work for this team you understand that it is something much bigger than what you imagined, especially when we are talking about children who have started from the team’s academies and have been “watered” with this DNA. When the moment comes, to enter the stadium and feel all this atmosphere with the world and then to feel the “hug” of the world in your everyday life, then you understand that it is something very difficult to let go».
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
