Bartzokas on the government’s measures: “I was worried that we wouldn’t get the ball – At SEF the matches are a celebration”

Relieved by the fact that the measures taken by the government against fan violence did not “touch” basketball, Giorgos Bartzokas appeared, in his usual statements ahead of tomorrow’s match between Olympiakos and Valencia for the 14th matchday of the Euroleague.

Asked about the recent decisions announced, the “red and white” coach commented that every game in the SEF is a celebration.

Regarding the competitive aspect, he commented on the Spanish team that his team will face tomorrow (Friday 15/12), but also on the constant renewal of the roster.

In detail, what he said:

For Valencia: “They are a team that defensively is the best in the Euroleague. A team that picks a lot of defenses but relies on the athleticism of its talls. We have a plan. They are in good shape with a good roster. It’s a difficult match, but we have to win it.”

For the fact that he saw the whole team training: “I am really happy. I think it was the first practice we were all together. Of course, not everyone is at the same level of form. There are some who are entering now, but the quality of training and competition has improved. I think that if this is maintained, it will soon give us an improvement.”

On how difficult it is to constantly bring in new players, whether they’re coming back from injury or signings: “It is very important not to have stability. It is also the chemistry of the 5s. After the first rotation the number of times the players have been together. Besides how good they feel and what confidence it gives them. I think we are on a good plan. The roster is very good and it remains for us to stay healthy, for everyone to understand and to be on the same page and to see our ceiling where it will take us in this year’s EuroLeague”.

For the government’s measures: “I was worried that the ball wouldn’t get to us too, which we consider very important not to happen, in the sense that all of you who are present at the games at SEF know that it is a celebration, with a civilized atmosphere. It is very warm for our team, but in very good contexts and we would like to have on equal terms what we have in away games, where the teams have support.”