Bartzokas: “We have strengthened to a good extent – Let’s do a better second round, but recognize the difficulties”

The difficulties that await Olympiakos in the away game against Alba for the 17th matchday of the Euroleague were analyzed by George Bartzokasin his statements at the departure of the mission for Berlin.

The coach of the “red and white” analyzed the Germans’ way of playing and highlighted the elements that his team must pay attention to in order to leave with the victory.

At the same time, he made his assessment for the first round of the Euroleague and referred to the strengthening of the roster, stressing that they had agreed with the administration to make additions when necessary.

In detail, what he said:

For the game against Alba: “To concentrate on the demands of the game, which are similar to Villeurbanne. It’s a game that if you lose it’s a big problem, but to win it requires a lot of effort, because it was proven last week that Alba can win. The injured are back, Thomas and Brown are playing, they are a good team. You need to play well to win it.

The Euroleague is a competition that no one can underestimate or leave any game. It gathers all the lights of European basketball, everyone wants to play well. I remind you that last year the same thing happened with Alba, but at the end of the year he made very important victories. We have to respect the way they play. They are champions, they have been playing this style of basketball for the last few years with the same coach. They are the first team in steals. We have to protect the ball, not give them possessions that will give them points in transition. Ultimately, let’s play our game, be serious, play the way we have to play in a demanding match.”

For the valuation of the first round and if he is happy: “Even last year when we finished first, in the first round we were 11-7. I mean everyone loses and loses systematically. The enemy of the good is the best. We could always do better. We lost two or three matches on the point and probably our own handling, both the players and the coaches. Many times the timing also plays a role and of course the lack of preparation. We’re showing at the moment that we’re a lot more full on our roster, with the additions, but it was something we’d agreed with management anyway. That we’ll see how the year goes and what’s needed so we can step up when we need to. I think we have done that to a good extent. We want to do a better second round, but we all have to recognize the difficulties. The Euroleague every year is getting more and more difficult, the teams are playing better, nothing is easy.”

For Petrusev: “Every day that passes is for his benefit and for our benefit. Every day he plays better and better, he feels more comfortable with our system.”