Kastritis: “Huge victory – I haven’t enjoyed it, thoughts are racing”

The enormous importance of the historical “double” of Aris over the Panathinaikos AKTOR, was emphasized by Yannis Kastritis at the post-game press conference.

However, the Thessaloniki coach added that his team’s obligations do not stop, explaining that the crucial match against Trento (7/2, 20:00) immediately follows.

In detail, Yannis Kastritis spoke about:

-the victory of Mars: “Huge victory for our team, after a huge effort from the children. An important result for the economy of the championship, but also because it was achieved at the home of Panathinaikos. Panathinaikos had significant absences today. It was obvious that he did not play with the energy that they are used to playing. And we had a lot to manage in the last month. Bohorides, Katsivelis and now Galinat. Because of the back-to-back games, we used guys like Ronnie Harrell and Vassilis Toliopoulos for a lot longer than we should have. Today it was requested in view of Trento and PAOK, to create conditions in the rotation in order to protect our players.

We’ve seen the features that reflect this year’s Mars. The children gave everything they had and didn’t have. We hit some big shots and once the game got to that point, it was wide open. For better or for worse, we shouldn’t be too happy. We have a crucial game in two days. We must be ready physically and mentally. Good luck at Panathinaikos. May all players of all teams be healthy soon».

-that the “yellows” defeated Panathinaikos for the first time since 1997: “I’m happy for the kids. They are great characters. They’ve been through a lot this year and haven’t stopped for a single day. Their efforts are rewarded and it is gratifying. You know we coaches are special. I won’t enjoy it as much as I should. We are thinking of Trento».

-what he tells his players and conveys to them as stubbornness: “I don’t think it’s personal. We are one administration, one staff together, years. We strive to create a culture for the entire club and organization. We have excellent characters on and off the court. When the results come, it works, and people are happy about it. It fills the stadium, we are pleased with that. All we have to do is give 100%, both in training and in matches. This is the way to approach them».

-whether he fears that Ares spent enough energy on OAKA: “From October 4th until today, this is our schedule. Wednesday-Saturday. It doesn’t scare us. We are concerned about management in general. Since our times, it has been excellently managed. We play basketball, we do what pleases us. We have to play basketball again on Wednesday, in front of our world… We have to beat the N fatigue and let our hearts».

-if it is the biggest victory of his career: “I don’t really know. Depending on what we consider bigger. I have not enjoyed her, because the thoughts are running. Let’s be honest and realistic, it’s a huge win, as much as I want to tone it down. It’s a first-class opportunity to show we’re humble and raise the bar a bit for the next few games. The most important thing is consistency».