Papanikolaou: “Not everything is decided in the derby with Panathinaikos”

Olympiacos pulled off the… obligation in an impressive way, beating Lavrio 84-63 in SEF before the big derby in the Euroleague with Panathinaikos.

In his statements to the ERT camera, Mr Kostas Papanikolaousaid that not everything is judged in the “clover” game, while he emphasized that the people of Piraeus are in a good mood and they must take advantage of it.

In detail, what Kostas Papanikolaou mentioned:

For its appearance: “We are entering the final stretch, the team presents the image it presents, the most important thing is to get the wins we need and not who does the good performances».

For the good third quarters of Olympiakos: “As the coach said it was a match of special conditions, we had to play in less than 48 hours. Of course, I also agree with the part that says that there are people who pay from their backlog to see their team up close. The important thing is that in the 3rd quarter we showed energy, showed character and managed to control the tempo against a team that gave us a hard time and they deserve congratulations».

For Canaan’s three-point phase: “Normally the ball would have gone from Petrusev to Tru-Long and set up some free kick, but Philip read Kanaan’s clearance well and we had a nice move».

On what differentiates Olympiakos with the changes: “The coach has said many times before the start of the new year that we still haven’t been able to work together on our game. As soon as we got together and trained together, we found our automations and the picture changed immediately and now the result of the work is coming out. I think it is the most appropriate point in time which is also the most important».

On whether Olympiacos is currently at its peak: “I don’t think you can answer that. The best is always the enemy of the good and you always try to improve on the court, that’s what we want to do».

For the game against Panathinaikos: “After 5 games there isn’t much to hide. It is certainly an important match from a point of view but I don’t think everything is judged. We are certainly playing at home, we want to be the winners, a derby of the ages is always important both for the world and for the team’s psychology. We are in a good moon and we must take advantage of it».

On how different this game will be from all the rest: “It is a question that no one can answer. It’s that peculiarity of these games, there are moments that can change the momentum of the game. So there is no room for predictions, they are two very competitive teams, which are fighting for the best placement in the Euroleague. For us, our first concern is to secure qualification for the play-offs. Of course if you can get home advantage you will claim it».

If scouting is needed for these matches: “There are things that both teams can do, build in a game. There is trust that the staff will do what is necessary».

For the competition in the Euroleague and the doubles of Panathinaikos and Fener at Real: “The league has been upgraded a lot and we see good and tight games. This is how the Euroleague is, anyone can win everywhere, Fener and Panathinaikos are teams to be reckoned with who have worked hard».