Almost 24 hours after the great success in Barcelona qualifying for the Final 4 in Berlin, o George Bartzokas and his basketball team together Olympiakou, is located in “G. Karaiskakis” for the historic semi-final of the “red and white” with Aston Villa for the Conference League.
The Greek coach spoke to Cosmote’s camera before the match, referring both to tonight’s semi-finalas well as in his support of Shaquille McKissick, despite what was heard and written six months ago!
The statements of Giorgos Bartzokas in detail:
On what’s more stressful to coach in Game 5 or in the stands in the Conference League semifinals: “Both are the same. The game is very important for the team and we are a little stressed.”
You said you don’t sell your players at one point in the season when McKissick was injured. Did you feel vindicated? “In general it’s a lifestyle, it’s not about basketball. With the people who have helped you, you cannot be ungrateful. It had nothing to do with McKissick. I don’t support them because I’m a good person, but because they deserve it.”
On what you think before a semi-final of a European competition: “You don’t have much to think about. Maybe because my first semi-final then became a final.”
On whether luck owes them this year that they lost the Euroleague in the shootout last year: “If you take it that way, yes. But in life nothing is given to you. You have to chase it as much as you can.”
Olympiacos are in six European finals, what does this mean for the club? “I think everyone knows the size of Olympiakos in all sports. It is logical that if we are constantly chasing European distinctions, we will succeed.”
On whether he has charms: “With some friends we are discussing what we will do, where we will sit.”
On whether he watches Olympiakos in football: “Of course I watch whenever I can. And I also watch English football. Olympiacos has shown improvement during the season. Aston Villa is a very big team.”
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.
