In rhythm Final Four are all moving to Olympiakos, with the team flying to Berlin on Wednesday (22/05) and playing the semi-final against Real Madrid on Friday (24/05, 22:00).
THE Giannoulis Larentzakis spoke to the NOVA camera about the progress of the “red and whites”, his own presence in the team, his work Giorgos Bartzokas but also what will be needed for the qualification to come against the Madrid players.
In detail what he said:
“Real Madrid is in the ‘4’ almost every year”. He has a lot of Final Four experience, we felt that last year too. We now also have one more experience and our goal is to go to the final. In both games this year against Real we had absences, when we were healthy on the pitch in the second round we played a lot better and I think we showed how good a team we are and what we are capable of.
They are different games. The character of the player plays a role, it is different or pressure and you have to be well prepared. In-season additions certainly helped, especially Wright. The coach knows how to adjust the team according to the conditions of the match. We have never stopped believing in ourselves.
There is no burden. We definitely have last year’s game in the back of our minds, it gives us an extra motivation to play even better. There was an optimism before the match against Barcelona. We believe in ourselves and the definition of the team. After the fourth game, which we won by almost 40 points, we thought we could go through. Kostas is also back who offers so much to this team that cannot be seen in the statistics and he pushed us to victory and qualification.
Wright is a driven kid with tremendous athleticism and great touch around the basket. As long as he is at Olympiakos, he will improve every day, together with our trainer Andreas Gatzoulis. Petrusev is a top talent, one of the top in his position in Europe. We are sure it will help us.
I watched Kostas even when I wasn’t at Olympiakos. I could see that this style of play suited me. This is the awesome thing the coach has done. In every game they play for each other. Someone always steps forward and covers the missing person. As hard as it is to play for Olympiakos, it’s so easy to play once you get into the organization and how it works. I always wanted to play and establish myself at this level. I want to go to Berlin so I can get ready and get into the routine of the Final Four.
In everyday life, the coach is much calmer. If you look at it from his side, the pressure is enormous and it makes sense for him to externalize his feelings. his coaching class is unquestionable and he is rightly considered one of the top coaches in Europe. We’ve generally had this conversation and he doesn’t like us talking and praising him.
This is the strength of Olympiakos, that there is a set of ready-to-fight players that the coach prepares them in the right way. Sometimes simple basketball is the hardest. The luck factor doesn’t exist that much in my life. You can play with the odds. I hope this year will not repeat what has happened in the last two years.
The presidents are the A and Z on the team. Their character is what Olympiacos stands for. This humility, family atmosphere and preparation for the next game individually. If I remember correctly the first round ended with 1-2 losses less than last year. We certainly weren’t as dominant as last year, but it’s not a big difference. The coach will not “release” any player, neither on a personal nor professional level. He will cover the player and that is something everyone respects and appreciates.
The support of the people is very beautiful. It gives us motivation and strength, may as many as possible come. I too would like to end my career at Olympiakos, but I am not looking that far. When I think about how close I am to George, so it’s quite an honor to be told that we look alike. It is very important for Greek basketball that there are two Greek teams in the Final Four. First is the game against Real and then the final. This is what we have been advocating for so many years. All these years we always looked to the next day, the next game. That’s why we go high for so many years, because we have to forget what happened in the previous match.
I would lock up Campacho. I consider him the A and Z of Real this year. She paces her game. The game will be close. Energy and defense will play their part. If we play the basketball we’ve been playing lately and find a rhythm on defense, we can win.”
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.
