Mateo: “We have a difficult task with Olympiakos, they have the heart of a champion”

Everything that Chus Mateo mentioned:

“We’re happy to be in another Final 4. Being a favorite or not is a good conversation, but that’s not what we’re talking about. It’s more for the media, the fans and the bookies. We have a big game in the semi-final against a team with the heart of a champion, they are gentlemen on the floor and on the bench. And to reach the final we will have to beat such a good team».

On what it means to have a player of Tavares’ level: “Eddie brings a lot to our team. He is the best center in the Euroleague, the most influential and we are lucky to have him in our team. But we also have Poirier who is very important. They both play a big role in offense and defense».

As for whether it offers pressure, how are the title holders: “We are not defending this title. We have the title and we want to get one more. The eleventh trophy is ours and we want one more. Now we only think about the semi-final, with respect to the opponent and we want the victory”.

For the fact that no team that finished in first place in the regular season has won the tournament: “We are still thirsty. We don’t think that any regular season opener has won the title. Anything that has happened in the past does not determine what will happen now. Our mind is only on the semi-final.”

For the experience offered by Rudy Fernandez: “Rudy is extra motivated because it’s his last Final 4, since he’s taking the summer off. We will try to give him his last trophy. It is another motivation for us. For him but also for Dek who is injured.”

On whether it adds some pressure that Real are favourites: “It’s foolish to think you’re the best. In sports you can’t underestimate anyone. My players know this stuff very well. You have to fight for every minute if you want the title. That’s why I say that for us the word favorite means absolutely nothing.”