Zisis: “The best is yet to come for the National Team – Whatever we say about Spanoulis is too little”

The General Manager of the Men’s National Team, Nikos Zisis, was hosted on EOK WebRadio after the great qualification of the National Team to the Olympic Games. The legend of Greek basketball referred to the impact of Vassilis Spanoulis, the team’s performances, the support of the crowd and the goals in the great celebration of sports. He spoke in detail:

For the qualification of the National Team to the Olympic Games: “Congratulations above all deserve to the players, to our children, who managed to make them all proud, who managed to unite the country. The national team unites all Greeks and you have to sweat the shirt, put everything you have and don’t have on the field and make very high quality performances as was done in this tournament. It is something that cannot be compared even if you are playing for the best club in the world. When you achieve such distinctions with the National Team of your country it is something great. Also, of course, congratulations to the coach, to all the members of the training team, to all the people who work day and night. In the past I was an athlete, but now that I am in another position I understand how much work is done behind the scenes. Congratulations to everyone and the management. We are proud that our children once again sent the National Team to the Olympic Games.”

About his feelings: “Some hours have passed since yesterday. I am very happy and proud for these children, for this generation of players, where the biggest distinction they have experienced so far is to participate in the Olympiad. They are guys who love the National Team, most of them have played many summers, they have lived through many difficult times, so to see them have that joy, that excitement last night, it makes me really happy and excited. I had told them from the first day I was here that I wish them to live the dream of the Olympic Games, as well as a medal in some event. Participating in the Olympic Games is something they will tell their children and grandchildren about. That’s something that really moves me and I’m very happy for them.”

On how important was the presence of Vassilis Spanoulis on the National team bench: “There are no words for it. He is a man who knows very well what it means to wear the jersey of the national team. His task was very difficult, because it was a mini-preparation of very few days, as is the case for all teams. Most of our players finished the season in mid-June and that’s what we talked about repeatedly. I think they deserve congratulations to all the children who had the courage, the self-sacrifice, the character to give it their all, to enter Vassilis’ philosophy and to improve day by day. It was obvious from the first friendly we played. From now on, the best is yet to come, because the team will rest a bit and have the time to work even more, with the aim of presenting themselves even better at the Olympic Games.”

For the support of the crowd and if all this transferred some pressure to the team: “The support of the people was amazing, we thank each and every one of them for coming with their voice, their enthusiasm. Especially on the weekend their pulse, their energy helped the team a lot. When you compete for the National team there is always a weight on the backs of the players, you represent an entire nation. It is a great honor and responsibility to wear this shirt. The children are very experienced, they know from these situations and having the proper mental preparation they showed on the field that they were ready. Even in the match against Croatia, which was a final, they managed to control the match until the end, win and bring the coveted qualification to our country.”

For the preparation ahead of the Olympic Games and the difficult group of the National Team: “You look at each game individually. The difference in the Olympics is that there is much more rest between events. Three days is enough days for the players to have time to rest. I think we have to take each game individually. We will have the time to prepare and by the time we get to the tournament we will “sell our tomari”. Above all, let our players be healthy. We will be a team that will give everything on the pitch, have the right coaching direction and improve these days until we get to the tournament.”