The first big EuroLeague derby in ages is just around the corner as Panathinaikos hosts Olympiakos to a packed house OAKA for the 8th matchday (08/11, 21:15, Novasports Prime, News Bulletin 247, sport-fm.gr).
One day before the match, Ergin Ataman spoke at the Media Day of the “greens” about what he expects from his team, stressing that this game will be completely different from previous which ended with the “clover” prevailing in SEF for the championship.
At the same time, he mentioned the “keys” of the derby, but also the situation of Marius Grigonis.
In detail what he said ahead of the Euroleague derby:
On what he expects from his team and the comparison with the winning game in SEF: “Every match is different. 5 minutes ago, at the end of training, I spoke to my team. I told them that it doesn’t matter that 10 days ago we won in the league, at the home of the opponent. Olympiacos is in good shape, I have a lot of respect for coach Bartzokas and his system. They have experienced players, so we have to give a new game, in front of a new atmosphere. We compete at home, but ultimately the players compete on the pitch. It is important to be mentally and physically ready.”
On whether tension will be one of the keys to the derby: “We are talking about a Euroleague game, a derby. Every Euroleague match is intense. This is true on every pitch, against every team. Tomorrow we have a derby. Two strong teams, two Final Four contenders. The match will have tension and aggression from both sides.”
On whether Panathinaikos AKTOR has an advantage because he won in SEF and why he will now play in front of his audience: “Of course, it’s always an advantage to play at home in the Euroleague. You have the motivation of the fans with you. This is an advantage. On the other hand, I don’t think winning the championship matters. Olympiacos will have a different roster. In that match we also had absences of important players, such as Ioannis Papapetrou and Omer Yurtseven. Olympiacos got a lot from McKissick in their wins over Barcelona and Real Madrid. They will be two different teams. But the tactics will be the same.”
For Marius Grigonis: “Grigonis has a serious back problem. I think he will be out for 1-1.5 months.”
Source: Sport Fm
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