Kanzouris: “Spanoulis likes challenges – Monaco needs patience”

THE Elias Kanzouriswho will be by his side after the National team Vasilis Spanoulis and in Monacospoke to EEC Web Radio about:

On the agreement with Monaco: “Things happened very quickly, but you understand that when you present a challenge like Monaco, we are talking about one of the clubs that in recent years have made a sensation with their course in the Euroleague, then things develop faster and easier.”

For Monaco: “First of all, any change of coach, in the vast majority, means that things are not going well, or at least not the way the management wants. Otherwise there would be no change. Our job right now is to identify the misspellings, correct them, and put in some elements of our philosophy. Beyond that, there are no magic wands, patience is required. What is certain is that at this level there is always the pressure of the result, so we must immediately find a way to win the games and pass our philosophy. Because there is definitely quality in the team, I think this will be something easier.”

For the collaboration with the two Greek players on the roster, Nick Kalathis and Giorgos Papagiannis: “It is very important, even more so because very recently there was the joint cooperation of everyone in the National Team. So I think that the starting point is not from scratch, we start from a little further. I believe that both the two and the two will essentially work together so that the adaptation is easier and the steps of progress are made with faster steps.

To manage Mike James: “First of all, we are talking about the potential MVP of the Euroleague, apart from the top scorer. Beyond that, what I think is missing for Mike James to really put his personal stamp on EuroLeague history has to do with winning something. We are talking about a special personality and at this level talent and personality are something that combined can give you very good results. Our job is to let him understand what he needs to do to take the next step and for him to use his talent and his personality for the good of the team. I don’t think it’s “A” and “O”. He’s an extremely important part of the roster, maybe the most important, but no one can do it alone.”

For the French championship: “Last year I was in Limoges, so I would say that I have a “fresh” image of the French championship. I found it a very demanding league, with strong teams, in which if you don’t give 100% then you really have a problem in terms of the result. Every year the French teams make great strides. It is a very athletic league, with many good foreigners but also good locals, because there is a large pool of locals now. Every game needs huge attention. You saw Monaco losing at home to Le Mans in fact this game was the previous coach’s swan song. In France there are two Cups, so we are talking about four competitions. We are talking about a “Golgotha”. We have to use the whole roster, because it is a given that we will use them and we need them all.”

For Vassilis Spanoulis: “I think we don’t need to say much about Vassilis. His career throughout his journey, whether we are talking about a player or now a coach, speaks for itself. I think challenges were his trademark, he was never a man who wanted to be in his comfort zone. He always looked to find motivation somewhere and he has done the same thing now.”

For Andreas Obst: “First of all, he’s a kid who made it early. We worked together for 2 years in Bamberg. He is an excellent child, with an excellent character, has a very good mentality and work ethic. I was sure of his development and it showed from his course. He went through some tough times in mediocre teams, but because he showed character, worked hard, overcame all that and is now a key player for Bayern and the German National Team. His development was normal. If one lived him at a young age, he could understand that he will have a good future. I am very happy for him. I think he has other things to do. The fact that he was with coach Herbert at times with the German National Team and now at Bayern gives him a different mentality, but his trademark still has to do with his character and mentality.”

For the Men’s National Team and the “window” of last November: “All the kids came and gave it their all. It is certainly not easy to present something really powerful in 2 days. Don’t forget that all the kids come with different habits from their teams, but they all tried and had the right mindset, so this is their springboard for the future. For us, what interests us is to “build” the mentality of the National team, for all the new kids to understand what shirt they are wearing. I am sure that the future is even better.”