Spanoulis: “The debut with Panathinaikos is of interest to the media, but for me it’s still a game”

THE Vasilis Spanoulisa “legend” of hers Euroleaguewill make his debut in the top European competition as a coach, as he took over last Tuesday (26/11) Monacowhich faces tomorrow (29/11) Panathinaikos for the 12th game.

The Greek technician spoke to the official website of the Monegasques about the roster of his team, the ambitions his, what he wants to see from his players but also the first match with the “greens” in OAKA.

At the same time, he mentioned his relationship with Mike Jamesin the racing philosophy he wants to pass on to his new team, but also in Monaco’s hopes of winning their title Euroleague.

In detail what he said:

For the start in Monaco:

I know the Euroleague and I know a lot of players here. After a very good discussion with the president and the GM, it was a very good decision for me to come to Monaco. I talked to the guys about what we can do and where we want to go. We have very little time to prepare for this first match, mentality will be important, we have seen videos.

About the roster:

The roster is really good, that’s why I came here. I believe in their elements, their potential, their talent, during these two days I was able to see the work ethic of this team, they want to learn, they demand many things. Change is not easy for them. In general I don’t really like going to a team in the middle of the season, that’s not my philosophy, because I don’t know the habits of the players. But the children are very mature, we will adapt little by little.

For the part where the team needs work:

We can run longer. We have a very talented team offensively and I think we can be the best team in the Euroleague defensively as well. We have many creators, by going faster we can be more efficient. I have to say I have the most respect for coach Obradovic, he has built a great team here. Every coach has a different philosophy.

About his philosophy:

I like the running, the speed, I like everyone participating in the tension. For everyone to look out for each other in the locker room and be mentally strong.

On whether there are high expectations:

I don’t know. Pressure is something I’ve dealt with my whole life. I push myself so that other people’s opinions don’t destabilize me. I only think about one thing, to improve, to go higher, that’s what I’ve been doing all my life.

For the first match against Panathinaikos:

From my side as a coach it doesn’t change much, it’s mainly an interesting story for the media. I played a lot of games there, as a coach and with Peristeri. It’s important to a lot of people, that’s normal, but to me it’s just another game. We should be ready, play at the highest possible level.

About Mike James:

We have a very good relationship, the most important thing is respect. Mike is a competitor, who always wants to win. Any coach would love to have Mike James with the ball in his hands. At the same time everyone knows that basketball is a team sport, it’s not tennis, we have to play together offensively and defensively. Mike knows very well that he needs his teammates.

On whether it’s important to him that he’s coaching a EuroLeague team:

No, when I started this coaching job I knew I would go to the Euroleague. I’m not arrogant, I’m a very humble guy, I have real values, but at the same time I have real confidence. If I didn’t have that confidence I wouldn’t be a player and I wouldn’t be doing this coaching job. I work every day to have that confidence. I was born to live with basketball, I don’t know why but that’s how it is. I wanted to start coaching at the lowest level to move up later.

On whether he believes in winning the title:

Yes, that’s why I came here, but you know, winning the Euroleague is a lot of sweat. My concern today is not to win the EuroLeague but to make my team play the best it can, play together, have fun playing basketball