Sure for the work done in the national team, quality and heart of its players was presented by Vassilis Spanoulis at the press conference in view of the start of Eurobasket.
“I think we had a good preparation. After four weeks we know our trumps and weaknesses, what team we are and what we can do. I have great faith in view of Eurobasket“, He stressed.
For Thursday’s game with the Italy He said: “Italy is a very good team, we know it and knows us. We played very recently. The first game is always difficult, but I have confidence in my team. I like our players and our roster and I’m optimistic »while adding: ‘We have experience and we are going to play with Italy with 100% concentration. Making a surprise a coach is my job to read it and pass it on to the players. Whatever someone has hidden, we know and we know them. In the end they will count other things for the outcome of the game. We need to be ready to work in high intensity”
Asked about the importance of the premiere he replied: ‘I see many say that the first game is final. It’s not the final, it’s an important match like others. We should not put more pressure. All games are important. We want to go to the ’16’ first, we don’t look at the intersections. Who can tell you with whom you will play”
Regarding the differences since 2005, when he won Eurobasket as a player, he said: “In 2005 I had hair … It was incredible moments that took millions of people on the streets. We now have the opportunity to pursue our dreams. We will do everything we can to achieve and proud of the Greeks. But we go step by step and we only look at the match with Italy”
On the level of this year’s event he said: ‘Every time we say it’s the most difficult Eurobasket. Every event has its difficulties. And the Olympic Tournament is very difficult. All teams play with more pressure and athletics”
About the time of participation Giannis Antetokounbos was categorical: ‘John will play as much as I want to play. So are the rest of the players. It’s official game anymore and there are no restrictions“, He made it clear.
As for the leading role of the Bucks star, he stressed: “John is very humble for his status. He is a player who wants to win and wants to lead the team to the next level. He listens and is more talkative than the past. I am very happy to be here with us, just like my other players ».
About the utilization of Greek Freak noted: ‘Basketball in Europe is very different from the NBA. And the spaces and the way the teams are defended. I have discussed a lot with John and I think we have found the ways to be as efficient as possible. “.
Speaking about the possible differences of the Greek team compared to last year he said: “We will not change much compared to last year. We need to improve our duration, automation, some details in defense. We have kids who can run, play defense, create, have chemistry, we have a star and trust kids. I have very good self -confidence for the matches”
Asked if he is worried about the national matches in critical matches, he replied: “Children are ready, they have vast experience. Kostas Papanikolaou did not miss a shot on Final 4 13 years ago. Children have a heart, not to say anything else. They are ready to put the big shots. To put the shots you have to be warm in defense, rebounds, then you are more ready for the big shots”
On whether there is a topic in the guards, he made it clear: ‘My job is to find the solutions and not to grow a problem we can face in some games. We will find the solutions and we will be fine in the part of the ball download. “.
Regarding his relationship with Papanikolaou he said: ‘With Kostas (Papanikolaou) we have a life relationship, we have lived very intense things. We have discussed, we have quarreled because we are both very competitive … It is a relationship that will last for a lifetime. Now I am a coach too, for me, it is important for me to know who he is and how I will manage him. Is a relationship of mutual respect”
The coach didn’t want to talk about a medal. “I don’t think on September 14, only tomorrow’s game. So I want the whole team to think. I do not want to make great plans, to be positive I want, to have faith in each other and to look only the game with Italy. We don’t look at intersections except the game we have in front of us and that’s what I want the whole team to do“, He said.
Source: Sport Fm
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