Scariolo: "We have done self-criticism, and the team is somewhat affected, but very united at this moment"
“We are in an excellent position in the standings and we need to stay fully focused," stated our coach.
Sergio Scariolo addressed the media on the day before the game against Bayern Munich, corresponding to Round 29 of the EuroLeague, which will be held at the Movistar Arena (Thursday, 8:45 pm CEST; Movistar Deportes). Our coach said: "You learn from mistakes, and as you learn, you have to refocus on the future. The team is obviously somewhat affected, but very united. We celebrated Mario Hezonja's birthday. We need to refocus on understanding why and how since October, with such a difficult start, we find ourselves almost in March leading the League and fourth in the EuroLeague, in an excellent position: thanks to all the work that has been done, the significant improvement in gameplay, and the results".
Bayern
"The opponent is one of the most challenging due to their current form, playing very well in recent weeks, and they will surely make things difficult for us. The expectation is especially at the individual level, that everyone can demonstrate their capacity for reaction, which in sports is almost as important as the capacity for action".
Return of Okeke
"We will have Okeke back, who is especially crucial for our defense, almost decisive. That will help us strengthen an area where we have admittedly been somewhat inconsistent. We are at the top of all the defensive statistics in the EuroLeague, practically in all the important ones. Being at the top means there’s an average between many very good moments and some bad ones, which we must now try to minimize not little by little, but significantly".
Schedule
"This game is somewhat wedged between the Copa del Rey and the international break. We must not make the mistake of looking too far back or too far ahead mentally. We need to stay fully focused. Our position in the standings is excellent, a result of the work done and the effort of the players over so many months. The goal is to try to protect it and maintain it until the end of the regular season".
“We know it’s going to be very difficult. Talking about the schedule is almost anecdotal because all the opponents are perfectly capable of winning. I’m not just talking about the top teams. Any team can beat you in a game if you’re not fully focused. We’ve earned the right thanks to the tremendous recovery we’ve carried out".
Psychological factor
"First of all, I hope that in the short term we can make a special effort. I know our fans will be there. If you are a good athlete, a good coach, a good player, and a good fan, you need to know how to turn the page and face the next game with all the energy you have".
Players' reaction
"I was glad that the reaction wasn’t about looking for excuses or pointing fingers. Instead, it was one of profound self-criticism. In some cases, too much, and that worries me because the deeper you sink, the harder it is to rise back to the surface. You shouldn’t feel so individually guilty. It’s a shared responsibility, and I’ve noticed that; a desire to react. That’s what matters most. I hope another day of distancing from the past and moving closer to or even entering the present-future will allow us to convert Sunday’s disappointment into the desire to compete again.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.