Chus Mateo: "We're going into the playoffs full of energy, enthusiasm and optimism"

Chus Mateo and Poirier discussed the start of the playoffs between Real Madrid and Baskonia (Tuesday, 9pm CEST).  
The coach discussed the match and the first game at the WiZink Center: "We're looking forward to the last part of the season and we're keen to do well. We want to finish what we've started well. We know that going into the playoffs is a different story, we're all starting from scratch, but we've earned the right to think that we can go through".
"We know how difficult this stage of the season is and how tough our opponents are, which is certainly the toughest because it's the one we're up against. We're going into it with energy, enthusiasm and optimism. They're a high-scoring team, regardless of whether they're from our league or not. It's going to come down to the small details. The moments in which each player finds themselves and their state of mind will have an influence. We're focusing on the first game and we'll have to be prepared for any situation".

The physical challenge
"We've played 70 games, including Dallas. If we go right to the end of the season, and if we reach the final, we would play 94. Obviously, there is a physical toll on all the teams that play in the Euroleague. We have suffered, but there's no need to make excuses, and I don't think they're going to make excuses with the play either".

Clashes with Baskonia
"The past is the past, tomorrow's game is the only one that matters. The past doesn't mean anything. Nor do our 27 victories nor their recent history. We're going to try to get the better of them and we have to keep our heads down. We have to keep Howard in check, for sure, but we're not going to be so reckless as to focus only on him. We have to focus on the team and be ready to give 100 per cent and more".

The experience of the veterans
"Llull, Rudy and Sergio Rodríguez can bring a lot to the table. All of them have a lot of experience, both on and off the court. The three of them will contribute positive aspects for us. When we won the Euroleague, if there was one that stood out, it would have to be Hezonja, Tavares, Sergio Rodríguez, Causeur... When we won the Supercup this year, Campazzo, Yabusele, Poirier... were very good. The team is strong as a whole and it has to be united. It was very tough last year and this year it'll be the same; it's the most important time of the season and I have to have everyone".

Home-court advantage
"We've played to get it. When we went 0-2 in Belgrade last year, we were able to bounce back and win. Basketball is an unpredictable thing and anything can happen. We have worked hard for it and to play with our fans behind us. We all know the importance of our fans in key moments. I expect the WiZink Center to be at its best, cheering from start to finish, like always. They will be behind us".

Poirier: "Seeing what the football team is doing is motivating"
"The team is keen to start the important stage of the season. We must never let our heads go down. We have five games and we have to fight in every game. We will try to get a win tomorrow at home. We saw last year that, even if we are on the ropes, we can recover. We have to stay together, believe and play our game".

Opponents
"They're an uncomfortable team to play against. They have three-point shooters and a team that runs. We have to adjust and help each other. But we have our strengths too and we have to use them. We know each other very well and it's not going to be easy for either side".

Defence on Howard
"He's in great form at the moment. He sees a lot of the ball and has a lot of quality. We won't be defending one on one, we have to be together and everyone has to be involved in defence. But we can't be careless of the others".

First game and home advantage
"It's always nice to start at home and we've worked hard all year to get home-court advantage. We have to make the most of it now".

Motivation when watching the football team
"The whole team watches the football team and we talk to them too. For sure it's motivating. We've seen in recent years that in both football and basketball we're capable of doing incredible things, amazing comebacks... it's the DNA of this club and we want to keep it that way".