Chus Mateo: "This game is huge in terms of finishing first"
"It's not easy to beat Valencia and we're expecting opposition who won't be caught out," said the Real Madrid coach.
Chus Mateo spoke to Realmadrid TV to assess the clash between Valencia Basket and Real Madrid on matchday 33 in the League. The coach explained: "We want to continue doing a good job and keep up our competitive dynamic. Valencia are a team who make things difficult for everyone they face. This could be a huge game for us in terms of finishing first."
“There are differences between the way Valencia played under Mumbrú and how they do things with Xavi Albert. It's not easy to win at Fonteta and we're expecting an opponent who won't be caught out. We like playing close together because it helps us get into a competitive rhythm but we have had a load of games so it's good to get some rest. We want to head into the playoffs in the League and the EuroLeague Final Four in good shape."
EuroLeague Final Four opponent
“Olympiacos are a team with special character, they're hard to beat and they never give up on a game. They have players with big personalities, real style, and they are well coached. Despite losing Vezenkov and Sloukas, their style has remained and they are still very solid."
Comeback against Bayern München
“They've got us used to this now. This team has us witnessing miracles at the Bernabéu and I'm not surprised people go crazy for it. They will go down in history for what they have been able to do, coming through what looked like lost causes. It was another big comeback to get past Bayern München in the European Cup semi-finals. I'm delighted for the fans, the club, Ancelotti and the players. They are an example of how you should never give up and keep battling to the end."