Abalde: "We can't wait for the league to get started as well"
"Gran Canaria play some good basketball and will demand focus from us," added the forward.
Alberto Abalde spoke to Realmadrid TV on the eve of our team's Endesa League clash with Dreamland Gran Canaria to discuss the feelings in the camp ahead of the game: "We can't wait. We're in a phase of improvement, we know there's a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but we have to win games from the off. We're hosting a very good team and we can't wait for the league to get started as well."
What type of game is he expecting?
"It'll be a game that demands high focus from us, especially in defense given our team philosophy. We want to make an impact from there first, and the rest will fall into place. Gran Canaria possess a lot of weapons and patterns of play. They've been playing together for a long time and have brought in some quality new additions. They have a good system under their coach. They play some good basketball and will demand focus from us, and strong defense. Then we'll have to try and take a step up in how we're playing offensively."
Key elements to the game
"There are so many, it has to be a complete performance. It's a bit repetitive but defense will be key. We have to become a team that is hard to score against. Then we can improve that clarity and consistency up top, get the game to flow a bit better - that'll come as we play more games as well, and the longer we've been working on things. We're well aware of that. We're on the right track and tomorrow we have the chance to take another step forward and keep growing, besides the primary goal which is to win the game."
Adaptation after missing pre-season
"The injury I picked up with the national team lasted a bit longer than we expected. I wish I could have got at least a couple of weeks of pre-season under my belt but it wasn't to be and you have to adapt. I'm really happy to be honest, I'm suffering a bit, gritting my teeth in these early weeks because it's always tough to get back on a moving train. But I'm focused on improving day by day and I want to be available to help the team wherever I can. First and foremost, I'm thrilled to be part of this group for another year, with some new teammates, a new coaching staff, and the hunger of every year to achieve the big goals we have ahead of us."