Chus Mateo: “Our objective is winning two EuroLeagues in a row and that motivates us"
“We respect Panathinaikos but we have the chance to make history for Real Madrid,” said Musa in the press conference ahead of the final.
Chus Mateo and Dzanan Musa spoke to the media in the press conference prior to the EuroLeague final (Sunday, 8:00pm CEST). The Real Madrid coach discussed the clash with Panathinaikos: “We're pleased to be in the final for another year. As always in these games, it will be tough, it's hard to win the title but we'll do the best we can to achieve it. It was a tough game against Olympiacos yesterday and we're expecting the same against Panathinaikos. We have the goal in our minds and we're going to go for it."
“It's not easy to make the finals all the time and of course, our opposition aren't the same. The most important thing is to keep that mentality and toughness, pay attention to the details and always focus on ourselves more than the opponent. We have to show the character we did yesterday. There are lots of tactical differences between one game and another but we'll never stop. We're full of confidence because we've won 31 of 38 games up until today. We're playing the final against a great team who fight to the end. These are two teams going after their goals. Ours is to win two EuroLeagues in a row and that motivates us."
Key areas
“I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Every game is different and in a final, anything can happen, just look at last year and two years ago. We have to focus on the important things like the rebound, our shooting and a strong defense to make the difference. For instance, Lessort is one of the best rebounders and best players in the EuroLeague. We'll try and stop him, we know him well and it's no mean feat, but we have to consider every player and try to nullify their strengths. Sloukas is the leader, Nunn gets a lot of points, etc..”
Third final on the bounce
“It says a lot about the work our club has been doing for many years now. It all started with Juan Carlos Sánchez-Lázaro, Alberto Herreros and Laso 13 years ago. The stability that brings lives on and it's thanks to all the people who are working behind the scenes at the club. We've put together a squad that has remained together over the years. We've got fantastic domestic players who know what it means to play in these games, foreigners signed from the best clubs and with a character that over time, those of us here in Madrid often end up referring to as a special DNA, and it's true. I'm incredibly proud and happy to have led the team over the last couple of years and the responsibility that comes with that for the fans who follow us around the world. We won't stop here, we want more. It's within reach."
Recognition for his work
“I don't care what people think of me. I'm doing my job and I'm delighted to be Real Madrid coach. I'm a calm guy who just wants to get on with his job and I'm happy with my team. I don't pay any attention to the comments coming from outside. I have coaches I can look at. They're all great coaches but the key thing is to have my people on my side."
Mental preparation
“We love this atmosphere. We know our fans are there, even if they're in the minority. We feel them right behind us, even if they are not right here. This is basketball and I love this atmosphere."
Rudy, Sergio Rodríguez and Llull
“In the time I've spent with the three of them I have only good words to say, it's amazing how they get that will to win across to the locker room, how they up the pressure when needs be but can always deliver encouragement at the right time as well. It's also how they manage to train despite the challenges they face and how they always step up at the key moments to help the team. They've adapted their games and their attributes for the good of the team and I tip my hat to them. I'd be absolutely thrilled for all of them to win the title, but especially for Rudy, because he's retiring and I'd like to see him win a second in a row. For Deck as well, who helped us get here. He's a key player for us and we'll miss him but his teammates will do all they can to step in."
Musa: “Our confidence is sky high and we're ready”
“I want to congratulate Panathinaikos on making the final. We're excited at the chance to win two successive titles. It won't be easy but we'll do all we can to achieve it. This is the biggest club in Europe. We have the chance to win our second in a row. I'm so proud of all my teammates and the staff. We fight for every game and we want to make history for this club."
Spine of the team
“Having a very similar team to last year doesn't mean you're favourite. We brought in the best point guard in Europe in Campazzo and he makes this all work. But they have new players, a coach I know well, we see what he's capable of. He gives them huge confidence and they've adapted well. We have great respect for them but we're in with a chance of winning the final."
Pressure
“We'll only see our fans. We're proud of them. When we set foot on the court it's five on five and we're not bothered about the pressure of the opposition fans. We have our plan, which is to win the game on court and not think about the fans or the arena. It's fantastic that we have the opportunity to finish top in the Regular Season and now go on and win the title. But we're up against a big team, there is no favourite when you're out on court. We've been working towards this moment for months and we're going to be ready to take the trophy."
His feelings
“The chance to be playing for Real Madrid is the greatest trophy I could wish for and I enjoy every moment. It's the pinnacle of my career and I feel like I'm in the best form of my life. We're full of confidence and we're ready."