Rudy: “It's going to be a really tough match against Valencia Basket”
“It's a must-win game and we want to win the trophy,” said Causeur.
Rudy and Causeur spoke to the press ahead of the team’s final training session in preparation for the Copa del Rey semi-final, where Real Madrid will go head-to-head with Valencia Basket (6pm CET). Rudy had the following to say on the clash: “We're looking forward to another semi-final against a great team. It's going to be a really tough match. We know they have a lot of resources and they've proven to be a very solid team. We all have to be focused and hopefully we can play in another final because last year we missed out.”
“We have a large squad but Valencia Basket also have good players and therefore it'll be a tough game. The Copa del Rey always motivates us to win an important trophy. Missing out on the final last season should give us even more motivation to reach the final this year.”
Causeur: “I'm expecting a very tight game”
“I'm expecting a very tight game. Last year they caused us a lot of problems. Valencia Basket are in good form and in good shape. They're a very physical and high-scoring team and they're a classic Copa del Rey team. But if we play well, if we're solid in defence, and if we control the rebounding and the turnovers, we can win the game.”
“Having players who have competed in many Copas del Rey and won them is very important for the decisive moments. It's also important to have confidence. We're playing with confidence and it's just another final. It's a must-win game and we have to face it like that. We have respect for our opponents, but we want to win the trophy.”