Chus Mateo: “We're doing well and looking forward to getting a win away from home”
“We're going into the game very focused and confident. We know they're a great team that's playing very well”, said Deck before the game against Paris Basketball (Tuesday 8:30pm).
Chus Mateo and Deck spoke in the run-up to the Euroleague round 16 clash between Paris Basketball and RealMadrid (Tuesday, 8:30pm CET). The coach spoke about the trip to the French court: "We're looking forward to the game, keen to take on the leader, who many people were surprised to see at the start of the season because they're new to the competition. But you see them play, their energy and freshness, and you realise why they're at the top of the standings. We're doing well and we'll have to see if we can get to the end with a chance of winning on a difficult court. We're looking forward to getting a win away from home".
"Paris play a very fast game, without fear, they're capable of playing at various speeds and they don't hesitate when it comes to running and shooting three-pointers. Their point guard is one of the surprise packages in the Euroleague, generating and finishing points. Splitter has created a positive dynamic, of playing without fear and responsibility to do badly. It's going to be a long game, at a high tempo for sure and we'll try to always be ready to stop that ability to run. We have to be ready when it's time to go down and defend".
Last fortnight of the year
"They’re not crucial, but they are important because they would give us an important boost in the standings. We still have 19 Euroleague games left and it's clear that these two against the first and second teams are important. We also have two more league games against two top-class opponents. But the approach remains the same, we are going to have to fight hard and when the time comes to compete, we'll have to be ready. They will continue to be important every week after December".
On Llull's record last league game day
"In terms of performance, I don't think we can be more proud of what he does every day. He conveys that character, he's competitive, he gives everything and he perfectly conveys what it means to be a madridista. He keeps his team-mates on their toes. It's a privilege to have him. The numbers are very difficult for anyone to equal. What he's doing with Real Madrid is incredible and if it didn't exist, it would have to be invented".
Deck: "They're a team that's playing very well"
"We're going into the game very focused and confident. We know they're a great team that's playing very well. Hopefully we are in good shape and mentally ready because it's going to be a tough game. We must keep up the confidence that the win against Río Breogán gave us and look for the consistency we need".
Details
"The important thing is our focus from the first minute to the last, trying to make as few mistakes as possible and put together four good quarters in a row, which is what we've been lacking. Hopefully it will be a good day to do that".