Chus Mateo: “We mentally prepared very well for the game"
“It's amazing, a real luxury to have Llull with us. We're delighted he's managed to do it," said the coach when asked about the captain's three-point record.
Real Madrid coach Chus Mateo assessed his team's victory over Baskonia in Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoff at the WiZink Center: “We're used to doing great things at Real Madrid but it always takes a lot of hard work. Nothing comes easily. We mentally prepared really well for this game. Baskonia is a very tough team. The playoff is only just beginning and we have to be ready because it can change overnight."
“We showed great energy throughout the game. We were strong on the rebound and we challenged their shots really well. We knew how important it was to start well. Last year we really struggled and this time around we wanted to get off on the right foot. But we know the playoffs are the hardest part of the year and we have to be well prepared."
Defense
“We all want to do a good job, the players as well, often they want to make everything perfect. When mistakes seep in, they worry too and they want to have good communication. Making mistakes is inevitable and we have to minimise them and react to them. We did both these things very well. Only 7 turnovers and we made 21 assists. Whenever we made an error, we just kept on playing. We have to retain that approach and that mentality."
Llull's three-point record
“It's a luxury to have Llull with us. He brings us so much, not just his triples, which are unbelievable, and often at key moments, but it's also the experience he has, the know-how, the ability to get more from his teammates. I'm delighted it's gone to a guy like him, he's an idol to all of us."