Chus Mateo: “We're not thinking about the playoffs, we just want to keep winning"

Chus Mateo and Yabusele spoke on the eve of the match-up between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce in Round 28 of the EuroLeague (8:45pm CET). The coach explained: “I'm pleased with how the week has gone. We've worked well and now we're heading into a match against one of the teams vying to be up towards the top of the EuroLeague. They're playing well, they haven't lost many games since Jasikevicius took over. Of course, we're going to have to be at 100%."

“We're not thinking about the playoffs, we just want to keep winning and doing our best. We just want to do a good job and if rewards come our way as a result, then that's fantastic. We're motivated to play in front of our people because then they're happy and we're pleased with the efforts we put in. We still haven't guaranteed home-court advantage in the playoff, and that's been our goal since the start of the season. Of course, we would have taken the position we are in before the season started. We've won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and we're top in two competitions. It's great but nothing is guaranteed. We have to keep working hard and fighting."

Fixing the turnovers
“It happens sometimes. You get into a groove and then suddenly you're losing more balls or rebounds. That can happen with any area of the game but you have to overcome it. We are trying to sort the issue out and we'll try and make sure we get it right."

Rudy's injury
“He's still recovering from the knock he picked up while playing for the national team. We'll see how he progresses, he's improving gradually. We have to be patient with these kinds of injuries. He's not on court at the moment but I hope it's nothing too serious."

Mental strength
“Mental strength is crucial, the ability to never give up or be affected by comments coming from outside. Our next goal is to head into the EuroLeague playoffs in good shape. That's our step and we'll do all we can to be in the best possible form. This is the toughest stage of the season for me. We've done a fantastic job up until now but we have to move on and understand we're in the next phase. We have to stick together as a group."

Yabusele's form
“He's playing great but we have to try and make sure that everyone is finding their best form. It's not an easy job to decide who should play or not with the amazing, professional squad I have available. He's playing at a phenomenal level and we have to make the most of it."

Yabusele: “I feel great”
“We're approaching the most important spell of the season and we're feeling really positive. We have to be strong tomorrow and confirm our qualification for the playoffs. Fenerbahce is a great team who play with real energy. It's going to be a difficult game but we want to win it, especially given we're playing at home. The fans support us, they really get behind us and there will be a great atmosphere."

His individual form
“I feel great. My teammates are really helping me out and filling me with confidence and I'm playing hard and with more aggression."