Chus Mateo: “We have to be mentally prepared for a tough match”
“We know it's a difficult court and winning away from home is always difficult,” said the coach before the second clash against Gran Canaria.
Chus Mateo spoke ahead of the second quarter-final playoff clash between Real Madrid and Gran Canaria, which will be played in the Canary Islands (Friday, 8.30pm CEST): “We have to be aware that the game we played in Madrid won't be the same as the one that awaits us in Gran Canaria. If there's one thing that a win like the one in the first game, with a big difference in the scoreline, can mean, it's that they're going to be hurt and they'll want to make up for it.”
“This is a playoff match and in two days a lot changes. What's most important to me is that we're mentally prepared to face a tough game. It's time to get our heads in the right place. We mustn't go crazy and know that we're playing in a playoff. We mustn't think that because we're 1-0 up it's all done and have enough patience to get through the game and get to the end with options so that they feel under pressure.”
Rudy’s knock
“It doesn't seem to be serious. We'll see how he evolves in the next few days. He's going to travel and I hope he'll be available for tomorrow. You never know because these are traumatic injuries. In principle, I'm optimistic.”
Atmosphere
“We know it's a difficult court and that the fans get behind them a lot. It's a playoff game in a very tough league and winning away is always complicated. We have to know that mistakes are severely punished and we have to try to make as few as possible.”