Chus Mateo: “We have to maintain that competitive edge because Palencia will make life hard for us"

Chus Mateo spoke to Realmadrid TV on the eve of the match-up with Zunder Palencia on matchday 26 in the League (Sunday, 12:30pm CET): “Of course when you're playing away from home often so close together, there is a lot of travelling and several demanding matches. All of those games, three in the EuroLeague and the Unicaja one, really take their toll. Fortunately things have gone our way in terms of results and that gives you a bit of breathing space. But our mentality is great, regardless of the fatigue. We have to fight against it and keep our focus."
“I'm most concerned about us being able to maintain that competitive edge. This is the last away game before we head back home and we've had two very productive weeks. The results have really cleared the way for us in the league. But that can be a double-edged sword, we have to keep fighting. We should value the win over Unicaja and remain disciplined and do a good job against Palencia, who will surely make life hard for us."
The opponent 
“It's clear how much has changed in the ten games Luis Guil has been in charge. They've won four, three at home. They're a team who will bring immense energy at home and will likely want to capitalize on the fact we might not be at 100%. We have to be aware, play patiently and avoid turnovers in the opposition half that might give them easy baskets. It's important we show the right mentality tomorrow and understand what we're playing for. We want to make the most of our last Endesa League win by building on it at a tough place to go."
“You always get this towards the end of the Regular Season where mid-table teams perhaps don't have the same demands or need to win as those who are playing for their lives at the bottom of the league. The lower teams are nothing like they are early in the season - they stand up, fight and try to give it all they have in these games. I'm sure we'll be up against a revitalized Palencia team."