Chus Mateo: "We have to play against Estrella Roja as we've played in our last few games"
"They're a very tough team but we're playing well and we're at home in front of our fans", said Ndiaye.
Chus Mateo and Ndiaye discussed the Real Madrid-Estrella Roja EuroLeague round 5 clash (8:45pm CEST). The coach had this to say about the game: “The schedule is what it is. I don't evaluate when it's a good time or a bad time to host someone. We simply have to keep to the schedule. We're going to play against everyone and it's extremely demanding. We have to be ready for whoever we play. On this occasion, we're up against a team that's at the top of the table on its own merits, having competed very well over the last few games and proving very difficult to beat. They've only lost one game in overtime”.
“They've got very good players and a very good coach. I wasn't surprised by their start as they've got good players and because they're a physical side, they defend very well and they're capable of scoring points. They're a very well-formed team”.
Feelings
“I'm not focused on whether we can make it three wins in a row. I'm just thinking about the next game and we have to go out and win it. We won 19 in a row last year, but that's all over. We've beaten Panathinaikos and Girona and that's it. You lose focus when you think about what you've already won and what's coming up. It's all about this one and we're going for it”.
Musa
“He was sore the other day. He twisted his ankle. He didn't train yesterday, but he trained today and he's fine”.
Team fitness
“It's important for us to build on the win. If you don't pick up points, there is some anxiety and it can lead to mistakes. We need to prevent it by playing and doing as we've been doing in the last few games, one play at a time. We don't want to run before we walk, and sometimes we haven't read situations correctly. You have to be able to handle that anxiety and be patient”.
Injuries and players missing
“The two injuries we've got are different and we'll have to see when we can be sure that Garuba will be able to return to training. We're not going to rush him and we want him to recover fully. Feliz's is a bit more long-term. Hopefully, we'll see him soon and have him back as soon as possible. We have to make sure we do a good job in terms of prevention. The players I've got are the best and we're going to try to do well”.
Possible reinforcements
“I didn't say that the squad was too small, but that we need to be ready for a specific moment when it's felt that we need to strengthen our squad. The competition is very demanding. I have to think about what I've got and I can't predict and foresee if someone will come in. We'll be ready for tomorrow and we'll see what happens in the future”.
Ndiaye: “We have to continue in this vein”
“Playing at home is good for us, to continue this run of winning games. We have to continue in this vein and we're picking up the momentum. The team's doing well, we're playing at home in front of our fans and we're very happy to play at the WiZink Center and compete”.
Estrella Roja
“They're a very tough and physical team, they've had a good start to the season. They're playing well and they've got good players”.
Personal situation
“I'm happy to be able to help the team in any way I can and that's why I'm here”.