Chus Mateo: “Real Madrid-Maccabi a classic European basketball game”
"They're a dangerous and very physical team, but if we close down the rebound we'll have a chance of winning," said Musa.
Chus Mateo and Musa spoke before the Real Madrid-Maccabi EuroLeague round 24 game (Tuesday, 8:30pm CET). The coach discussed the game at the WiZink Center: "I'm awaiting a game against a classic European basketball team. Their roster has players who are capable of producing a lot of consistency like Lorenzo Brown and Baldwin IV, or Colson, who is a very complete small forward, while they have a very strong inside game led by Nebo. They play very good basketball, especially on the offensive end, rebounding and punishing turnovers, so we'll have to pay close attention to that".
"Everything that we're going through is part of a journey that we have to take over the course of the season. We have to stay calm and know that when you win that's it and when you lose that's it too. We're coming off the back of a period when our strength is slipping a little bit and the opposing teams have a bigger incentive if they manage to beat the team that's in first place. We continue working to our plan, trying to stick to the same style. I want to get our missing players back as soon as possible because it helps us to have a greater level of energy during a tight schedule".
Physical condition of the team and available players
"We've played 45 official matches and the schedule is what it is and we must accept that and constantly try to be energetic and give our best. The important thing is to be ready when you're playing for a trophy and to approach it in the best way possible. In terms of the available players, Hezonja had a very bad knock against Olympiacos and didn't play the other day, but he'll play tomorrow. Yabusele was carrying a muscle strain that has kept him out for two games. We will try to have both of them part of the final roster".
Significant absences
"They're very important players for us. We're looking to do our best regardless of who is missing and we can't use that as an excuse. We have a big squad. We try to ensure that everyone plays and feels useful, but it's inevitable that when there are major players missing, it's a little bit disruptive. We have to continue to do things well and stay together".
Musa: "We always need our fans"
"It's a tough week with three difficult games, but right now we're focused on Maccabi. We know they're a dangerous team, very talented and very physical, but if we close down the defensive rebounding we can win this game".
"It will be a completely different game than the first leg. They're on a good run, having beaten Panathinaikos last week and they're a very tough team. We know that there's no easy game but we're ready. Every team wants to beat us. We always need our fans support and it's easier with them".