Chus Mateo: “I'm so proud, this team never gives up”

After the heroic win in the Euroleague final against Olympiacos, Chus Mateo spoke in the press room of the Zalgirio Arena: 'We've had a lot of ups and downs throughout the season. It's been a very difficult season but the ending has been incredible thanks to the Euroleague. I'm really proud of the team's spirit because they've stayed together, they've always believed they could win and they've never thrown the towel in.'
 
'When we had a bad situation such as injuries or bad defeats, the team has been more united than ever. We fought hard and stuck together and stayed alive until the end. Also in the last game, we have been able to beat a great Olympiacos team with a shot from Llull in the final seconds. I'd like to say congratulations to Olympiacos because they have had a terrific season'.
 
Fight until the end
'I'm happy for my whole team, who have fought since the beginning of the season, day after day. I have the greatest respect for the players. The team has overcome injuries, problems and all kinds of adverse situations'.
 
'After we were 0-2 in the playoffs, we came back. We then beat Barcelona in the semifinals and the final today. I have the utmost respect for my players because they deserve this and they never give up. I'm very happy and very proud of them. I'm behind all the players all the way. We're champions because of them'.
 
How much does this win mean to you?
'I've tried to be stay focused on my job. You're always under the magnifying glass of what people outside the club have to say due to the responsibility that comes with being Real Madrid's coach. A lot of people have their opinion and that's their right. It's part of my job and I take all the criticism, it's part of the game'.