Chus Mateo: “It's a big game because it gives the chance to finish in the top three'
“The team is in good shape and excited to play at home', said the Real Madrid coach ahead of the clash with Bayern.
Chus Mateo appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City's sports hall to assess the upcoming EuroLeague matchday 33 clash with Bayern Munich. The coach reflected: “Both Rudy and Causeur have missed training. Rudy has the flu and Fabien has had some back problems. Goss is making his way back gradually but he won't be ready for tomorrow. We'll see whether Poirier can play. The team is in good shape and excited to play at home. It's a big game because it gives the chance to finish in the top three".
“We have to defend well one-on-one. Bayern have players who are very strong on the offensive rebound and we have to make sure our defensive rebound is sound. If we manage to do these things, we'll be well placed to win the game. We always go out to win and that will be our intention tomorrow. We've already secured home-court advantage but we want to get better every day".
Bayern Munich
“Bayern play some good basketball, they score from distance and are strong on the pick and roll. We shouldn't pay too much attention to the EuroLeague table because it's been very deceptive. We have to respect the opposition and respect our work. We'll go all out to win it in front of our fans".
Home-court advantage in the playoffs
“Home-court advantage is important but it doesn't make anything certain. Playing any decider at home will have an impact but we have to do things right throughout the playoff. It's been a really tough competition and we're happy to be in the position we're in".
“We have to defend well one-on-one. Bayern have players who are very strong on the offensive rebound and we have to make sure our defensive rebound is sound. If we manage to do these things, we'll be well placed to win the game. We always go out to win and that will be our intention tomorrow. We've already secured home-court advantage but we want to get better every day".
Bayern Munich
“Bayern play some good basketball, they score from distance and are strong on the pick and roll. We shouldn't pay too much attention to the EuroLeague table because it's been very deceptive. We have to respect the opposition and respect our work. We'll go all out to win it in front of our fans".
Home-court advantage in the playoffs
“Home-court advantage is important but it doesn't make anything certain. Playing any decider at home will have an impact but we have to do things right throughout the playoff. It's been a really tough competition and we're happy to be in the position we're in".
“The playoffs are the toughest spell of the season, because of what's at stake and also because you're up against fantastic teams every two days. You have to look at what you did well, or not so well, against them in the Regular Season and then you try and adjust after each game. Tactical work is important, but so is the mental aspect".
Rudy: “I'm expecting us to be at our best”
“We're playing a hugely important game, with home-court advantage in the playoff up for grabs. That's our goal but we also want to improve as a team. We want to keep building the positive vibes, just like we did last week. We're up against another team that has a lot to play for”.
“It's a hugely important game for them as well and I'm expecting a tough test because they have top players and a very experienced coach in these types of games".
Rudy: “I'm expecting us to be at our best”
“We're playing a hugely important game, with home-court advantage in the playoff up for grabs. That's our goal but we also want to improve as a team. We want to keep building the positive vibes, just like we did last week. We're up against another team that has a lot to play for”.
“It's a hugely important game for them as well and I'm expecting a tough test because they have top players and a very experienced coach in these types of games".