Chus Mateo: “The fans will pack out the Palacio and give us an energy boost”
“We're hugely excited and we're going into the game with the same mentality as in Belgrade,' said the coach ahead of the crunch clash with Partizan.
Chus Mateo spoke in the build-up to Game 5 of the EuroLeague playoff against Partizan Wednesday, 9:00pm CEST: “We're really excited and want to deliver a good performance to close out the series. In morale terms, we're in good shape, but physically we're not so good. We have guys who are struggling, some are out. That's the handicap. But we have a strong mentality, we want to fight against adversity, we won't lie down or throw in the towel at any point. We saw that in Belgrade and I think it'll be the same tomorrow."
“There is real complexity in the playoffs. There were significant things that had an impact in terms of morale, physical issues and injuries. That has an effect but there is only one game left. There is no past, no future. We're focusing on this game without considering anything else. Anxiety got the better of us in the second game and we have to be calm. We did very well in Belgrade, with that dose of experience which helped us. Both teams are anxious because we want to be in the Final Four, but we'll have to manage it."
Punter's return and Poirier's condition
“He's a great player and we'll have to keep an eye on him. We have to be able to react in case someone steps up at one time or another. We have to be ready to defend as a team. Poirier will struggle to get back in time but I haven't ruled him out."
“There is real complexity in the playoffs. There were significant things that had an impact in terms of morale, physical issues and injuries. That has an effect but there is only one game left. There is no past, no future. We're focusing on this game without considering anything else. Anxiety got the better of us in the second game and we have to be calm. We did very well in Belgrade, with that dose of experience which helped us. Both teams are anxious because we want to be in the Final Four, but we'll have to manage it."
Punter's return and Poirier's condition
“He's a great player and we'll have to keep an eye on him. We have to be able to react in case someone steps up at one time or another. We have to be ready to defend as a team. Poirier will struggle to get back in time but I haven't ruled him out."
Tavares' fitness
“He's done well in the game he's been able to play. He helps us find solutions in defense and offense. I'd love him to keep up this form. Many teams try and bring him out of the paint and have greater success if they are strong from three. The important thing is that he's showing the maturity to remain calm. He is someone who has a huge impact on the game. He draws a lot of fouls and he has to put up with that. People often try and wind him up but he's doing brilliantly."
Atmosphere
“The fans will give us an energy boost from the start and they won't allow our heads drop if things aren't going for us. There won't be any issues. The Palacio will be packed out and they'll back us against a very good Partizan team. I'm convinced, there will be a great atmosphere supporting the team."
Heart or head?
“Both are important. With a depleted squad, we'll have to really compensate with our heart. We must be able to contribute as a group, to ensure these injuries aren't noted too much. It's important to have clear heads to avoid that anxiety but we need the heart to compensate for physical shortcomings."
“He's done well in the game he's been able to play. He helps us find solutions in defense and offense. I'd love him to keep up this form. Many teams try and bring him out of the paint and have greater success if they are strong from three. The important thing is that he's showing the maturity to remain calm. He is someone who has a huge impact on the game. He draws a lot of fouls and he has to put up with that. People often try and wind him up but he's doing brilliantly."
Atmosphere
“The fans will give us an energy boost from the start and they won't allow our heads drop if things aren't going for us. There won't be any issues. The Palacio will be packed out and they'll back us against a very good Partizan team. I'm convinced, there will be a great atmosphere supporting the team."
Heart or head?
“Both are important. With a depleted squad, we'll have to really compensate with our heart. We must be able to contribute as a group, to ensure these injuries aren't noted too much. It's important to have clear heads to avoid that anxiety but we need the heart to compensate for physical shortcomings."