Chus Mateo: “The key to winning el Clásico is to match or exceed their energy level”
“We're ready and we also have the support of our fans”, said Musa.
Chus Mateo and Dzanan Musa spoke in the run-up to the EuroLeague Clásico in round 21, which will take place at the WiZink Center 19:00; Dazn. The Madrid coach gave his thoughts on the game: 'It's still a regular season game, with it's own relevance, but a Clásico is always a Clásico. A lot of people love this game thanks to the historic rivalry and it's special for everyone. What's important is that we have a good basketball atmosphere at the WiZinkCenter and that the fans get behind us like they always do'.
'The team is aware of how to win this kind of games and the key to winning is to match or exceed their energy level. We have highlighted important aspects such as rebounding, one-on-ones, defensive balance, pick-and-roll defence. These are issues we address when playing Barça and the rest of our opponents. It'll be a very difficult game like every game against Barcelona. They're a complete team in every aspect'.
Versatile players
'Some players are pure point guards and others can play it well. We're trying to make sure that we have everybody available and that they can all be utilised. Llull and Hanga are able to play as point guards and small forwards. Deck and Hezonja can play as a '4' at times. It's a long season and we must try to handle this correctly. The team allows for a lot of signings at different times, but we're gradually narrowing it down and everyone knows who has to play at any given moment'.
'The team is aware of how to win this kind of games and the key to winning is to match or exceed their energy level. We have highlighted important aspects such as rebounding, one-on-ones, defensive balance, pick-and-roll defence. These are issues we address when playing Barça and the rest of our opponents. It'll be a very difficult game like every game against Barcelona. They're a complete team in every aspect'.
Versatile players
'Some players are pure point guards and others can play it well. We're trying to make sure that we have everybody available and that they can all be utilised. Llull and Hanga are able to play as point guards and small forwards. Deck and Hezonja can play as a '4' at times. It's a long season and we must try to handle this correctly. The team allows for a lot of signings at different times, but we're gradually narrowing it down and everyone knows who has to play at any given moment'.
Musa: 'Every Clásico is different'
'Playing in a Clásico is very special. Both teams are level on wins and it's an important game. We have to bring enough energy to win a game that won't be easy. Every game against Barça is different. We won the most important match of the season against them in the Super Cup. We have to approach this game with the right mentality and we're looking forward to it'.
Keys factors in the game
'We can't concede turnovers, we must be solid on the offensive rebound and dominate the defensive rebounding. This is one of the keys factors to getting a result in the game, we can't give them second chances to score. They are a very athletic team and bring a lot of energy to the game'.
'It would be important to win because there are four teams tied for first place and a win would put us on top. We're going to be geared up to get the win. We also have the support of our fans and that will be very important'.
'Playing in a Clásico is very special. Both teams are level on wins and it's an important game. We have to bring enough energy to win a game that won't be easy. Every game against Barça is different. We won the most important match of the season against them in the Super Cup. We have to approach this game with the right mentality and we're looking forward to it'.
Keys factors in the game
'We can't concede turnovers, we must be solid on the offensive rebound and dominate the defensive rebounding. This is one of the keys factors to getting a result in the game, we can't give them second chances to score. They are a very athletic team and bring a lot of energy to the game'.
'It would be important to win because there are four teams tied for first place and a win would put us on top. We're going to be geared up to get the win. We also have the support of our fans and that will be very important'.