Chus Mateo: “The team is feeling good ahead of the game against Virtus”
“We're right at the start of the season and we have a lot of room for improvement', explained Abalde.
Chus Mateo and Alberto Abalde spoke to the press in the build-up to Real Madrid's clash with Virtus Bologna on Euroleague matchday five Thursday, 8:45pm CEST. The coach commented: “We have to ensure we have less ups and downs generally, make fewer unforced errors and improve concentration. Our goal is to be consistent and look forward. We always try to get into the paint and playing aggressively on the inside is how we get the opposition to drop deep and give us free shots. It's important to find a balance between defense and offense. We're going to try and be more consistent in the things we do well and make sure errors aren't repeated, but we're feeling good".
“Every match is different and there will be spells of good play and moments of doubt, we'll win games and we'll lose some. That's the way it is over the course of the year and how it's always been. The most important thing is to stay calm and not lose sight of our goal, we need to do things right. We won the first trophy a month ago. Now we keep going and we're trying to take steps in the right direction in a marathon race. We'll get better the longer we all work together. We have to be very clear about how to get to the title-deciders in the best possible shape".
Physical condition of the squad
“We've decided to give Causeur a break because he's been struggling with the tendon in his knee for a while and he's got fasciitis in the other foot. Knowing that we may get more injuries given the efforts being put in by the same group of players without too much rotation, and with such a demanding schedule, we decided to rest him. We'll see how he progresses. Williams-Goss is coming back into the team, he's been out for a long time so we'll take it slowly. He won't play tomorrow. Hanga has progressed nicely and he'll most likely be involved".
“Every match is different and there will be spells of good play and moments of doubt, we'll win games and we'll lose some. That's the way it is over the course of the year and how it's always been. The most important thing is to stay calm and not lose sight of our goal, we need to do things right. We won the first trophy a month ago. Now we keep going and we're trying to take steps in the right direction in a marathon race. We'll get better the longer we all work together. We have to be very clear about how to get to the title-deciders in the best possible shape".
Physical condition of the squad
“We've decided to give Causeur a break because he's been struggling with the tendon in his knee for a while and he's got fasciitis in the other foot. Knowing that we may get more injuries given the efforts being put in by the same group of players without too much rotation, and with such a demanding schedule, we decided to rest him. We'll see how he progresses. Williams-Goss is coming back into the team, he's been out for a long time so we'll take it slowly. He won't play tomorrow. Hanga has progressed nicely and he'll most likely be involved".
Opposition
“They're dark horses to get into the play-offs. They have a lot of talent, are well coached by someone we all know very well and who prepares meticulously for every game. They have guys who have experience in European competition at every level. We'll see how they work with Shengelia if he comes in because he's bound to have a big impact. We have to defend well and look at their weaker areas”.
Abalde: “It'll be a tough match”
“We're up against tough opposition. We know we'll have to put in a good performance to beat them. We're only focusing on ourselves. We're right at the start of the season, we have a lot of room for improvement and we're using every game to grow, but it's important to win the game at home. It will be a tough match, as they all are in the Euroleague".
“We all have to step up, put on a good display, boost morale and keep growing. We have to dominate on the things we do best: impose our physicality, dominate the rebound and set the pace. I'm feeling better with every passing day and I'm hungry to help the team".
“They're dark horses to get into the play-offs. They have a lot of talent, are well coached by someone we all know very well and who prepares meticulously for every game. They have guys who have experience in European competition at every level. We'll see how they work with Shengelia if he comes in because he's bound to have a big impact. We have to defend well and look at their weaker areas”.
Abalde: “It'll be a tough match”
“We're up against tough opposition. We know we'll have to put in a good performance to beat them. We're only focusing on ourselves. We're right at the start of the season, we have a lot of room for improvement and we're using every game to grow, but it's important to win the game at home. It will be a tough match, as they all are in the Euroleague".
“We all have to step up, put on a good display, boost morale and keep growing. We have to dominate on the things we do best: impose our physicality, dominate the rebound and set the pace. I'm feeling better with every passing day and I'm hungry to help the team".