Chus Mateo: “The team is in good shape and confident”
“We're determined to keep up this good momentum in the EuroLeague,” said Rudy ahead of the Real Madrid-Bayern Munich clash.
Chus Mateo and Rudy Fernández spoke ahead of the Real Madrid-Bayern Munich clash, on round 14 of the EuroLeague (Thursday, 8.45pm CET). The coach had the following to say: “We haven't played in EuroLeague at home for a while and we like playing here in front of our home fans. I think we're all enjoying what we're doing and what's important is that we're winning.”
“The team is confident and we're in good shape physically. We've been worn out by two EuroLeague double-headers but this week we've had a bit more time to prepare. But we're confident and we feel strong. Regarding Yabusele, he's starting to do things but he's still recovering. He's not yet ready to enter the regular dynamic of the team.”
Performance on the road
“I'm not surprised. I can see how well the team works every day and how good the atmosphere is in the dressing room. What I like is to see how we compete regardless of whether we win or lose. The team is ready to compete against anyone and that's the most important thing. I was very pleased that we made a statement because the two games in Athens were big with such atmospheres. It shows character.”
On Pablo Laso
“We know each other very well. We spent eight years working side by side. He was the one who made the decisions when I was alongside him. He knows us because the style we have now is a continuity of the style he introduced here. That style is still there, although now there are different things. He's a legend at this club. I like to see him do well and I wish him all the best. This has been and remains his home."
“He's very fond of Real Madrid and I'm sure he wants things to go well for us. The fans are going to welcome him warmly because he deserves it, with the affection that everyone has for him. He's been here for many years and has done a lot of good things for this club. He's the coach with the most games at Real Madrid. I have a lot of fond memories with him.”
Bayern Munich
“They're playing very well, and are closer than ever to getting into the playoffs. They rebound very well and we have to be very watchful. They also have Ibaka who is also coming back. We're defending well most of the time because we're attacking well; it helps you to be well positioned defensively. The two things are connected. What I like most is that the team is enjoying the endeavour. It says a lot for the future."
Rudy: “Coming home is something we’re really looking forward to”
“The big games, like in the EuroLeague, and on top of that, coming home after three weeks away is something we’re really looking forward to. We are focused on a game that's going to be tough and emotional because of Laso's return to the WiZink Center. But, at the same time, we're determined to keep up this good momentum in the EuroLeague.”
“We're in this good form because of the work we do every day, because of the team's mentality to give everything we've got in every game and to put aside all the talk about us because of the victories. We have to be motivated to keep on improving and go into to the final stretch of the season in good shape.”
The opposition
“At the beginning, they struggled to get into a rhythm, but they improved with the incorporation of the Germans who were at the World Cup and Ibaka, who has given them that experienced mentality when it comes to facing EuroLeague games. It'll be a tough game. At the same time we're happy that the legend that is Pablo Laso is coming back here.”