Chus Mateo: “The team's in good shape and we're going into the Kaunas game optimistic”
“The atmosphere there is always amazing and it's also great for us to play on a stage like that', said Hezonja.
Chus Mateo and Mario Hezonja gave their thoughts on Real Madrid's game against Zalgiris in round 14 of the EuroLeague Thursday, 19:00; 7pm. The coach said in the build up to the game: "The team's in good shape. We've got a very tough week with lots of travelling involved, but we're going into this game optimistic, aware that it won't be easy playing in Kaunas. The fans pack the stadium, they're looking forward to watching Real Madrid play their team and they're very strong at home".
"They're a dangerous side. They're pushing to get into the playoff places and they're a tough team at home, we're going to have to fight harder than them. We obviously have to defend well but it's also important to find good shooting opportunities in our offensive play, because they can change you defensively. They've got a very physical team so we'll have to play well in attack, make a lot of blocks, move onto the paint and distribute play from there".
"They're a dangerous side. They're pushing to get into the playoff places and they're a tough team at home, we're going to have to fight harder than them. We obviously have to defend well but it's also important to find good shooting opportunities in our offensive play, because they can change you defensively. They've got a very physical team so we'll have to play well in attack, make a lot of blocks, move onto the paint and distribute play from there".
Hezonja: "The team responded well"
"Zalgiris are a great team and they're having a good season. We're doing well, particularly off the back of a hard-fought victory in Germany, so we'll go out there looking to put in a good performance and get the win. The atmosphere at the Zalgirio Arena is always amazing. The fans really get behind Zalgiris, but it's also great for us to play on a stage like that".
"It's going to be a very tough game, but we're ready. We struggled a bit yesterday in defensive rebounding and we'll have to improve in that regard against Zalgiris. We'll also have to be especially focused to avoid turnovers. In the most important moments of the game, the team has always responded well and hopefully it will be the same".
"Zalgiris are a great team and they're having a good season. We're doing well, particularly off the back of a hard-fought victory in Germany, so we'll go out there looking to put in a good performance and get the win. The atmosphere at the Zalgirio Arena is always amazing. The fans really get behind Zalgiris, but it's also great for us to play on a stage like that".
"It's going to be a very tough game, but we're ready. We struggled a bit yesterday in defensive rebounding and we'll have to improve in that regard against Zalgiris. We'll also have to be especially focused to avoid turnovers. In the most important moments of the game, the team has always responded well and hopefully it will be the same".