Chus Mateo: “We have to be good in defense to limit Baskonia's scoring”
“We have to look after the ball so they don't run away with it, and deliver a complete display for 40 minutes”, explained the coach.
Real Madrid coach Chus Mateo spoke to the press in the build-up to the game against Cazoo Baskonia at the Buesa Arena on matchday five in the League 7:15pm CEST: “That's what the calendar has thrown up. Three games in a row with barely any time to recover but it's the way it is. We have to go into the game with a good attitude and full of energy… We have a deep squad. Not everyone is available as we'd like but we have to take it on with the thought we can win it and in the best possible condition”.
“Baskonia are playing really well, showing good pace, little possessions. They attack very quickly and find the basket in just a few seconds. They play very direct and have loads of offensive talent. We'll have to be good in defense to limit their point-scoring. They're the best team from the three-point line, they shoot more than any other and have the best percentages, they score more than anyone else and we'll have to be switched on at the back”.
Demanding trip
“It's a difficult place to go, they put the pressure on. Baskonia are giving their fans something to cheer about and they really get behind the team at home. We have to forget about the atmosphere and gradually work on doing things right. We have to look after the ball so they don't run away with it, and deliver a complete display for 40 minutes. What we're trying to do in the two most difficult competitions is to put ourselves in the best possible position in order to guarantee a place at the moments when everything is still all to play for'.
“Baskonia are playing really well, showing good pace, little possessions. They attack very quickly and find the basket in just a few seconds. They play very direct and have loads of offensive talent. We'll have to be good in defense to limit their point-scoring. They're the best team from the three-point line, they shoot more than any other and have the best percentages, they score more than anyone else and we'll have to be switched on at the back”.
Demanding trip
“It's a difficult place to go, they put the pressure on. Baskonia are giving their fans something to cheer about and they really get behind the team at home. We have to forget about the atmosphere and gradually work on doing things right. We have to look after the ball so they don't run away with it, and deliver a complete display for 40 minutes. What we're trying to do in the two most difficult competitions is to put ourselves in the best possible position in order to guarantee a place at the moments when everything is still all to play for'.