Chus Mateo: “We managed the score well”
“We have to continue along this path and be consistent”, said Tavares, who was the MVP in the win against Betis.
In Seville, Real Madrid secured their seventh league victory after overcoming Real Betis. Chus Mateo, Walter Tavares and Mario Hezonja analysed the game. The madridista coach had the following to say in the press conference: “We needed to learn a bit of a lesson from Zaragoza, because we had to make up for that lapse. It deserves credit after the players' effort in an extremely tough month of November. We were good, we managed the score well and we didn't let them get back on track. I'm pleased because we've picked up another win.”
“We began a bit sluggishly at the start, but we became more focused in the first quarter. We knew how tough it had been in the previous weeks and we had to change our mindset from the EuroLeague. It took us a while to find our rhythm, but then we gradually picked up and we had a few moments when we could build up a bigger gap. We controlled the game without playing outstandingly well.”
Spreading around the minutes
“We have a big squad but one that pushes itself to the maximum in every game. We had a double header in the EuroLeague and it’s important to have a large squad to be able to spread out the minutes. Some players are stepping up. When there’s a chance to do so, we do it, but everything has to be at our best.”
“We began a bit sluggishly at the start, but we became more focused in the first quarter. We knew how tough it had been in the previous weeks and we had to change our mindset from the EuroLeague. It took us a while to find our rhythm, but then we gradually picked up and we had a few moments when we could build up a bigger gap. We controlled the game without playing outstandingly well.”
Spreading around the minutes
“We have a big squad but one that pushes itself to the maximum in every game. We had a double header in the EuroLeague and it’s important to have a large squad to be able to spread out the minutes. Some players are stepping up. When there’s a chance to do so, we do it, but everything has to be at our best.”
Competitiveness in the league
“We’re still very early in the season and there’re still a lot of regular league games to go. You have to get as high up the table as possible, the Liga Endesa is highly demanding. You can't be complacent. Defeating Real Madrid on many courts can be seen as a good thing for some, but it can help you come back from a bad situation. That's why we have to approach every game with total respect for our opponents.”
Tavares: “It was important to get the win”
“It was a tough game because it was the last game of the week and it was important to get the win to carry on improving as a team. Now we have a few days to recover and then we'll be back in action next Friday. We have to continue along this path and be consistent.”
Hezonja: “We fixed our mistakes from the start”
"We just played our game. We found it difficult at the start, but we fixed our mistakes and then we moved the ball well in attack and fought intensely in defence. We had to be physically stronger, and we were. We're glad to end the week with another win, but that's all it is. December’s going to be even tougher and we have to be ready".
“We’re still very early in the season and there’re still a lot of regular league games to go. You have to get as high up the table as possible, the Liga Endesa is highly demanding. You can't be complacent. Defeating Real Madrid on many courts can be seen as a good thing for some, but it can help you come back from a bad situation. That's why we have to approach every game with total respect for our opponents.”
Tavares: “It was important to get the win”
“It was a tough game because it was the last game of the week and it was important to get the win to carry on improving as a team. Now we have a few days to recover and then we'll be back in action next Friday. We have to continue along this path and be consistent.”
Hezonja: “We fixed our mistakes from the start”
"We just played our game. We found it difficult at the start, but we fixed our mistakes and then we moved the ball well in attack and fought intensely in defence. We had to be physically stronger, and we were. We're glad to end the week with another win, but that's all it is. December’s going to be even tougher and we have to be ready".