Chus Mateo: “We picked up an important win'
“The team got down and did the dirty work in a tough game', said the coach following the win in Granada.
Chus Mateo assessed Real Madrid's win at Coviran Granada following the matchday 16 clash in the League: 'We've picked up an important win. We knew it would be tough and it was just that. Granada set up really well, we weren't aggressive enough early on and didn't execute our shooting well. In the second half, although we didn't start brilliantly, we came back into it based on our defense and started running more. The end result was a 20-point difference but it was tight all the way through. We have come through a difficult week, it's been non-stop with a lot of travelling. Once we focused, we started playing much better'.
“I always ask the players to give 100%. The team wasn't lacking anything because we won the game and I'm thrilled, let's keep taking steps forward. We managed to win it today and that's the most important thing”.
Calendar
“It has been a difficult week, just like for all the teams who play in the Euroleague. It is what it is and we have to accept it. We have to understand it's very tough to be at the top level every day. We struggled at the beginning of the game today but we always had respect for Granada. The team got down and did the dirty work in a tough game'.
Rudy returns
“We have a 15-man squad. Deck will be back soon, we have to bring the guys back into the team slowly. We have to stay just as solid, regardless of the changes we make. That's the only way we're able to stay competitive in such demanding competitions. Rudy is fine and I hope we can see his best again very soon, but he needs to play and we have to be patient'.
Granada
“It's lovely to come to Granada. We have such affection for a city and a fan base who always give us such a great welcome. We felt their warmth and I hope they can keep enjoying ACB basketball for many years because it's beautiful to come and play here'.
“I always ask the players to give 100%. The team wasn't lacking anything because we won the game and I'm thrilled, let's keep taking steps forward. We managed to win it today and that's the most important thing”.
Calendar
“It has been a difficult week, just like for all the teams who play in the Euroleague. It is what it is and we have to accept it. We have to understand it's very tough to be at the top level every day. We struggled at the beginning of the game today but we always had respect for Granada. The team got down and did the dirty work in a tough game'.
Rudy returns
“We have a 15-man squad. Deck will be back soon, we have to bring the guys back into the team slowly. We have to stay just as solid, regardless of the changes we make. That's the only way we're able to stay competitive in such demanding competitions. Rudy is fine and I hope we can see his best again very soon, but he needs to play and we have to be patient'.
Granada
“It's lovely to come to Granada. We have such affection for a city and a fan base who always give us such a great welcome. We felt their warmth and I hope they can keep enjoying ACB basketball for many years because it's beautiful to come and play here'.