Chus Mateo: “We'll have to play even better if we want to win Game 4'
“These are the moments when we have to step up,' said Tavares.
Real Madrid coach Chus Mateo, and players Tavares and Williams-Goss, spoke to the press in the build-up to the fourth EuroLeague playoff game against Partizan, set to be played in Belgrade Thursday 8:30pm CEST. The coach reflected on the clash: “We're eager to recover from the first two games in Madrid. Yesterday, despite not starting so well in Game 3, we recovered mentally and were able to come back. We stuck together and played better than we have been doing for spells.'.
'I hope we are well aware that we'll have to play even better if we want to win Game 4. It won't be at all easy. I hope we start better and don't have to come from behind again, and I hope we can find enough to get the better of Partizan.”
Defense
“We're struggling to deal with the one-on-ones against a team with such depth, who attack well with their drives to the basket and opening up to the perimeter too. Yesterday we successfully understood that the defensive distances were a lot better, we defended better as a unit and this alternative approach made them think again at times. We really improved a lot towards the end of the second quarter, the third and the fourth. From there, we were able to run, rebound and put ourselves in a position to win the game.'
Attitude
“So far, we can have a single doubt about this team because we should be proud of the effort they are making. They are giving it everything they have to try and make sure the series doesn't end here. We have fought well in every game, the other side of it is how we've managed things at certain times.'
'I hope we are well aware that we'll have to play even better if we want to win Game 4. It won't be at all easy. I hope we start better and don't have to come from behind again, and I hope we can find enough to get the better of Partizan.”
Defense
“We're struggling to deal with the one-on-ones against a team with such depth, who attack well with their drives to the basket and opening up to the perimeter too. Yesterday we successfully understood that the defensive distances were a lot better, we defended better as a unit and this alternative approach made them think again at times. We really improved a lot towards the end of the second quarter, the third and the fourth. From there, we were able to run, rebound and put ourselves in a position to win the game.'
Attitude
“So far, we can have a single doubt about this team because we should be proud of the effort they are making. They are giving it everything they have to try and make sure the series doesn't end here. We have fought well in every game, the other side of it is how we've managed things at certain times.'
Tavares: “These games are huge motivation”
“These games are huge motivation for us. We know where we're playing, the club we're at, and these are the moments when we have to step up. We put in a great performance yesterday but we know number four will be much harder. It's a pleasure to play at a court like this in front of so many people. We have to enjoy these moments."
On an individual level
“I try and make sure I am always prepared for anything the coach needs from me. We knew Poirier had a little injury issue and I prepared mentally to help the team."
Looking at the football team
“What they have done for so many years, particularly last year, to win the titles they have, should serve as an example to us. We should follow in their footsteps and do the best we possibly can."
On Lessort's return
“It's good news for them. He's a key player in their system and it will be tough but we have to be ready to go out and win it so we can take this back to Madrid."
Williams-Goss: “We have to stick together and stay focused”
“We have to stick together and stay focused because it will be a heated atmosphere once again. Every game is different and we have the chance to force a fifth game in Madrid, so we're going to go all out to do so."
Praise for the team
“It felt great when the three-pointer went in but the most important thing is that we won the game. We have a great team full of great players and any one of them can step up."
“These games are huge motivation for us. We know where we're playing, the club we're at, and these are the moments when we have to step up. We put in a great performance yesterday but we know number four will be much harder. It's a pleasure to play at a court like this in front of so many people. We have to enjoy these moments."
On an individual level
“I try and make sure I am always prepared for anything the coach needs from me. We knew Poirier had a little injury issue and I prepared mentally to help the team."
Looking at the football team
“What they have done for so many years, particularly last year, to win the titles they have, should serve as an example to us. We should follow in their footsteps and do the best we possibly can."
On Lessort's return
“It's good news for them. He's a key player in their system and it will be tough but we have to be ready to go out and win it so we can take this back to Madrid."
Williams-Goss: “We have to stick together and stay focused”
“We have to stick together and stay focused because it will be a heated atmosphere once again. Every game is different and we have the chance to force a fifth game in Madrid, so we're going to go all out to do so."
Praise for the team
“It felt great when the three-pointer went in but the most important thing is that we won the game. We have a great team full of great players and any one of them can step up."