Chus Mateo: “We're on a good run at the moment but we mustn't take our foot off the gas”
'We're up against a very tough team and we're going to have to play very well to get the win', said Abalde prior to the trip to Valencia Basket.
Chus Mateo and Alberto Abalde were speaking ahead of Valencia Basket-Real Madrid, in round nine of the Euroleague Tuesday, 8:30pm CET. The coach gave his opinion on the game: 'It's extremely important to focus on the mental side of the game. We have to understand what kind of game awaits us and go into it ready. We have to get something from every play and make good decisions defensively. There will be good times and bad times for the team. We're still in a period of growth'.
'It's right that we've been playing very well lately, but what's important for us is to be ready for the moments when we have something to play for. We can't get too carried away with either victories or defeats. We're on a good run at the moment but we mustn't take our foot off the gas'.
Fixtures
'We have to stay focused and change our approach from one competition to the next. They're all very different games and the mental side plays an important part. They're very tight matches and we must keep our eyes on what's in front of us. We have to strive for consistency in our game. Some things have been very good and others not so good. We played well yesterday, but we'd be wrong to think that we're already on the right track. We'll take a backward step if we don't keep working on it. We can't question what we're doing'.
Opponents
'They deserve a lot of credit for their wins and they're looking for a degree of consistency. They're always a dangerous side, strong and, with the likes of Mumbrú, they will certainly play well. Valencia Basket will be determined. They'll be looking to make up for the last two defeats. It's possible to lose two games when a team is playing in the league and Euroleague and I'm sure they'll be at their best'.
'It's right that we've been playing very well lately, but what's important for us is to be ready for the moments when we have something to play for. We can't get too carried away with either victories or defeats. We're on a good run at the moment but we mustn't take our foot off the gas'.
Fixtures
'We have to stay focused and change our approach from one competition to the next. They're all very different games and the mental side plays an important part. They're very tight matches and we must keep our eyes on what's in front of us. We have to strive for consistency in our game. Some things have been very good and others not so good. We played well yesterday, but we'd be wrong to think that we're already on the right track. We'll take a backward step if we don't keep working on it. We can't question what we're doing'.
Opponents
'They deserve a lot of credit for their wins and they're looking for a degree of consistency. They're always a dangerous side, strong and, with the likes of Mumbrú, they will certainly play well. Valencia Basket will be determined. They'll be looking to make up for the last two defeats. It's possible to lose two games when a team is playing in the league and Euroleague and I'm sure they'll be at their best'.
Progress
'We've got a big squad. You don't think about Ndiaye, for example, but he had to fill in for Yabusele and he's been working hard since the start of the season to be ready for his moment. And the injured players will be back. We can't complain too much about injuries as we've got a big squad and everyone is working hard. Poirier was lacking in confidence and now he's finding it. He's playing very well now. We're all getting to know each other better and that helps us'.
Abalde: 'I feel better every day'
'Valencia Basket are a very tough team, very dangerous and have a lot of assets. If we want to get the win there, we're going to have to play very well. It's always a special game for me. I had three great years there and I made a lot of friends. I try to make the most of every day after the time I was out of action due to the injury. I feel better but it's difficult to get back to my best after a few months out'.
The team's form
'We're focused on what we have to do as a team, on continuing to improve. We're currently in a development phase. It helps the process when you're on a good run. We're happy with the wins but we're focused on what needs to be done'.
'We've got a big squad. You don't think about Ndiaye, for example, but he had to fill in for Yabusele and he's been working hard since the start of the season to be ready for his moment. And the injured players will be back. We can't complain too much about injuries as we've got a big squad and everyone is working hard. Poirier was lacking in confidence and now he's finding it. He's playing very well now. We're all getting to know each other better and that helps us'.
Abalde: 'I feel better every day'
'Valencia Basket are a very tough team, very dangerous and have a lot of assets. If we want to get the win there, we're going to have to play very well. It's always a special game for me. I had three great years there and I made a lot of friends. I try to make the most of every day after the time I was out of action due to the injury. I feel better but it's difficult to get back to my best after a few months out'.
The team's form
'We're focused on what we have to do as a team, on continuing to improve. We're currently in a development phase. It helps the process when you're on a good run. We're happy with the wins but we're focused on what needs to be done'.