Chus Mateo: 'We're starting a new competition and we're excited about it'
'The Euroleague is very challenging; there are some great teams and we have to try to improve along the way', added Llull.
Chus Mateo, Llull and Hezonja spoke to the media to discuss the Euroleague opener between Panathinaikos and Real Madrid, taking place at the OAKA Arena Thursday, 8pm CEST. The Real Madrid coach said: "We're looking forward to the game because we've been working well and are moving in the direction we wanted to. It's a new competition and we're excited about it. The Euroleague is very exciting for everyone and one of the toughest competitions in team sport".
"Abalde is slowly being introduced to training sessions. We'll have the same twelve as the other day against Obradoiro. We've got a big and reliable squad to go into these games".
The opponents
"This is a new Panathinaikos side, they've got new players and are motivated. They've got some key players like Papagiannis who is still with them. We know how they'll play at home, high pressure and stong defensive play. They're a stubborn team and there's no room for error when you go to Athens, you have to be fully focused and look after the ball".
Ndiaye and Hugo González
"They're fresh blood and good players. They're enthusiastic in what they're doing and hopefully they'll have a big part to play in the future".
Llull: "We're extremely motivated"
"The Euroleague is a very demanding competition, getting to the Final Four isn't easy. We're extremely motivated and we're really looking forward to the start of a new campaign and our objective is to make it to the Final Four again. There are some great teams involved and it's a very long season in which you have to try to improve and be in good shape for the playoffs. We will then try to qualify for the Final Four and compete to win the title, which is what is expected of us when we wear this jersey".
"Abalde is slowly being introduced to training sessions. We'll have the same twelve as the other day against Obradoiro. We've got a big and reliable squad to go into these games".
The opponents
"This is a new Panathinaikos side, they've got new players and are motivated. They've got some key players like Papagiannis who is still with them. We know how they'll play at home, high pressure and stong defensive play. They're a stubborn team and there's no room for error when you go to Athens, you have to be fully focused and look after the ball".
Ndiaye and Hugo González
"They're fresh blood and good players. They're enthusiastic in what they're doing and hopefully they'll have a big part to play in the future".
Llull: "We're extremely motivated"
"The Euroleague is a very demanding competition, getting to the Final Four isn't easy. We're extremely motivated and we're really looking forward to the start of a new campaign and our objective is to make it to the Final Four again. There are some great teams involved and it's a very long season in which you have to try to improve and be in good shape for the playoffs. We will then try to qualify for the Final Four and compete to win the title, which is what is expected of us when we wear this jersey".
Athens
'We're expecting a very tough game. They've strengthened their squad very well and I'm certain that it'll be a very tough and demanding game on their home court, with their fans behind them. We'll try to go out and play our game and control the tempo of the game in order to get off to a good start in the Euroleague'.
New signings
'They're doing very well. Everyone who is new has worked hard to settle in as quickly as possible. They're going bring us a real improvement in quality. They're very talented players and they know what play for Real Madrid is all about'.
Hezonja: 'I can't wait to get started in the Euroleague'
'I'm really looking forward to getting started in the Euroleague and achieving something big, it's the biggest competition on the continent. Real Madrid is a huge club, rightfully the greatest of all time, and I love the fact that all the players are on the same page. Everybody wants to go out and win every game and every trophy. That makes me, as a player with a winning mentality, very happy'.
Settling in
'It's a very different club to everywhere else I've been. Not just the basketball, but the organisation, the people... I get the feeling that everyone's on the same page and wants to help the team win. The club structure, the football, the residential facilities, Real Madrid City... it's incredible, something I've never seen before, not even in the NBA'.
Personal situation
'I've learned a lot in the last few seasons after deciding to leave the NBA to come back to Europe. I think I'm in my prime right now, especially in terms of maturity'.
'We're expecting a very tough game. They've strengthened their squad very well and I'm certain that it'll be a very tough and demanding game on their home court, with their fans behind them. We'll try to go out and play our game and control the tempo of the game in order to get off to a good start in the Euroleague'.
New signings
'They're doing very well. Everyone who is new has worked hard to settle in as quickly as possible. They're going bring us a real improvement in quality. They're very talented players and they know what play for Real Madrid is all about'.
Hezonja: 'I can't wait to get started in the Euroleague'
'I'm really looking forward to getting started in the Euroleague and achieving something big, it's the biggest competition on the continent. Real Madrid is a huge club, rightfully the greatest of all time, and I love the fact that all the players are on the same page. Everybody wants to go out and win every game and every trophy. That makes me, as a player with a winning mentality, very happy'.
Settling in
'It's a very different club to everywhere else I've been. Not just the basketball, but the organisation, the people... I get the feeling that everyone's on the same page and wants to help the team win. The club structure, the football, the residential facilities, Real Madrid City... it's incredible, something I've never seen before, not even in the NBA'.
Personal situation
'I've learned a lot in the last few seasons after deciding to leave the NBA to come back to Europe. I think I'm in my prime right now, especially in terms of maturity'.