Laso: “The team will put on their best display Tel Aviv'
“We're going to come up against a much more aggressive and energetic Maccabi side”, said Poirier.
Pablo Laso and Vincent Poirier gave their thoughts on the third game in the EuroLeague playoffs against Maccabi 8:05pm CEST. The coach discussed the game that will take place in Israel: " I said from the first day that we were in for a very tough playoff. It's another game for us and different one. When a Euroleague quarter-final tie ends, you have to put it behind you and focus on what's coming. Every time there are changes and different tactical scenarios".
"We're away from home on a very difficult court. We're expecting a big atmosphere in Tel Aviv. Maccabi are very good on their home court with their fans behind them, which enhances their very aggressive offensive style. We'll have to get a lot right in order to come away with a win".
Schedule
" It would have been foolish to force players yesterday. We were very competitive and won a very difficult game. It's difficult to keep up the competitive edge and we're forced to have it every day due to the schedule. It's good that the team displayed a good competitive level, given the fact that it was the fourth game in seven days. We're aware of the point of the season we're at and the team looks good".
"We're away from home on a very difficult court. We're expecting a big atmosphere in Tel Aviv. Maccabi are very good on their home court with their fans behind them, which enhances their very aggressive offensive style. We'll have to get a lot right in order to come away with a win".
Schedule
" It would have been foolish to force players yesterday. We were very competitive and won a very difficult game. It's difficult to keep up the competitive edge and we're forced to have it every day due to the schedule. It's good that the team displayed a good competitive level, given the fact that it was the fourth game in seven days. We're aware of the point of the season we're at and the team looks good".
Team momentum
"Maccabi came into the playoffs with six wins in a row. I don't think that a good or bad run of form determines whether you win or lose. This week the team has shown a very good side. The team has responded well considering the areas that can be improved and I think they'll be able to put on their best display. We can't fault the team for anything this season".
Taylor and Williams-Goss
"We're hoping that Taylor will be back as soon as possible and be able to help us in the way he wants to. Hopefully he can do so in the third game. Williams-Goss is a point guard at Real Madrid and that's not easy, but he's done a good job throughout the season. He's now playing at a very high level and he's in good shape physically. He's very important for us defensively and he's leading the attack, irrespective of the points scored. I'm really pleased with his contribution".
Poirier: "We're going to give our all to get the win"
"I fully expect a very physical and demanding game in every aspect. The Menora Mivtachim Arena is a very difficult place to play, the Maccabi fans get right behind their team. We're going to come up against a much more aggressive and energetic Maccabi side. Playing at home is a bonus for them and makes them much more dangerous. We have to stick together as a team, be aggressive from the off, remain focused for the whole 40 minutes and give our all to get the win".
"Maccabi came into the playoffs with six wins in a row. I don't think that a good or bad run of form determines whether you win or lose. This week the team has shown a very good side. The team has responded well considering the areas that can be improved and I think they'll be able to put on their best display. We can't fault the team for anything this season".
Taylor and Williams-Goss
"We're hoping that Taylor will be back as soon as possible and be able to help us in the way he wants to. Hopefully he can do so in the third game. Williams-Goss is a point guard at Real Madrid and that's not easy, but he's done a good job throughout the season. He's now playing at a very high level and he's in good shape physically. He's very important for us defensively and he's leading the attack, irrespective of the points scored. I'm really pleased with his contribution".
Poirier: "We're going to give our all to get the win"
"I fully expect a very physical and demanding game in every aspect. The Menora Mivtachim Arena is a very difficult place to play, the Maccabi fans get right behind their team. We're going to come up against a much more aggressive and energetic Maccabi side. Playing at home is a bonus for them and makes them much more dangerous. We have to stick together as a team, be aggressive from the off, remain focused for the whole 40 minutes and give our all to get the win".