Laso: “We’re at a good point both physically and mentally”
“We're really looking forward to the game and can't wait to go out and play, give it everything and win”, said Yabusele in the press conference ahead of the final.
Pablo Laso and Yabusele spoke in the press conference for Real Madrid ahead of the EuroLeague final, which will be played at the Stark Arena in Belgrade 7pm CET. The coach had the following to say: “First we have to recover after the huge effort yesterday, this is normal in a Final Four. We have to see what state the team is in today and quickly change our mindset, because we’re playing against a different side. I think the team’s good, they’ve been working well all season. We’re at a good point both physically and mentally. I don’t know how I imagine the game, but it’s always about how we can win. I have massive respect for Efes. They’ve got great players and to beat them we’re going to have to get a lot of things right”.
How will the injury to Williams-Goss affect the team?
"It always has effect. He’s a player who was performing well for as in the position of point guard. He gave us defensive strength and led the attacks well. It' s bad luck to lose him. Any player who gets injured just before or in the Final Four is a setback. There is nothing we can do about it. We have to deal with that situation as best we can. I feel for him because I'm sure he would’ve loved to be with us in the final”.
“It was tough in the semi-finals. It was a big loss and it affected our game plan, but the other players responded well. He’s only twisted his ankle. We’re going to give him more tests and we’ll see what the actual situation is. He won’t be able to play”.
Nineteenth final
“We’ve heard a lot about the club’s legendary status and tradition that Real Madrid represents. It’s a historic team. As coach, I’m really proud to be part of this history that is written every day. I’m lucky to be able to coach great players, but this history is what drives us to be better. The fans that are behind us want to win but they feel most proud of the way their team works and what it transmits. That’s something that makes me proud and drives us to do better. I’m lucky to be at this great club and be able to manage these great players”.
The season
“I never doubted the team. Of course, we’ve had problems. It’s a long season. I would’ve liked to have everyone available, but things don’t always go your way in life. Now we’re hear. We’re in a great position and I’m delighted. I’m not speaking about the past because that’s gone”.
How to stop Larkin and Micic
“Efes are a great side regardless of the individuals. We know that Micic and Larkin can make a difference. If I put two defenders on each of them, they’re so good that they‘ll find someone else. In Game 5 of the playoffs last year, their best player was Singleton and the crucial three-pointer was scored by Simon. They’re two of the best players in the EuroLeague but what makes them good is the attention they command. I’m not thinking about trying to stop them, but rather about defending well as a team and we’re going to have to defend them well as a team”.
How do Madrid pick themselves up so many times when their down?
“I don’t have a magic potion. I firmly believe in the work the team’s doing and in their improvement. It's the way I am and my philosophy as a coach. I was very calm yesterday because the job’s done. On the motivational side, I always say that these are the easiest games for a coach because the motivation is there for them”.
Yabusele: “We're really looking forward to the game and we’ll give everything to win”
“We're really looking forward to the game and can't wait to go out and play, give it everything and win. I have spoken to Rudy and Llull. They’ve got a lot of experience in these games and I'm sure they’ll help me prepare the best. I always try to learn from the people around me and I’m proud to belong to this great club”.
Similarities between Celtics-Real Madrid
“NBA and European basketball are two different competitions, but for sure the winning mentality is there. Whether you play here or there, you have to do so with a lot of energy, give everything on the court and always try to win. I’m delighted to be here with Real Madrid”.