Pedro Martínez: “We are eager to play a good game against Maccabi”
"It is a team with very experienced players who have been playing with the same coach for a long time," explained the coach.
Pedro Martínez spoke ahead of the game between Real Madrid and Maccabi, corresponding to Round 7 of the EuroLeague, which will be held in Belgrade (Thursday, 8:05 pm CEST; Movistar Basketball): “We are motivated and eager to play a good game and try to come out on top. We have a lot of respect for the opponent because they won the other day on Valencia's court with an outstanding performance. They have very experienced players who have been playing with the same coach for a long time.”
“We are focused on the matches we have now, and we are counting on the players who we believe can deliver the most. We are also considering that we will be playing, if all goes well, over 90 matches. We have to manage the minutes a bit to ensure the team always stays above individual situations. As a coach, I can’t focus on whether a player plays a lot or a little. My responsibility is with the entire team, and I try to ensure everyone feels confident, feels important, and we’ll see how the season unfolds.”
Offensive rhythm
“The scope for improvement will depend on the opponent. There will be games where we score 70 points and win, and others where we lose. We are prepared and also train for games of a different kind, where we will face other challenges and play at a different pace.”
Nick Smith Jr.
“He is a 22-year-old player. He is doing very well in training, and I think he will continue to improve. We cannot forget his age and his lack of experience. He comes from a different basketball environment, where the rules are different, and the training and playing styles are different. He is in the process. And then we also cannot ignore the reality that we are Real Madrid, and all the players are very good, with great competition for their position.”
Shulga
“I am happy with him, happy to have him on the team and with how he is training. As of today, he is not getting minutes, but that is my decision. I am responsible for it, but it has nothing to do with the player's quality, mentality, or daily work. And I have already told him this; he knows it.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.