Chus Mateo: "We're expecting a tough, long and emotionally charged game"
"We're really eager to win la Liga," Hezonja said at the presentation of the title playoffs.
Chus Mateo and Hezonja appeared before the media at the presentation of the Endesa League final. The Real Madrid coach analysed the title series against Valencia Basket, which begins this Friday at the Movistar Arena (9:15pm CEST): "We're probably the two teams on the best form, having played at an extraordinary level throughout the Regular League. There were many teams involved that could easily have been here. We're expecting a tough, long, and emotionally charged series for all the fans. That's the appeal of this league, the competitiveness and the high standard of basketball."
"You can't comprehend a season, in any team, without working hard, being serious, and trying to give your all. Competing in every game you play during the Regular Season, and as we are doing in these playoffs: respecting your opponent and playing with honesty and seriousness. The titles are undoubtedly for the club I play for and the colours I defend, something that is expected in advance. It's normal and logical, but for me, the most important thing is to do things right. Sometimes you win three titles in a season, like last season, and it seems normal when it's extraordinary. And other times, even when you do a very good job, you don't win. That can happen too. If you've given your all, you can't ask for more. We're going to try to win, as we always do, and we're going to try to play well from the first minute. That's the way to win titles."
Opinion on Valencia Basket
"We respect all our opponents very much. But if there's one team this year that has shown a very distinct style and is getting results, it's Valencia Basket. Playing the way they play, being so clear about what they're doing, and playing such attractive and unusual basketball make them a really dangerous team. They break the mould and are capable of surprising you. They have players of the highest quality who understand how to play as a team. They deserve a lot of credit, and we know what they are capable of. They know what it means to play in a final and win a league title."
Experience in finals
"The experience we have this year is of being knocked down many times and getting back up. It hasn't been an easy season, especially the first half. Experience is gained with a group, and the group has been able to get back up many times; that gives me confidence. They have fought through bad times when we have lost, and we have had a good final stretch. We have been able to revive ourselves and win difficult games. To reach this final, you need a competitive mentality... and that's what we have."
Hezonja: "I think the two best teams are in the final‘
"I love how Valencia Basket play. They may be the team I've seen the most this season. They're playing the kind of modern basketball that I love, and the fans love too. We respect everyone, especially Valencia, as it's a final."
"I think the two best teams are in the final. We're really looking forward to winning it."
Difference in rest time between the two teams
"Individually, I don't care at all. If we can skip the holidays and play all the time, that's fine with me. That's how it is with the Euroleague, and it happens to all the teams in the Liga. The only thing that bothers me is that, in the end, we don't see the best basketball, and it should be the best. But for me, if we can play every day all year long, I'm happy."