Pedro Martínez: "We would like to have an identity and for our play to be recognizable"

Pedro Martínez spoke to the media at the Ciudad Real Madrid and analyzed the EuroLeague Super Cup, which will take place on September 18 and 19 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The madridistas will face Dubai Basketball on Friday at 7:00 pm. Our coach stated: "It is a very strong competition because there are great teams. It is really a Final Four, although it is true that there are other great teams that are candidates to be in the Final Four. We'll see later, that's what the regular season is for. It’s top-level, maximum demand, right from the start. It’s going to be a good show. It’s a bit early for all the teams, but it’s a very good test to measure ourselves against great teams. We aim to present our best image, play our best, and compete at the highest level we can."

“Dubai is a team that has signed some excellent players. They have a new coach, who is a great coach. It will be a very tough first game, but we’re also eager to compete against one of the teams that has strengthened the most this year.”

Style
“What the staff and I would like is to have an identity, which is very important; for the players to trust and believe in what we train and for that to be recognizable to our fans. That’s where the connection is born: whether we win or lose, with more or less precision, the team plays a certain way and has a signature style. That signature is what we train for every day. So that certain actions in the game become habits for us. That’s the path we’re on; it doesn’t mean we’ll play like Valencia did last year, because what ultimately makes the difference are the players: their talent, quality, and characteristics. We would like to have an identity, to be a little different from how many teams play. The players are understanding the idea, and with our characteristics, I hope we develop a recognizable style of play. From there, our quality and that of our opponents will determine our position in the standings.”

Joining the club and preparation
“Juan Carlos Sánchez was the person. When I spoke with him, I had some initial doubts, but the conviction he conveyed and the great interest he showed gave me the sense that he believed in my work and that I was the ideal coach for Madrid. That interest from someone I respect greatly was decisive. I’m very comfortable with the structure Madrid has at the sports level. In other clubs, I had more responsibility in choosing players. I’m much more comfortable now. My opinion is valued, but there are other people responsible for knowing the market and deciding what type of player is needed.”

What has surprised you about coaching Real Madrid?
“I’m enjoying the experience. There will be tough days ahead when we lose, and I’ll handle that poorly for sure, but I’m enjoying the experience and the high level of professionalism at the club. The staff is incredible; the facilities, incredible; maximum professionalism at all levels. I also perceive a great level of demand. It’s good to challenge myself and to know that the club has very high expectations and that I, personally, have to give my best every day because that’s what the club expects from me. Being up to the standard is also a big challenge, and I try to approach my daily work with that mentality.”

Assimilating concepts
“I already knew that the players I’m coaching are very good. From that point of view, it’s what I expected. Players with impressive quality, who know how to play, who have talent and physical ability. What’s surprising me most positively is their mentality. I’m really enjoying the day-to-day. Today I told the players, ‘The preseason is over; we’re now entering official competition, and both our training and competition dynamics will change a bit.’ The players’ attitude has been extraordinary. For me, it’s very important that they come with a good disposition. The guys are motivated, and it will show. I don’t know when our best version will emerge—it won’t be immediately, of course—but I hope that from the first minute, our play will be consistent and that we develop a strong identity.”

“What I like most is their willingness to play together. One day, one player might stand out, and another day, someone else. We have quite a bit of talent, and I hope that this also becomes something unpredictable for our opponents. Hopefully, we’ll be able to build a collective style of play where all players feel important, where everyone has the ability and responsibility to shoot, score, pass, and defend, and that this becomes our signature style.”

Importance of the EuroLeague Super Cup
“It’s immense. We live in the present, and the most important competition we have to play right now is this one. When it’s over, we’ll focus on the next one. Right now, it has to be the most important competition of the year.”

Preparation time
“I’m a fairly impatient person and would need about 40 or 50 more training sessions than we’ve had, and then I’d probably say I need 10 more. We’ve had the time we’ve had to train. Physically, we’re in good shape because we’ve only had some minor injury issues, which are things we can’t control. Everyone is healthy, and we’re improving, but we’re still short on time. The positive part is that our opponents haven’t trained more than we have, so the competition will be evenly matched. I hope we keep improving, and I’m sure that over time, we’ll be better than we are now. We have to stay on our path and be patient.”