Jasikevicius before Olympiacos-Fenerbahce: “At the start we had to rely heavily on defense”

21/05/202615:48

Saras Jasikevicius Virtus Bologna - Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul Euroleague 2025/26 Bologna, 21/01/2026 Foto B.Costantini / Ciamillo-Castoria

Sarunas Jasikevicius previewed the Final Four semifinal against Olympiacos by pointing to defense as the foundation of Fenerbahce’s season

Sarunas Jasikevicius spoke in the press conference on the eve of the EuroLeague Final Four semifinal between Fenerbahce and Olympiacos. The Lithuanian coach explained that his team’s growth started from defensive consistency before improving on the offensive end as well.

«At the start of the season we had to rely heavily on defense. It always has to be the base of many things you are trying to build».
«We improved offensively. I hope we will be able to show it on the court tomorrow».

Jasikevicius also addressed his return to OAKA and the emotional angle of the night, but made it clear that the only thing that matters is the game itself.
«It is always nice to come to OAKA, it will be a little different from what I understand».
«We are here to have a good 40 minutes and win the game. Everything else will be forgotten».

The Fenerbahce coach also played down the discussion about whether winning as a coach is harder than winning as a player, bringing the focus back to daily work and to putting his team in the best possible position to succeed.