Olympiacos defeated Crvena Zvezda 89-87 in Cyprus, with Giorgos Bartzokas and Sasha Vezenkov speaking immediately after the game about Olympiacos\u2019 preparation, the team\u2019s readiness and more.<\/p>\n
Regarding Olympiacos\u2019 preparation, Giorgos Bartzokas said: \u201cObviously, our game today was not good. Considering the game in which we beat them by 20 points, perhaps we thought it would be easy. A EuroLeague game is never easy. Our defensive intensity, effort and tactics were at a low level, and as a result they started making too many three-pointers. They made eight in the first half and had another six three-point attempts, while they shot around 60% for much of the game. With those numbers, it is difficult to win. We had to improve defensively in the fourth quarter, when we allowed 11 points. We changed our defensive tactics a little, but we also found a bit more rhythm, which gave us the opportunity to take the lead offensively and win the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what he took from the game, the Olympiacos head coach said: \u201cWe played a game that could be a great point of reflection on how we should play defensively. What intensity should we bring, how much pressure should we put on the ball. We have to disrupt passing lanes because if we allow opposing playmakers to see the court this well, their shooters will be able to score without pressure and with ease. That is why they had such high percentages. Secondly, we need to improve our defensive communication and, thirdly, our transition defense. We missed a lot of long rebounds. The fact that we won is a positive. You always play to win, even in a friendly. In a game where we did not play well, we won. So at least we are happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vezenkov, meanwhile, initially spoke about the discomfort in his elbow: \u201cI\u2019m not at 100% yet. We are working on it, but unfortunately we don\u2019t have time or anything else. I have to deal with it. I don\u2019t like being bothered by anything, but that\u2019s part of sports. On the other hand, we were not good today, especially defensively. But I believe that with the few practices and games we have, we will improve and find our chemistry as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regarding the importance of high-level friendly games, the EuroLeague MVP said: \u201cIt\u2019s a great thing. We need these friendly games against teams that have similar goals to ours. The official games start next week, so we have to be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
The VIDEO featuring the full statements from Bartzokas and Vezenkov is available below.<\/p>\n