Real Madrid are gearing up for another European grand final and Sergio Scariolo appeared determined to challenge for the trophy against Olympiacos, whom he described as the absolutely fair finalist of the competition.
The experienced coach stood by his team’s improvement course through the season, explaining that the Madrid side have learned to adapt even in the most difficult circumstances.
Accounting for what he said at the press conference: “We are happy to be here, but still hungry. We know that the opponent is the … worst and the best together, as you look at it. We’re here because we’ve been evolving as a team all season. Olympiacos absolutely deserves to be here, the first place in the regular season and we know they will be a super tough opponent. But we want to fight to the end.”
Preparing for the Grand Final
Scarriolo explained that in a Final Four, preparation time is limited and teams need to work in a focused manner without overloading players with too much information.
“I don’t see any differences. Semifinals and finals are the same, you have some time to prepare regularly and mentally. You have to be efficient, choose to focus on the important parts. You need your players not to be overwhelmed by information, but also to be ready. It’s something I’ve been going through for years, almost every year.
At the club level you can build, you have time and it’s easier. In the national teams you have to do everything in a short time. But it’s basketball, it’s our job and we enjoy doing it. The missions are demanding but we are here.”
The mention of injuries and Garouba
The Real coach also mentioned the problems injuries, with Ousman Garouba remaining doubtful for the final.
“I think the ability to adapt to misfortunes is important. We have to see what we can do and what we can’t do, you need flexibility, to adapt quickly to certain circumstances. We can’t prepare 25 different things in one day. It takes confidence in our team and in our work. We are in the final and it takes confidence and calmness. I know my players and I will be surprised if we don’t find a way to be competitive.
I don’t have any news on Garouba yet. He’s taking tests, we’re not very optimistic. It looks like a serious injury. When we have an official update, you’ll know it. We’re sad for Garouba and the other guys, because when you work all year and you lose the most important game of the season, it’s bad. It’s not pleasant at all. They’re right next to us and we get to see how they are. I don’t want us to be victimized, that’s not our DNA, it doesn’t suit us.”
Scarriolo concluded his remarks by noting that the most important thing for Real Madrid is to be competitive against Olympiacos and fight for their chances to the end.
“We want to be competitive, use our weapons, play our cards and respect the strength of our opponent and the atmosphere. We need to focus on our chances and our opportunity. You don’t play in a Euroleague final every year, even if you are a great team, a great player, a great coach… If you are competitive, you have a chance. You don’t want to waste the opportunity and you will only waste it if you are not competitive.”
First published by:sport-fm.gr
