"Favorites, betting, I don't care!" Moneke's message to fans ahead of three crucial matches

Pulse Sports Team 22:33 - 02 April 2026

Crvena zvezda Meridianbet basketball players lost the eternal derby to Partizan in Round 35 of the EuroLeague, with a score of 89:82. After the game, a visibly disappointed Chima Moneke addressed the reporters.

You could follow the Crvena zvezda – Partizan match live on Sportal.

Moneke was clearly dissatisfied with his team's performance during the critical moments of the game.

"I think we just, we play the same way, you know, whenever we lose or whenever it's a close game. And we did it again today. The shot distribution wasn't great, and then the offensive rebounds, and we didn't make the defensive plays we needed in the fourth quarter." - Chima Moneke

It seems that in these types of games, where you were slight favorites, you struggled again?

"I don't know what the odds were before the game started. All I know is that it's a game we wanted to win and should have won. That's what we're thinking about. Favorites, betting, I don't care about that. If we say that every game in the EuroLeague matters, then we can't assume someone will win a particular game. Both teams that step onto the court expect to win, and tonight, damn it, we lost."

Would you say it's a mental issue?

"That we lost? I think we just lost. We have to win on Tuesday, the season isn't over. There are three games left. As bad as we feel right now, if we achieve our goal and make the playoffs, that's what matters. Paris on Tuesday, our last home game of the EuroLeague season, we have to be better. Whether it's mental or physical, nobody is 100% physically ready. We just have to be better. We need to share the ball more, everyone needs to be involved. It's not a mental thing."

Moneke played his first derby. What was the experience like?

"The only thing I remember is that we lost. It was a game we were looking forward to, obviously. But, besides all that, yes, the atmosphere is incredible, we already know that. I'm tired of talking about it. We lost. We have to pick ourselves up. At this point, the success of the season depends solely on whether we make the playoffs. That's how I see it."

How difficult will it be to bounce back?

"We'll know on Tuesday. If we lose on Tuesday, that will show where our focus is. But, as I said, the goal is the playoffs. If you're tenth, ninth, eighth, or seventh, you still have a chance, and anyone can win on the road if they're in that group. If you drop to 11th place, then it's over. We have to pick ourselves up."

Moneke has often stated that he joined Crvena zvezda because of the fans and the atmosphere. When asked what he could promise the fans for the next three games, he said:

"I'll give everything I have, regardless of whether I'm 100% physically. It truly feels like a matter of life and death when we play these games, and that's the mentality for the next three matches. My message to the fans who are with us, who are upset and feel like it's the end of the world... I personally will not give up. I will continue to fight, and I expect the same from my teammates."

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