"Maybe the question isn't provocative, but..." Bartzokas sends final message before the final: I know Real will prepare something special! /VIDEO/
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- Sergio Scariolo and Mario Hezonja also addressed reporters before the final.
All is set for the grand EuroLeague final in Athens, where we'll witness a rematch of the Kaunas final from three seasons ago.
Back then, Real Madrid, with a Sergio Llull basket three seconds before the end of the final, managed to defeat Olympiacos, who now have a chance for revenge.
The Madrid side overcame Valencia in the Spanish derby, while Olympiacos defeated Fenerbahçe in the first semi-final clash, securing their spot in Sunday's game.
Ahead of the big final, Georgios Bartzokas, the coach of the Piraeus giants, addressed reporters at the press conference.
There are invaluable moments in a career, and playing in a final against a great club like Real Madrid is one of them. It will be a tough battle, I'm excited. I know we've earned our place here, as has Real. We have time to prepare and tactically get ready for what Madrid will bring. We're looking forward to the game.Georgios Bartzokas
The Greek coach also spoke about Usman Garuba's injury and the fact that Real will play the upcoming final without three centers, as Walter Tavares and Alex Len are already injured.
I'm never happy to see a player get injured, like yesterday with Usman Garuba. I agree that Real is missing three very important players, but in basketball, you never know who will be the X-factor. I'm sure Scariolo will prepare something special, a zone or a box-and-one defense. We will try to implement our philosophy, and they will do the same. I hope you don't expect me to say we are the favorites. We have quality and experience, but so does Real.Georgios Bartzokas
Reporters were also curious if Bartzokas had slept peacefully the previous night.
I slept peacefully, for about six and a half hours.Georgios Bartzokas
He also discussed his preparations for the final game.
On my part, I try to put everything else aside. I don't respond to messages, I apologize if some think I'm arrogant, but I need to be focused. I don't check social media, I don't read articles about the final. I try to be with my people, my players, to focus. Olympiacos and its history don't end tomorrow. It will be here for years to come, so let's enjoy the moment.Georgios Bartzokas
Finally, he stated that he wasn't pleased with the media declaring Olympiacos as favorites, but added that it doesn't affect him.
Talk about who is the favorite in the EuroLeague final... maybe it's not provocative, but it doesn't bother or affect us. Both teams are very high quality. Sometimes the pressure from home fans can be a problem, and on the other hand, Real is now in a situation where they can play the final without too much pressure. Let's play the final and see what happens.Georgios Bartzokas
Tyler Dorsey: People see one good season, not what led to it!
Tyler Dorsey, the guard for the Piraeus giants, also addressed reporters in the hall.
I'm very excited for the game, it's a great opportunity because we're playing at home, in front of our fans in Greece. We are mentally focused, but we will prepare today and tomorrow.Tyler Dorsey
Dorsey also stated that the two teams know each other well and not much will change in this game.
I don't think much has changed. We've been playing against each other for years, there will only be minor adjustments. They are a great team, it will only matter how we react during the game.Tyler Dorsey
The Olympiacos guard also spoke about not even getting a chance at last year's Final Four, and now being part of the EuroLeague's Second All-Team.
Nothing has changed, this is just the right opportunity. Hard work, it takes years to get to that "right" year. People often don't see that, it's just important to wait for the right chance. Thanks to the coach who believed in me.Tyler Dorsey
VIDEO Olympiacos "sweeps" depleted Monaco to reach F4
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