By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In the build-up to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 3 game between Olympiacos and AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan scheduled to take place Wednesday, the Greek side’s head coach Giorgos Bartzokas addressed the coronavirus impact on Europe’s premier club competition.
“It clearly affects the outcome of games,” he said referring to the fact that many teams either fail to suit a team according to special coronavirus regulations implemented by Euroleague Basketball or are unable to bring in a full squad, “I don’t think we realized the situation, a very unique situation.”
Hit by a coronavirus crisis, Zenit Saint-Petersburg’s Round 3 and Round 4 matches will not take place. In addition, many other EuroLeague teams missed players in the first two rounds due to positive COVID-19 tests, a trend that will extend into the double-game week stretching from today through Friday.
“A team with seven or eight players is unable to fight for the win. Zenit will not play at all,” added Bartzokas moving on to being able to properly motivate the players, “How can you make your team consider the game when the opposing side has five coronavirus cases. We talk about focus issues with other coaches.”
On to the injury front for the Reds, the Greek head coach confirmed that Kostas Sloukas is considered probable to play against Olimpia Milano, while Livio Jean-Charles is less likely to be ready for action.