By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Evan Fournier and head coach Giorgos Bartzokas talked about the next clash between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos Aktor amid preparations for Round 29 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.
“It’s a very important game for us, the fans, for everyone,” the 32-year-old French winger previewed the next edition of the Greek derby of eternal enemies in the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Friday, “We got to make sure we are ready for a tough battle.”
“We want as many wins as possible and get the best possible ranking in the EuroLeague. This is an important game for this goal,” the experienced Greek play-caller mentioned during a media session on Thursday.
“I don’t feel a challenge anymore. I just want to win. I don’t need to plan anything weird. We only need to convince our players that when we play together, offensively and defensively, we are unbeatable. That is my opinion,” added Bartzokas.
At 21-7, the Reds lead the EuroLeague standings, two games clear of second-placed Fenerbahce Beko and three games away from the Greens.
“The most important game is always the next one. And Pana is our next game. We don’t think of the future. We think of what’s in front of us. And Pana is in front of us right now,” stressed Fournier, rejecting looking ahead to the Playoffs or the Final Four with six games left in the regular-season schedule.
“The way my parents raised me, as far as competition goes, I was always told to dislike my opponent. That is just who I am. Honestly, there is not some extra dislike, for me at least. But when you play someone, you can’t be friends with them. It has to be a competition. It has to be rivalry,” he continued, describing his approach to the derby, “You cannot like the guy you are fighting against.”
Keenan Evans (knee), Thomas Walkup (back), and Moses Wright (illness) remain out for Olympiacos.