By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos head coach Giorgos Bartzokas is heading to the sixth EuroLeague Final Four of his career and the fourth in the last five seasons with the Greek club.
Speaking from Athens International Airport, Bartzokas reflected on the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.
“We were fortunate to have almost 20 days — except for two games — to focus on training, and we’ve added some new elements to our game, but the philosophy remains the same. Especially for us, with a stable core — a large core of players and the same head coach for nearly six years, along with the same coaching staff. So, more or less, you know what to expect from us. I think the same applies to the other teams as well. More or less, the philosophy is set. Of course, there are some adjustments depending on the opponent. But in general, everyone knows roughly what they’re going to see.”
He also addressed the mindset within the team heading into the Final Four.
“I feel that everyone is motivated. Everyone understands the importance of this, in what is a special year for Olympiacos. What we need to do is go out there and give our best. Everyone knows we’re representing something very important — Olympiacos and its fans. We want to give everything we have. From there, we’ll see what the result will be. You know, there are always many unpredictable factors that come into play.”
Asked whether previous Final Four defeats serve as added motivation, Bartzokas downplayed the idea.
“We’ve never looked at it that way, like something left undone. Olympiacos has won titles, is consistently in the Final Four and in big moments, and I myself have won the EuroLeague with this team.”