By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The team captain of Olympiacos, Kostas Papanikolaou, and fellow experienced player Nikola Milutinov feel equipped to deal with the pressure surrounding their side and, from there, get back on track to contend for the EuroLeague championship.
“We knew our opponents and what we would be facing. In general, we did not play well, but we were at the point we wanted. I think we then lost our focus and allowed Valencia to find what it was seeking,” said 35-year-old Pap, recapping a losing effort opposite Valencia in Round 16 of the 2025-26 Regular Season.
“We have to really look at ourselves in the mirror. First of all, to see where we are right now and start working and sticking together to get back to the winning track and to go slowly, slowly to improve our game,” added 30-year-old Milutinov following a third loss in eight team showings in the Peace and Friendship Stadium this season.
A third straight loss pushed the Reds to 8-7, and outside the Play-In Showdown zone of Europe’s premier club competition.
“For sure, we can change things around. We just have to believe in ourselves and start showing it on the court,” noted the Serbian center.
Both players were confident in dealing with the demands of the current situation.
“Olympiacos and pressure go together. This is our purpose here. That is what the fans want. We must learn to deal with this, as we have done all these years,” said Papanikolaou.
“I am not really paying attention to what’s going on in the media. I’m not going to read. I don’t honestly care about media. So, I don’t feel this outside pressure,” confirmed Milutinov. “I know what it means to wear this jersey.”
Moving to Round 17 at the bottom half of a double-game week, the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas stays at SEF to welcome LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on Friday.