By Alex Molina/ amolina@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket head coach Pedro Martínez called for calm and respect despite his team forcing a decisive Game 5 against Panathinaikos in a thrilling EuroLeague playoff series, insisting that “nothing has been won yet” after another dramatic night between the two sides.
Speaking after Valencia’s victory in Athens, Martínez described the contest as another evenly matched battle in a series that has consistently gone down to the wire.
“It was a tight game, like the previous three games, with both teams having options to win. Today we are happier, but Panathinaikos played good basketball and great defense in the second half. We had a lot of problems finding our rhythm, but some great players with a great mentality made winning plays and we improved our defense. We received a lot of points, but many of Panathinaikos’ actions were very difficult.”
The veteran coach also defended star guard Jean Montero after comments made by the Dominican player before the game were interpreted by some as disrespectful toward Panathinaikos. Martínez strongly rejected that interpretation and praised the 22-year-old’s competitive mentality.
“A journalist asked Montero if it was possible to beat Panathinaikos three more times after beating them twice during the regular season, and he simply said that we have to be ready to beat them three, four, five or six times. It was never a lack of respect — I heard the interview, and at no moment was there any disrespect toward Panathinaikos or its players. It’s only that we want to compete. He is an incredible winner and he said that we have to be ready to beat anyone — now it’s Panathinaikos, but it could be anyone. He has an incredible mentality: 22 years old, but with a winning mentality, and he shows it every day.”
Martínez repeatedly highlighted the mentality of his squad, stressing that their resilience had been evident even in defeat earlier in the series.
“The character comes from the players themselves, they don’t need the coach. I have a fantastic team with a great mentality. Today it’s easy to say it because we won, but after the two games we lost against Panathinaikos, I was already very proud of the mentality. I think we played well, but Panathinaikos played much better than us in the final minutes and in overtime. The mentality of my players is great, but not only today because we won — it’s a winning mentality whether we win or lose.”
Although Valencia now return home for the decisive fifth game at the Roig Arena, Martínez downplayed the importance of home-court advantage in a series where both teams have already won on the road.
“The only clear situation is that we were able to win at OAKA and that Panathinaikos is able to beat us at Roig Arena. At this moment, in this competition, playing at home is not really important. Of course we prefer to play at home, but both teams have the option to win, as this series is showing everyone.”
The Valencia coach was equally cautious when discussing the opportunity awaiting his side back in Spain.
“We are very happy, but we have to lower the excitement a little bit. Today we only earned the chance to play a fifth game — we haven’t won any qualification. I have enormous respect for Panathinaikos and I don’t believe we have won the series just because we will play Game 5 at home. We will have to play very well and prepare ourselves properly.”
Martínez also praised the atmosphere created by the Greek fans at the OAKA Arena, calling it a privilege to coach in such an environment. “Congratulations to Panathinaikos for an amazing atmosphere and for how they helped their players with a fantastic environment. I have nothing bad to say about the behaviour. I hope the same happens in Valencia. Today they gave a lesson. In the bad moments Panathinaikos had in the first half, the fans were incredible, pushing their players to come back. For us, it’s a privilege to play in this atmosphere. I hope the next game is the same, but with Valencia supporters.”
Despite Valencia’s momentum, Martínez insisted there are no favourites heading into the decider and underlined the historical stature of the Greek giants compared to his own club.
“In this series, there are no favourites. We have the opportunity to play a historic game at home and, if we win, we’ll see whether celebrating at home is better than celebrating away. But if you look around here at Panathinaikos’ history, the photos, the number of times they’ve gone to the Final Four, the number of times they’ve won it… it’s a mythical club. We are still very far from them. In that sense, we are a much smaller and humbler team and we owe them the maximum respect possible.”
Martínez also avoided any controversy regarding the opposing bench, led by Ergin Ataman.
“Regarding the coach, nothing to say. He does his job and I do mine. As a professional, I have the maximum respect for him. As a person, I’m nobody to judge him.”