By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid head coach Sergio Scariolo and guard Facundo Campazzo emphasized collective resilience and team identity at the EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, opening press conference at the Onassis Foundation on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated semifinal clash against domestic rivals Valencia at the Telekom Center Athens.
The pressure of chasing a title remains high for the powerhouse club, but the 65-year-old Italian tactical veteran kept a grounded perspective. “I think that the Final Four separates the excellence from very good teams,” Scariolo stated during his media availability.
“It’s nice to be here, have an opportunity to win a championship. It’s not an obsession. I think that many, many great coaches didn’t win the EuroLeague, and they are still great coaches,” added the decorated tactician, who himself has yet to conquer Europe’s premier club competition.
The 11-time champions, making their historic 15th appearance, enter the championship weekend handling major frontcourt adversity with star center Walter Tavares out with a left knee injury and big man Alex Len sidelined due to a left foot injury.
Rather than viewing the missing pieces as an excuse, 35-year-old Campazzo stressed that the roster’s depth remains their ultimate strength. “The fact that we are not playing with Edy and Alex is also an important factor, though not a decisive one,” he noted. “However, I believe our job has been to try to make up for those absences with the team we have, along with the offensive and defensive talent at our disposal. So, if we manage those absences well and combine them with the experience and talent this team possesses, I believe good things can happen.”