By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Chus Mateo has gotten off to a good start with the Spanish National Team.
The national team easily won in Denmark (64-74), finishing the game on a high note in what was a spectacular debut from Álvaro Cárdenas and Great Osobor.
The new coach of ‘La Familia’ spoke after the game about the victory, the importance of starting the World Cup Qualifiers with a win and his thoughts on a team that will host Georgia on November 30th in Tenerife.
“Since being appointed head coach, I’ve been incredibly excited about this job,” commented Chus after the win in Denmark. “One of the best things is being the coach of your country, and I’m experiencing a very special moment. When I heard the national anthem and then saw the commitment of the players in this first game, it was a truly special victory,” added the new national coach.
Dani Díez had ankle problems, and the coach took the opportunity to address his situation. “Dani Díez has twisted his ankle, and I hope he recovers. If not, I’m sure someone else will step up and help us. Regarding Jaime Fernández, he felt a slight discomfort, but we don’t want to push anyone. I hope neither situation is serious,” he explained.
“I told the guys how excited I was, and I’ll never forget a first training camp with all these players. I’ll always cherish it,” Chus Mateo remarked after his first match with Spain.
“It’s exciting to have players from 13 different clubs. They played together and supported each other as if they’d been playing together for a long time. That’s always a help to the coach,” he commented about the match. “I liked that we played reasonably well in attack, and we defended quite well as a group, and as I’ve been saying, because of the commitment I have within the team,” he concluded in Denmark.