Defense, play offs and fans were three of the subjects Fragkiskos Alvertis talked about at the press conference after the game Panathinaikos - Unicaja Malaga.
"We did what we had to do. It was the most important game for us. It was logical to feel the pressure. We played well in defense, while in offense we had some periods we have to improve. We just continue. We know that fans are always here for us. They never deserted us. Every time the team needs them they are here. There is no need to say too many things. Team and fans are one unit. We move on until we get where we must get".
Regarding the next Euroleague phase and the fact that Panathinaikos will face either Real Madrid or CSKA Moscow, Alvertis noted: "We are not in position to say that we prefer one or the other team. What we must do is to look at each game separately. We will face one of the teams. Both of them have been extraordinary till now. We shall fight. Clearly we would like to have the home advantage. It's what teams fight for all season. But teams can turn things around in this level. It's not the first time we play with desadvantage. When the time comes we'll see what we have to do to make it happen".
Alvertis was asked about the things he tries to change: "We are here 25 days, with the other coaches. Theoretically it's easy to say a lot of things, but it's difficult to plan them. A lot of work is demanded on the floor. We are working on some things in offense and it's a matter of time to be able to put them on the floor too. At the same time we want to keep our defensive id. The best cure is time and the hours of hard work".
Plaza: "Congratulations to Panathinaikos"
Juan Plaza (coach, Unicaja Malaga): "I want to congratulate Panathinaikos. They were better than us today and they deserve to win the game. We won in two quarters, Panathinaikos won the other two, but it wasn't enough to give us the victory. We had a good night in 2 point shots and rebounds, but a very bad night in 3 point shots and free throws. When Top16 began I said that we want to be competitive and we managed. During the last month we faced a lot of injuries that cost us. Now, we are not looking for excuses and we don't cry. We want to build character in the team. Last year Unicaja Malaga had four different coaches. We want to use some new kids like Sabonis and we want to learn to never quit".
