Panathinaikos turns its head to Play Offs semifinals after sweeping Apollon Patras (2-0). Fragiskos Alvertis spoke about that and the next games at the press conference after the game in Patras.
"We are getting closer to the final stage. The first Play Offs round is over. Now we are facing PAOK and we want this series too to end in the best possible way. It's a period when we can share time on the floor and we can rehearse some things we want to do in the process. Basically everything begins now for us. We want to turn up the gear, to perform as good as it gets on the floor".
Vladimir Jankovic (player, Panathinaikos) stated: "For us the first round ended today. We wanted to give our 100% in these two games against Apollon. From now on we have to think about the series against PAOK. We want to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. I want to congratulate Apollon for its good course this season and I wish they will have another good season next year".
Nikos Vetoulas (coach, Apollon) stated: "I believe that we were more competitive this time. All players tried to do their best. I want to thank the media and the administration. I believe it was a tough season for us both on and off court, but everything that happened, made us better... As a team and individually. It's what I told the players at the locker room too. We all came out stronger after this season. I believe it was a successful one. We managed to get to the same place we were last year. And I don't say that because I am the coach of the team and I want to credit myself. Playing in the play offs for second consecutive year, with all the injury problems, changing players and the death of Andreas Molfetas, there were difficult moments during the year and on the way for the team to find its balance. In the second round we reached 5 victories away from home and the team demonstrated that it can react and what it can do. We have to congratulate the team and especially some players who are here 4-5 years and helped the team to get where it is right now".
Sarantos Mastrogiannopoulos stated: "I want to thank my coaches who trusted me to play and especially coach Nikos Vetoulas. I feel very happy and blessed. It's a game I will remember for ever".
