Panathinaikos Head Coach, Argyris Pedoulakis made reference to turnovers and lost rebounds slightly after the end of the encounter versus Real Madrid, in Euroleague game 1.
“We are a new team and certain things were expected. The game went bad when Real Madrid performed behind three guards and we failed to cleverly react. We were unable to pass the ball to the low post under pressure and we paid for it dearly. Real, as time went by became all the more aggressive and we were experiencing certain issues. To me it is only natural. We have guys who are inexperienced and need time to play using their brains in the game. It was a silly loss because with so many turnovers and lost rebounds it still was a one-point-game. We committed many easy mistakes and this came with quite a cost”.
K. Tsartsaris: Excuses are for insignificant teams
Panathinaikos was defeated by Real Madrid giving however a positive performance in the Euroleague premiere; but Kostas Tsartsaris was not going to search for excuses: “Panathinaikos must always win. Pressure is immense. The game was defined in the many turnovers we committed but also all the offensive boards Real Madrid picked up. There was rooky stage fright because the team is a new one essentially. We do not seek excuses. We must work harder because the upcoming week is tough. Excuses are for insignificant teams. We travelled to Spain aiming to win and the game was ruled in two elements. Everyone must establish their role and contribute to the team, that is how a great team stands out. We train, we work daily in order to succeed and I believe that we lost this evening for nothing. The world knows that the team is new, we ask for a free pass for a small period of time but losing always hurts. All the guys got upset and that is a positive element for the ensuing season”.
*The team is expected to return to Athens tomorrow at 16.05.
