After three consecutive losses in the Euroleague, Maccabi Tel Aviv will try to recover tomorrow (Tuesday, 21:05) in a home game at Menora Mivtachim Hall when it hosts CSKA for a fascinating meeting. Prior to that, coach Yannis Sapropoulos along with Omri Caspi and Ante Žižić spoke at a press conference, Which was broadcast live here on the site.
“It is a team with a lot of experience and with the fewest losses in the league. We have to play well defensively, “he said Sapropolus. “We should not give them their normal game, with good defense and good offensive activity. It would be nice for us to play in front of an audience, 300 is better than nothing. Glad they will be with us in this game will help us, we are glad we can see them again. We hope to give them a good result. “
The slim chances of reaching the playoffs: “The harder we progress to a decision, the harder it will be, we will try because we are Maccabi. It will be a very difficult game, the road is not going to be easy, it is a very difficult season in the Euroleague but we will fight, it is the best we can do. We will never give up, we will move from game to game. We fight every game to do our best for our club. “No one can win every game, it doesn’t happen.”
The Greek added: “CSKA is a team at the highest level, they always reach the Final Four, of course winning such a team is something that is very important to us. This year we proved we can win a tough game. We lost to CSKA in the decisive moments, but we defeated Barcelona and Real Madrid. Playing this season in front of an empty crowd and without our fans is difficult, it is not an excuse but reality. We believe in our staff and the players at our disposal, I trust them. Instability is also due to the fact that the halls are empty. “
Sapropoulos continued: “The players know that we have to fight until the last minute, we do not have to give them special motivation because they understand what it means. We will have to play our way, with tough defense, control the pace, run taboo on offense and passes. Find our balance in the game. CSKA has a lot of players who can make trouble, very experienced players who know the job in the Euroleague, so it is important for us to come with the right energy, be focused and stick to the game plan. “
Omri Caspi He said: “I feel much better. We went through a crazy month and a half. I passed the virus, at the level of three weeks not to get out of bed, legs shaking, terrible nausea. The climax came two and a half to three weeks ago that we went for another consultation and asked for an MRI of the head because they thought something was pressing. This is something I was afraid of. Thank God everything went well, I started to feel better and I am happy to be back with the team. “
He added: “My biggest urge is to be with the team and play. It’s not pleasant no doubt but my personal feeling is to see the guys play and not be with them. I felt in the last game a little quieter in the game. What I went through is part of the game, we try to be as okay as possible and get back on the floor. return? This is a process that was built together with Maccabi’s doctors so as not to overload. “
“The injury I suffered is the most serious in the sport, a lot of players did not return from it. There are players who have finished careers. We started playing 3 minutes straight and from there advanced. It’s hard mentally, I talked to NBA players to figure out how to be effective in a few minutes, it’s not easy and I’m trying to crack the method. Mike James is a very talented player, he has great stats and he is talented that needs to be emphasized, but they have more players like that and that is what makes CSKA a good team.
Playoffs: “Of course they believe. We look at the balance sheets and know it is going to be very difficult, but we have a chance and we are Maccabi Tel Aviv and want to do ours. Miracles have happened to us, probably to this club in the past. I always look at the positive things, a month and a half ago I could not hold myself after training and from there three weeks without getting out of bed. “There is nothing to do against injuries, this is something that happened to me in the NBA as well, I want to help the team as much as possible and fulfill the goals we have.”
Ante Žižić He said: “It was a difficult season, with the Corona and everything that happened. A tough season and it’s challenging, but that’s the situation. Caspi’s return? “He went through a difficult year with the injuries and recovery he went through, he was out for a long time, for us it is very happy because he brings qualities, he is a great and very significant player for us.”
Fans who will return: “It’s fun, we have not seen fans in such a significant game for a long time, I am very happy to see them. The difficulty is with all the teams, none have been properly prepared for the season because of the corona. CSKA is a strong team and will have a difficult game, they have some players that we will have to focus on. The preparations are the same as before every game. “
