ANDl Real Madrid receives the Hapoel Tel-Aviv at the Movistar Arena this Wednesday on the occasion of the first match of the qualifying round quarter finals of the Euroleague. Before it happens, Sergio ScarioloItalian coach of the white club, has spoken before the media.
An emotional memory of Moncho Monsalve
Before delving into the crucial clash, he wanted to remember Moncho Monsalvea legend of the spanish basketball died this Tuesday: “I want to send a big hug the family by Moncho Monsalve. It’s a sad dayI felt very close to him. He was a great Madrid fan; He spent four seasons, won nine titles, including three European Cups. Was a great of our basketballhe has always been with us when he was in the national team: he called me, he gave me ‘the hassle’…”.
Sergio Scariolo,
Returning to the game, the Italian wanted to send a message to the Madrid fans: “We call on our subscribers so that fill the pavilion as much as possibleit is a transcendent moment of our season and, even if there is some discomfort preview, let’s hope that the players notice the support of the public. That that enjoyment that they have been able enjoy with your team at home serve so that they can contribute to so continue to be inside the forecast and of the expectation of the suffering there will be.”
We call on our subscribers to fill the pavilion as much as possible and continue enjoying the equipment within the foresight and expectation of the suffering that will occur.
Hapoel, a rival with a bigger budget than Madrid
The white team has evolved throughout the campaign to, in the decisive stretch, arrive in great shape: “The team has been taking shape and identity throughout the course and, indeed, we arrived well. There will be obstacles and we can get over them“
Mario Hezonja shoots a basket in the game behind closed doors against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Regarding this Wednesday’s rival, Scariolo wanted to praise the Hapoelthe revelation team of this campaign in Europe: “We have no reason to trust ourselves, It doesn’t often happen to play against a team with a larger real budget than yours when you are in Madridit is a curiosity that makes you understand the opponent’s level. Still, a lot trust on the off chance that we can play very well as a team as we have done over the past few months.
It doesn’t often happen to play against a team with a larger real budget than yours when you are in Madrid
The Madridistas finished third at the end of the regular season, while the Tel Aviv team finished sixth. Asked if he would have wanted another rival, the Italian answered the following: “There’s no point in looking back. This Euroleague has had a tremendous increase in level compared to others. It is true that many positions have been settled by one or two victories, but The eight teams that make it to the playoff are great.therefore I would not be looking back.”
Reaching the Final Four, ‘a great success’
One of the most important issues to take into account in this comparison was when they asked him if Being in the Final Four is an obligation for the merengue teamthe most awarded in Europe, to which Scariolo responded bluntly: “No, it is a great success“.
No, it is a great success
On the other hand, one of the keys of the game will be in the defensive section, something that the former Spanish coach considers vital: “The defense must be outstanding in situations in which they are extremely good. AND They have many players who areyou can focus on one matchup and there are three more that are lethal.”
The Real Madrid players stand together before the match against Olympiacos.
The Real Madrid coach, who has won both games against the Israeli team, does not expect any surprises for this series: “In principle, it is very difficult to expect surprises. The idea of a team when it reaches April or May does not change. Both of us, of course, will have alternative plans that we will draw up throughout the tie.“he concluded.
