By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid head coach Pablo Laso spoke on Tuesday’s media availability in Madrid prior to Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoffs series against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (April 20, 21:00 CET).
Laso commented on Maccabi‘s form and how Real has to fight against that. “Winning at home means playing a good game, being aware that you have to defend very good players, who play at a high pace. We were able to dominate many aspects of the game in Tel Aviv, but they still turned the game around. We have to have the support of the public, I know the fans will respond”, he said.
“Real Madrid and Maccabi are two great teams that have played for years to enter a Final Four, they have played Euroleague finals and everyone considers it a great game in Europe. That rivalry has been maintained and I’m very motivated”.
Maccabi returned to the playoffs for the first time in six years with a hot momentum in the last laps of the regular season, which Laso recognizes. “I don’t know if Maccabi is the best, but they have achieved the best team feeling in recent weeks. The teams seem to be good or bad because they win or lose. They arrive in a great form, with a lot of confidence and very liberated”.
The Real Madrid playcaller also commented on the status of Adam Hanga and Jeffery Taylor, confirming that only Gabriel Deck (COVID-19) will be missing on Wednesday. “I’m counting on everyone except Deck, who has tested positive for COVID-19. Tomorrow morning we will decide who plays, I am not going to say anything because it would give the rival clues”, Laso concluded.