By Javier Molero/ info@eurohoops.net
After beating Panathinaikos, Real Madrid’s Chus Mateo wanted to highlight his team’s defensive effort and indirectly replied to the rumors about adding a player to his roster.
In the recent past, Mateo replied affirmatively to a question about his team maybe making an addition, however, this time he was asked if he wanted a player like Kendrick Nunn on his roster, and was clearer than ever.
“I always say the same thing: my players are the best. I don’t miss any players from any other team, any players with a different profile. They are my players. With my players, always to the death,” said the Real Madrid coach in the press conference after the game.
“Work always pays off. Every time you win, it helps you to have a beer afterward more relaxed. I always have fresh air. With my family, with my people. Today a girl gave me a letter that gave me a feeling that you can’t even imagine,” he explained elaborating on the quotes he made about working more after losing to Baskonia
“I like it when the team plays with ambition, character, hunger, and the desire to do things well. I like it when they play with the concentration against a team that defends well. This team was stealing nine balls per game. Today, against such a team, a physical team, we were able to control the game. That was the line,” added the Real Madrid coach, hoping that this win may mean more for Madrid.
“There are games that can help to get a dynamic. Many times in a season there is a before and after. In this one, I don’t know if it will happen. What I know is that we will keep fighting. The Euroleague, in case someone has another idea in their head, is always very tough and very difficult to win away from home,” explained Mateo.
Regarding Garuba’s injury and the recovery time, Mateo clarified: “Until he is fully recovered, I prefer that he does not play. I think that he is doing a disservice to himself and the team. He is not well enough. It bothers us because we could have had him available, but these are the things in basketball. Sometimes you have to grit your teeth”.