By Giannis Askoynis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Montenegrin coach explained the way his team approached the final: “During the last 10 days, we had important games in France. We prepared mainly for MHP Riesen. We were ready for the Final Four, but I consider the semifinal more important for us. We have only one day to prepare for AEK, I think that the most important thing for my players will be the reaction to the environment of OAKA. I expect a really intense atmosphere. My players must not lose their focus, but also be passionate on the court”.
However, Mitrovic does not believe that his team will have any extra pressure: “I don’t believe that my team has any pressure for the final. We had in the semifinal, but now our mind is clear. AEK has proven in the Greek Cup final against Olympiacos that they can win big games. They have a very experienced coach. However, I preferred them as opponents in the final. Nobody wants to play in a half full, or half empty gym. I was born in Yugoslavia, I have memories from the games between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan and also those of Zadar. I am only concerned about the basketball part of the game. I am the coach of Monaco since the team played in the second division, in ProB. We finish on top of the regular during the last three years, but we didn’t have luck in the playoffs. We want to win the French league, but our first goal is winning the Basketball Champions League”.
French guard Paul Lacombe added: “It will be strange for us because we don’t have such crowds in France. It’s a dream! Everyone wants to play a European final on a full gym. We have to use the energy of the fans to our favor. It will be difficult to stop players like Manny Harris and Kevin Punter. We are ready for a big fight”.