By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
FC Barcelona Regal stuck to their plan –not to talk before their plane lands to Turkey- and they didn’t do anything in order to indulge the media (except denied all requests, from all over Europe). But, Xavi Pascual named “best coach of the Liga Endesa”, for the third straight year, and he had to go to the gala in order to receive his trophy.
And there, at Madrid, EFE (the Spanish news agency) found the chance to ask him about the Final Four. “I have nothing but respect for Olympiacos and this is the only thing I can think right now. We have 48 hours to prepare the next game, in Istanbul and to overcome all the obstacles we are going to find in our way to the final. We are in a very good shape, physically and emotionally. We have gone through tough times during this season, but right now we are in a very good position, which of course cannot guarantee us anything. We know Olympiacos really well and they know us perfectly. Controlling all these feelings, of participating in a Euroleague’s Final Four, is perhaps the most difficult part –the one which can make the difference”.
About his award, he said to all the media “is an acknowledgment of the work done these past couple of months, but all of my assistants and players are equally complicit in this recognition. Without them this would not be possible. We’ve been leaders of the regular league for three years. It’s been a year full of difficulties, but this group has always been strong and united, and after this season’s adversities – we place high value on this award”.