By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Rudy Fernandez is a player that you can either love – if you are a fan of Real Madrid – or hate. There’s no middle ground in this question. However, there’s no denying that Rudy is also one of the best players in Europe, an All Euroleague team candidate and one of the leaders of Real Madrid.
That’s why Eurohoops had to speak with him before Game 4 in Piraeus, a battle that may decide if the defending champion Olympiacos will lose its crown without even making it to the Final Four. Of course, with Real still having a 2-1 advantage, Rudy wants to win in Greece: ΅We will try, we know it’s difficult to win in this arena, but for sure we have to play hard like the last half in this gym”.
Reggie Miller’s autobiography title is “I love being the enemy” and we asked Rudy if he has a similar approach in the game. His answer? “Olympiacos is not my enemy. I think that I am trying to be the best in the court, play hard and represent my team the best way I can”.
And in order to be the champion you have to beat the champion, as Rudy explains: “For sure, to win the Euroleague to beat some good teams. Probably Olympiacos is one of the best teams in Europe. I think we have now more experience than last year, so we will try. We worked all year for this moment and I think we are ready for that”.