By Nikos Varlas / varlas@eurohoops.net
Vspan believes that some things are meant to happen. He says that nothing is set in stone and that there’s no room for sorrow or joy yet. Only a cool head, spirit and actions. Read his interview with Eurohoops.
In the game of his return he stepped on the court for 11 minutes and could not help. After two nights, he found the way. It took 1 or 2 moments – nods to show that he’s here, he’s back.
So that everyone gets the message.
His teammates and, of course, his opponents.
The “news” that Spanoulis is ready for the real battles coincided with the first win on Catalan soil in Olympiacos’s history. Olympiacos’s leader, the player who has never missed a final four game, spoke exclusively to Eurohoops.
– The team’s image, but your image as well, changed dramatically in 48 hours. How is such a big change possible in such a short period of time?
“There are only a few teams, not only this year but all these years in the Euroleague in general, that can appear so different within 1 or 2 days. Olympiacos is one of them. We showed the character the team has built in the past 5 years. There is a core that is significant. Every guy that comes to Olympiacos gets into this mentality that we have.
Coach Sfairopoulos and the rest of the coaching team did a remarkable job. They got us ready and boosted us mentally. We did some things differently with our tactics that I think took Barcelona by surprise. Everyone deserves credit, all the guys and all those who make up this team. The coaches, the players, the management, the people that were at the Palau supporting us. We are united and this is how we move ahead.”
– You said that the changes you made surprised Barca. Do you think that the biggest difference in relation to the first game was in terms of tactics or mentality?
“A combination. It’s just that the mental part at this level counts for a lot. We were saddened with the way we lost the first game. We were a bit confused. After a long period of time the team was back together again. There was maybe a bit of confusion regarding the chemistry and our roles. Essentially, within a day we were back to… the old way. To how we were before! It’s not easy. Even if the coach says everything he needs to say, the player too has to process the information and do what he’s supposed to on the court.”
– In the first game one watched Olympiacos and it seemed like they weren’t fighting, they weren’t giving their battle. What did you talk about amongst yourselves in the meantime before the second quarterfinal?
“The less said the better. Sometimes talking is unnecessary. Situations like these call for actions, not words. Now we keep our heads down. Humility. The one to win will be the one who wants it more and the one who’s smarter. Whatever was the case 48 hours ago, applies now as well. Nothing at all has been determined yet. There is no room for sentimentality, or sorrow, or joy. We move ahead.”
– Giorgos Aggelopoulos said that the people at SEF have to help out the team in the right way. To “take part” in the possessions and impel Olympiacos, and that Barcelona knows how to play well away from home as well. How hard is it after such a win to not lose even 1% of your concentration, something that could cost you?
“The first ones that have to realize that we have to move step by step and that we still haven’t achieved anything, is us. The players. The series is long. Barcelona will change a few things too. The series is a battle that looks like a game of chess.”
– Last year you had an injury that cost the team and played a crucial part in the failure to advance to the Final Four. This year the story seemed like it would repeat itself… Until the away win happened. Are you determined not to let your misfortune affect Olympiacos’s effort and alter the course that they appeared they could have in the Euroleague?
“Some things are meant to happen. It was meant for me to get injured. It was meant to fight as hard as I could and to get healthy in time for the biggest games. I believe in God and what I pray for every day is for Him to look after me so I’m able to help Olympiacos. We all learn from our mistakes. The smart are taught something from them. The point is to not make the same mistakes. It’s important to learn from them and not repeat them. We’re a tough team and we will fight again in our next battles with Barcelona.”