Garuba: “We have to take several steps forward”
MADRID, 25 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Real Madrid basketball coach, Chus Mateo, has indicated that “he can give a boost in the classification” to his pupils if they are “capable” of beating ALBA Berlin, during matchday 18 of the regular league, in a Euroleague that For the meringues it is being irregular.
“It is a game that surely, if we are able to win it, can give us a boost in the standings. So we are very eager to be able to win the game,” Mateo declared this Wednesday to the official Real Madrid media.
“ALBA Berlin is a team that plays without fear. Although they are at the bottom of the table, they are really a team that takes a lot of shots at the beginning of possession, without fear and takes risks in that sense,” explained the Madrid coach. to the microphones of Realmadrid TV.
“It is a team with a scorer that we did not have in the home game, like Matt Thomas; like McCormack, who is one of the signings that has strengthened the team; we already know Procida, who played a good game here in Madrid. “, warned the white coach about the dangers of his rival this Thursday (7:00 p.m.) on the Uber Arena court.
Furthermore, Mateo warned of the German team’s plans. “We have to be attentive to the pace of play that they impose, they want to play fast and take quick shots; and well, be aware of the importance that the game has for us,” added the Madrid coach.
Likewise, Mateo advocated for ending 2024 well. “We are very motivated. Not only to close it well, but to climb the rankings and be prepared to, in the important moments, be able to compete for the final ones, the titles,” he assured. finally.
GARUBA: “WE HAVE TO TAKE SEVERAL STEPS FORWARD”
Power forward Usman Garuba also spoke to the official Real Madrid media. “We are eager to continue achieving victories in the Euroleague, to continue with our goal. We are eager to continue adding and to be able to finish this month as best as possible,” he insisted.
He then identified his goals as “playing as a team and continuing to do the things we do well: intensity, defense, etc.” “And then everything else will come out. We have a great opportunity to play a good game, not to relax and continue adding,” Garuba stressed.
Later he pointed out that ALBA “plays with a lot of rhythm, and so do we.” “They are similar to us because of how they play. Their position in the Euroleague does not indicate how well they are playing in many games. It will be a difficult opponent and we will have to give 100%,” he predicted.
“We have taken a step forward, but we are not yet where we want to be. We have to take several steps forward and I am convinced that we will achieve it over time,” Garuba said about the course of a Real Madrid that for now is not even in the ‘play-in’ area.