MADRID, 17 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Real Madrid, Chus Mateo, highlighted the “heart”, the “attitude” and the “union” of his team, together with the Palacio, in Friday’s victory over Barça, which leaves them one win away from winning the Endesa League, shot again at home on Sunday.
“We played a very complete match at a defensive level. With an intensity that was difficult for Barcelona to match. We played with a lot of heart, with attitude, and when we play like that the pavilion unites and it’s very difficult to give in. We’ve recovered 13 balls, We have caused losses, 15 offensive rebounds, that intensity, heart, playing as a team that we are showing in these ‘playoffs’ have given us this small 2-1 advantage, “he said.
The Whites’ coach, replacing Pablo Laso who suffered a heart attack two weeks ago, praised that attitude since Deck’s game. “Gabi is a warrior, the other day he left the game very touched, with difficulty walking, he was doubtful to play. That desire to win, that dedication that is transmitted makes everyone connect and everyone is on the same line. It is being noticed that we came very close together in this season finale,” he said.
“We didn’t win just because of the intensity, there are a number of factors that help, we continue to play good basketball. We’re playing well. We’re being aggressive, well inside, without a brutal hit from the three-point line, but people enjoy the game we’re making right now,” he added.
Mateo was not guilty of euphoria against a still fearsome Barça. “We have a very important game ahead of us. They are a super team, any of them are top in Europe, Higgins, Mirotic, Kuric, Laprovittola, Davies, they are super players, they know how to play. above and minimize those virtues, but we have to be very alert. Barcelona is there”, he said.
“We talk about physical toughness but there is also mental toughness, of enduring when they come badly. If you are prepared and you are constant, maybe a window opens, we are being a mentally tough team. We are going to continue with tenacity and perseverance, to return to the game if it escapes us and not to go crazy,” he concluded.