MADRID, 3 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Real Madrid, Pablo Laso, recognized the importance of the 1-0 this Thursday against Bitci Baskonia to defend the home court factor at the start of the Endesa League semifinal series, where the rotation of the position could be further complicated of base with a physical problem of Sergio Llull.
“It was a very hard-fought match. Baskonia have very good players and we knew we were going to have to make a great effort to concentrate. I’m not very happy with our attack, we can improve, but there are times when success covers up those situations. The start of the third quarter was our best moment, and we got the advantage that was definitive”, he said.
The Whites’ coach explained that both Abalde, who did not play, and Llull, who was injured in the first quarter, will be doubtful for Saturday’s second game. “Llull can’t tell you anything, we’ll assess tomorrow. In the situation of ‘playoff’ matches, we’re not optimistic if he hasn’t been able to play today. Juan Núñez has been very good as he has always been”, he stated.
“Abalde, I don’t know, it’s a day-to-day issue, he’s been in a bad way since the semifinal in Belgrade. He’s made a lot of effort but today he couldn’t even support me. I have no doubt about his commitment and if he’s here to help, hopefully we can count on him on Saturday,” he said.
“I was reading that Baskonia had won every away game for the last two months, it’s added pressure. Starting the series winning and keeping the home advantage is very important but there’s a lot left. I’m not happy because we haven’t executed the plan well party,” he added.