MADRID, 6 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The national basketball coach, Sergio Scariolo, explained the desire of his players to close the FIBA ’window’ in a “positive way” against Ukraine this Thursday in Riga, a rival that is better “emotionally” and that recently beat Georgia.
“We will certainly try to get him ahead, they are a rival who clearly showed by beating Georgia the other day that they are in very good spirits. The situation is different from last February, they have brought in players, especially their star, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, He is a high-level European player with a good NBA level,” the Italian said in statements provided by the FEB.
Spain, which lost to Georgia on Monday, is confident of closing the first qualifying round for the 2023 World Cup with victory, qualified for a second group that will start in August and where it will face Italy, Iceland and the Netherlands.
“We have to be very prepared. We are still without Alberto Díaz, who the other day would have been very good for us. The others are ready and eager to compete and close this window in a positive way. It is important to continue with the progression of the players, especially those who may have a higher projection,” he said.
“What interests me the most is to see the reaction under pressure, with complicated tasks on the pitch, of the younger players above all. Those who have an important role in the medium and long term in the future, compete as always, continue with the path of a group of players who, with their virtues and defects, always try to do their best”, he concluded.
For his part, Jaime Fernández explained that after the defeat the other day against Georgia, the first in five games on the way to the World Cup, it is important to redirect the pace. “It’s a very important game after the defeat in Georgia, it’s time to take a step forward, against a rival that is going to be very difficult because of the good line they have and the moment they are in”, he pointed out.
“That’s where we’re at, taking a step forward and playing a better game than the previous one. We’re focused on getting the victory and working hard to get to the game in the best possible way,” he concluded.