Chus Mateo downplays Campazzo's decision, praises Olympiacos / News - Basketnews.com

"Campazzo is history. He would have been welcomed here because we know here, but now it's time to focus on our players", said the Real Madrid's head coach

Credit: ACB Credit ACB

Not only does the NBA 2022-23 season begin tonight but the EuroLeague double-round weeks start as well.

2-pointers this season

52%21,5Points made:21,5Accuracy:52,4%Place in standings:5Record max:22Record min:21Most made 2FGs:Gabriel DeckTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

After their first loss of the season against FC Barcelona, Real Madrid will play two games at home in the European competition this week. The Blancos will face Olympiacos Pireaus on Wednesday (20.45pm CET) and Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade on Friday (20.45pm CET).

Before the upcoming rivalry against the Greek powerhouse, head coach Chus Mateo appeared in front of the media. The Spanish specialist praised Olympiacos and their heart.

"They play with heart and they've kept the same core of players and coach for a while, so they have mechanisms on defense and offense. They are consistent," he began.

"They have achieved [their] goals and have played in the last Final Four. Obviously, it's a difficult team to beat. They move the ball well and find good shots for their players. It won't be easy," Mateo added.

The first double-round week arrives before the end of the first official month of competition, a fact that Mateo cares about a lot.

"Although the important thing is to win, we have to be very careful with the [players'] workloads. We must try to adapt as best as possible to these kinds of weeks where there is almost no time to practice. We have to be very careful", the coach admitted.

Real Madrid overcame Joventut Badalona last Sunday in the ACB League thanks to a blazing ending (51-29 in the second half). Mateo highlighted he felt satisfied with the team's effort to reduce turnovers.

"We're working on it. We are trying to see where the team currently is and what we can do to make the team identifiable. But neither when things are going well should we see everything rosy nor should we go crazy if one day we are not doing well. We have to stick to our philosophy", he explained.

While Carlos Alocen and Nigel Williams-Goss are sidelined, Sergio Rodriguez is the only pure point guard on the team. The Spanish veteran is struggling at the beginning of the season though.

"Chacho will be the same player as he used to be. He is not 22 anymore so we have to take care of him," Mateo explained. "He must be ready when we really need him. Until then, he will be magical in some games and sometimes he will not have enough confidence."

Regarding the lack of players in the backcourt, Mateo was asked about Facundo Campazzo's official signing with the Dallas Mavericks.

"Campazzo is history now. He would have been welcomed here because we know him here, but now it's time to focus on our players. We are working very hard and we have to give them the opportunity to show how good players they are", he concluded.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.