Chus Mateo on Laso's condition: 'The news is very optimistic' / News - Basketnews.com

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Assistant coach Chus Mateo will be the one, who will navigate Real Madrid in the absence of Pablo Laso.

Real Madrid / Schedule

Real Madrid Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz94-84 Real Madrid Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz83-71 Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz Real MadridTue18:00

The 53-year-old Mateo has already taken over the bench in December 2021, after Laso tested positive for COVID-19.

The Royal club is leading the best-of-five semifinals series 2-0 against Baskonia in the ACB League. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, at 21:00 CEST.

"There is only one game in our heads, which is tomorrow and we are going to try to do the best we can," Mateo began in a pre-game conference, via Mundo Deportivo.

"We have to be prepared to respond quickly to any situation. The game is going to be totally different from the other two. We will continue to monitor Pablo Laso, but we are only going to have Baskonia in our heads," he added.

Real's situation is difficult due to the health issues of Laso. The latter case can affect the players.

"The motivation is one hundred percent. Although we could be affected [by the shocking news], I cannot tell you the extraordinary motivation we have for taking this series. We have done a great job so far but the series is not finished. We know what Baskonia are capable of and it's important to stay focused."

As stated by Chus Mateo, the news about Pablo Laso and his condition are optimistic.

According to the latest club's information, Laso is progressing favorably and has been discharged from the La Moraleja University Hospital. He was transferred to the plant where his progress will continue to be monitored.

"The news is very optimistic and we are really happy about it. Now it's about moving forward with the work we've done over the year. We want to face this Tuesday's game with all the guarantees, knowing that all the news about Pablo is positive. We spend a lot of time together. We are all very good friends and it affects us emotionally," Mateo concluded.

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