Kostas Sloukas: 'We are more hungry than ever to be in the Final Four' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Hellenic Basketball Federation Credit Hellenic Basketball Federation

Kostas Sloukas has no doubt about Olympiacos Piraeus' motivation to return to a EuroLeague Final Four after five years.

Following the Reds' win over Larissa in Piraeus for the Greek League, the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas is entering the EuroLeague playoffs orbit. Kostas Sloukas spoke to Greek public TV ERT about the series with AS Monaco, referring to an advantage that his team should not waste.

"Everyone is living and breathing for Wednesday's game; we're all looking forward to it. After many years, the team is back in the playoffs, playing good basketball. We have managed to get the home court advantage and we should not throw it away cheaply," the 32-year-old guard initially stated.

"There is no relaxation or stress, but we feel the pressure because Olympiacos as an organization lives and survives only through titles," he added.

"Us having won the Greek Cup doesn't mean anything. We want to go to the Final Four. It's 2022 and we are having a very good season. One shouldn't forget about the sacrifices that have been made by the management, the players and the coaches for us to be here.

The momentum is in our favor for now. We have to work these three days to face a team that is a rookie in the EuroLeague and will not be anxious," he went on to say.

Once again, going into the playoffs, Olympiacos will have their fans on their side in the first two games. The Greek club has already announced a sold-out for Game 1 and another one is on its way, as 8.000 tickets have already been sold.

"Being able to play in front of our fans is not a burden, but an opportunity because we have been playing good basketball all year long," Sloukas maintains.

"We are more hungry than ever before because Olympiacos made a very good run, the best in recent years, and we have a unique opportunity to be in the Final 4.

Without wanting to underestimate Monaco, if we are focused and fight with our fans next to us, it will be hard to lose on Wednesday," the three-time EuroLeague champ contends.

Pointing to the difference-makers in this match-up, Sloukas says it's "defense, ball movement and who wants it more. Tactics, coaches' decisions are only secondary, as the players decide the fate of these games."

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