Bartzokas: 'If we beat Panathinaikos, we will enjoy a Merry Christmas' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Giorgos Bartzokas spoke to Greek public television ERT about Olympiacos's winning record on all fronts and the upcoming EuroLeague derby with Panathinaikos, which is always special, regardless of both teams' position in the standings. Initially, Bartzokas conceded that Olympiacos's return to the Greek League facilitates his work.

Olympiakos Piraeus / Schedule

Olympiakos Piraeus FC Bayern Munich83-60 Olympiakos Piraeus LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne89-54 Panathinaikos Athens Olympiakos PiraeusThu19:00

"Olympiacos must participate wherever they can claim titles. The reasons for our absence from the Greek League are known. We want to win the domestic title and that helps us in the EuroLeague," he said.Asked whether this is the best roster he has ever guided, the Greek coach appeared skeptical. "It would be very hasty to say that it's the best team I have ever coached. It will show at the end of the season.

When you are at Olympiacos, good performance or a good round don't matter. However, I am completely satisfied and happy with the basketball we play," Bartzokas said. Up next for Olympiacos is the derby against Panathinaikos at OAKA. The two teams have a different agenda, since the Greens are trying to build some momentum going into 2022, while the Reds are 11-5, third in the standings, and anything but a win would be a failure.

Bartzokas is very clear about what is at stake in the coming derby: "Let's not fool ourselves. Those games have always been of special importance.

In the EuroLeague standings, it seems that the teams have different goals. Panathinaikos want the game for their pride and we want the win to climb up in the standings," the experienced coach commented and added:

"Eleven wins is a big number considering the level of difficulty. OAKA is a difficult seat, even more so for Olympiacos.

If we score another win, it would be amazing. Our goal is to get into the playoffs. Olympiacos have missed out on them over the last years and we want to return.

Teams with huge budgets, like CSKA, UNICS, Milan, Efes, Fenerbahce have fewer wins. If we beat Panathinaikos, we will enjoy a Merry Christmas. In those derbies, the tactical part and the spiritual aspect are very important," Bartzokas concluded.

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.