Jure Zdovc: 'No matter what, we have enough strength and quality' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: zalgiris.lt Credit zalgiris.lt

Zalgiris Kaunas (0-3) started the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with three defeats in a row. They came to Piraeus to face Olympiacos (2-1) which look solid and only lost one nail-biting game against FC Barcelona.

Zalgiris Kaunas / Schedule

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade Zalgiris Kaunas73-61 Olympiakos Piraeus Zalgiris KaunasFri18:00 Zalgiris Kaunas FC Bayern Munich10-2117:00

Zalgiris bench boss Jure Zdovc praised the upcoming opponent, emphasizing their thoughtful and wise basketball.

“They play smart, organized. Olympiacos are trying to read the game, trying to trick you, and punish through the weakest points. This is a very tactful team.

It will be a very good test for us. We’ll see how and with whom we play tomorrow. No matter what, we have enough strength and quality. The match will also show the character of our players. We will see how they react after the defeat,” said the Slovenian specialist.

What is the situation with Janis Strelnieks and Paulius Jankunas?

To play tomorrow, the chance is 50 against 50. I still do not know. Whatever the doctors say, they will not be 100 percent ready. We’ll see tomorrow.

Olympiacos has the second-best defensive rating in the EuroLeague. What is special about their defense?

It’s related to their offense. They play in a slow, organized way, slowing down the rhythm of the match. They have a great line-up, a good defender who played for Zalgiris last season - Thomas Walkup. In each position, they have equally strong players who are characterized by intense play, the ability to find ways to punish an opponent.

How hard is it for you personally to find the middle ground by preparing a team in such a busy schedule and not overcrowding players’ heads?

Good question. Our players are focused, there were good things in our game yesterday. I’m really trying to ease the situation by asking players to share the ball, not overdribble, make an extra pass. Olympiacos will try to punish us in the same way as Crvena Zvezda. We will have big problems with bad positions and wrong reactions.

Is this the most difficult stage of your career?

All those things make me stronger, give me motivation, also for the players. All teams face challenges. Yesterday, after the match, I felt much better and more confident, because I felt part of the team. I had to work on the match and had one training before. But I am still not familiar with the Zalgiris system.

It can be said that this is the most difficult stage because it is the EuroLeague, where you are always at the epicenter. This is felt in Slovenia as well, people are watching how we are doing. Sure, it’s not easy, but I knew where I was going.

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