Ettore Messina: 'This is the worst time to face Efes' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BasketNews.lt/D. Lukšta Credit BasketNews.lt/D. Lukšta

Defeatless AX Armani Exchange Milan (3-0) face winless Anadolu Efes Istanbul (0-3) on October 15 in Milan, at the Mediolanum Forum. Both clubs' coaches and players talked to the media before the upcoming challenges.

2-pointers this season

54%17,7Points made:17,7Accuracy:53,5%Place in standings:13Record max:21Record min:14Most made 2FGs:Vasilije MicicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Milan's Ettore Messina underlined the wrong time to meet the reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions.

"We have great respect for the European champion team, its players, and coach Ataman. We are aware that this is the worst time to face them because they will be highly motivated to come here and redeem themselves.

"Their offensive qualities, the great ability in creating the spaces to score is obviously a problem, as is their physical size that makes it difficult to attack them. But we face them with good morale and with the pride of being able to compete against the best team of last season,” said the Italian specialist.

Sergio Rodriguez agreed with the head coach regarding the game timing: "We play against the EuroLeague champions, a great team, made up of great players, going through a difficult moment, which makes them even more dangerous. They will force us to pay close attention to the smallest details."

On the other side, Ergin Ataman praised Milan and highlighted the Italian powerhouse ambitions.

"AX Armani Exchange Milan have made a very good start to the season. They are the most ambitious team of this season. They have a great coach and a team that plays very well. It will be a tough match…" spoke the 55-year-old.

Filip Petrusev also did not spare a good word for the opponents and believed in his team: "Milan is a really good team. They started with three wins and we haven't won yet. So it's time for us to start earning victories.

We know them from the friendly matches at the beginning of the season. We know what kind of team we will face. It will be a tough match, but we believe we will win," finished the Serbian rising star.

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