Chus Mateo, head coach Real Madrid faces his second season at the helm of the team with the first objective of retaining the SuperCup title.
Chus Mateo, the coach of Real Madrid, spoke with the media ahead of the 2023 Endesa Super Cup. He mentioned Usman Garuba and Willy Hernangomez.
The coach addressed questions about the upcoming match against Barcelona, as well as discussed Willy Hernangomez, Usman Garuba, and the team’s strategy.
He first mentioned their biggest rival, Barcelona, which lost their coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. In his place, Roger Grimau has taken charge.
“Barcelona is a different opponent. They lost very good players and acquired other very good ones. There is a lot of individual talent, and the four signings they made – Willy Hernangomez, Dario Brizuela, Joel Parra, and Jabari Parker – are outstanding. Like I’m trying to do, Grimau will now try to make them play as a team, be solid and consistent,” Chus Mateo said, mentioning Hernangomez, who started his career at Real.
“Willy is a player who grew up here, but decisions are free and deserving of respect. His choice didn’t surprise me. Barcelona is a very good option, just like Real Madrid. Fortunately, there’s freedom, everyone chooses what they want, and we don’t have to meddle. I wish him all the best on a personal level, but may Madrid win” he added.
About Usman Garuba
“Garuba is not here. I would love him to be, but those are decisions the player must make. Last year you asked me about Campazzo. I’m thrilled with my players. We had more downs than ups, but we also have to give a chance to those who have trained here, like Hugo (Gonzalez) and Ismaile (Diagne), so that they can learn little by little.
Not everyone can play here, and we have to give them the opportunity to know if they are good or not. Those who have quality play. I am sure they will help us throughout the year.
Managing a large number of chips is not so simple. We traveled to Murcia with 14 players. Hugo is coming, but Ismaila and Alocen are staying, they will start working with everyone soon, but he is not here yet. Last year at this time there were doubts about the team and people were talking.
You have to work with what you have and not look for excuses. We have to do what is expected of us, which is to work and fight to go far in all competitions. People have been saying all year that we don’t have a base and the year has not been bad at all,” Chus Mateo said, referring to how his team won the EuroLeague.