Chus Mateo, the coach of Real Madrid, has won his third title in 12 months, securing his second consecutive Super Cup. Ahead of him are only Pablo Laso and Xavi Pascual.
Chus Mateo is entering his second season with Real Madrid, where he has been for just twelve months since his debut in the competition a year ago in Seville, where he helped kickstart his journey with a Super Cup victory. Now, he has three titles to his name, including two Super Cups and the EuroLeague.
During the press conference, he appeared happy but very composed, praising the quality of his players, everyone’s hard work, and looking towards the future, focusing on what can be improved. Only two other coaches have won two Super Cups: Pablo Laso and Xavi Pascual.
About Facundo Campazzo as MVP
“He knows how to transmit his hunger to the team. I’m very happy for Facu, that he won the MVP, that he came here because of the work of his teammates,” Chus Mateo said about Campazzo after the victory in the Super Cup final against Unicaja 88:81.
“He’s a player who is a step ahead in many aspects, especially in understanding the game. When he arrived in Madrid, he was very young, and now he’s starting to become a veteran, and he knows how to convey the hunger and desire to win that he has. Sometimes, that hunger plays tricks on him because he’s eager to get the ball back; he wants it as soon as possible and doesn’t wait.“
About the game
“We had a very serious game until halftime, the only problem was eight missed free throws. The lead of 13 points could have been even greater. We left the match open towards the end of the third quarter and allowed Unicaja, which didn’t give up, to make a comeback. They held their ground, but we reacted well and knew how to endure.
We got back into the game in time, even increasing our lead. Everyone contributed to winning this Super Cup, both those who played today and those who didn’t. In the end, no matter how good the players are, teams win.“
Chus Mateo now has two Super Cup trophies – only Laso and Pascual have achieved that.
“With good players, it’s easier to win two Super Cups. I hope that in the future, I can compare myself to them, but tomorrow I will think about winning against Zaragoza at the start of the League.”
Ndiaye played a good match and showed that he can be seriously counted on.
“He is very young, and there’s no need to rush him at all. The team expects him to keep working like he did in the last Final Four when he defended Mirotic. If he relaxes, we’ll give him a chance, but with the work ethic he has, he will go far because he always puts in the effort.”