Ettore Messina shared his first impressions after Milano’s win over Barcelona at the Palau Blaugrana in Round 15 of the EuroLeague.
Ettore Messina commented on the Barcelona game:
“A very important win for us, against such a strong team like Barcelona, at their place. I have to applaud my players, it wasn’t easy. They played with patience, especially in the first half when we couldn’t find our shooting percentages, and the defense was giving us trouble, slowing down our ball movement.
Our defense also took the entire first quarter to pick up the level. In the second half, we played with great patience, moving the ball well and finding many open shots, improving our percentages, and most importantly, the defense picked up its level.
One more, we must keep going. This EuroLeague is complicated because on any given day, anyone can beat anyone, and there are no predictions. We have to take it day by day, but it’s important that the team is growing more and more in controlling the game and defense. Today, Barcelona had 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and zero in the second, small things like that help you win games. I’m happy for 24 hours.”
What changed after the disastrous start:
“Changing eight players, as we did this year, it’s not easy to find balance. We started well and won the Super Cup at Virtus’ home, and we thought things would be a bit easier, but it didn’t go that way. We then had many injuries, Nebo played four or five games, but the main theme was getting to know each other.
With Nebo’s injury, we put LeDay and Mirotic together, and they gave a boost to the team. Everyone is contributing, and the chemistry has grown. It’s not a matter of technique or tactics, it’s about that. I hope this continues because the season is very long.”
The decisive 30-5 run in 5 minutes:
“It depends on both teams. One team struggled in attack and defense, the other did very well in both areas. I don’t think it’s just our merit or just the mistakes from Barcelona. The emotional part is very important. We lost a home game where we were ahead by 27. We made three or four consecutive baskets, they missed a few shots, got frustrated, and that’s how it went.”
A special game for Nikola Mirotic:
“Another great game from Nikola at the Palau, luckily for us this time. He’s playing a great season, and I think he’s really fitting in well with his teammates. Today wasn’t easy for him, I was prepared for a somewhat nervous performance from him, but once again he surprised me with his character and level of play.”
The coach’s situation in Milan:
“This is my sixth season here. We’ve won seven titles, three consecutive league championships, two EuroLeague playoff appearances in four years (one season was unfinished), and a Final Four 30 years after the last one. If for two years we had problems in the EuroLeague, at the end of the day, that’s a nice number of titles.
If we think we always have to win and be at the Final Four every time, we’re making a mistake. This is part of the job and basketball. Winning the league title is very important, especially against a strong team like Virtus. It’s not easy. When I walk around Milan, I receive affection and respect. And then having the respect of Mr. Armani and Dell’Orco, from such a high-level ownership, is a very high motivation” – Ettore Messina said.
Milano is currently sixth in the standings with a 9–6 record, while Barcelona sits in 11th place with eight wins and seven losses.
In Round 16, Milano will face Panathinaikos in Athens, while Barcelona will host Fenerbahce at the Palau Blaugrana.
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