Georgios Bartzokas, the head coach of Olympiacos, believes that Chus Mateo deserves to be named Coach of the Season in the EuroLeague.
Georgios Bartzokas has managed to lead Olympiacos to the Final Four of the EuroLeague once again this season. He reflected on the beginning of the season when new players joined the team.
“I had to learn how the new players think and react to pressure. We wanted to be a team that faces every game collectively,” said Georgios Bartzokas to Eurohoops.
The head coach of the reigning champions of the Greek Basket League and cup has been present in numerous situations during the EuroLeague Final Four.
“In the end, it’s a matter of instinct and personality. I don’t want to train my players or force them to think they are pawns, that it’s all about me and my thoughts. It’s a game played by people. They have to be ready for the game.”
Last season, Sergio Llull’s winning shot led Real Madrid to the championship title in Kaunas. The rematch of the final this season will be in the semifinals.
“I don’t think it will affect us.”
Real Madrid’s coach, Chus Mateo, has been chosen as the Coach of the Season this season.
“Chus Mateo absolutely deserves the Coach of the Season award. Real Madrid has dominated the entire season. Why wouldn’t he be the Coach of the Year? When it comes to players, that’s clear to me. There are great players who are not in the first two teams of the year.”
Bartzokas was named the EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2013 when he led Olympiacos to the championship title.