Georgios Bartzokas, head coach of Olympiacos, spoke after the third game of the Greek league final series against Panathinaikos.
Georgios Bartzokas and the red-and-whites were in the lead for most of the game and ultimately secured a deserved victory. Evan Fournier was scoring from all possible positions, supported by Sasha Vezenkov and Nikola Milutinov, which proved to be a winning combination for Olympiacos.
“Today we took the lead in the series again, 2-1, taking advantage of home court, for which we fought all season, as we remained unbeaten. I think we deserved the win, we controlled the game throughout. We scored over 100 points. As you can see, games have a different character”, the Greek coach began, before continuing:
“You can score 50-55 points in one game and then 100 or more in another against the same team with the same tactics. Obviously, it also depends on the players, how they feel and how they manage mental and physical fatigue. As I said, we have been here since August, now it is June, and we have played close to 80 games. As you know, in Europe there are no easy games. Our team undoubtedly had a big goal – the EuroLeague, which it deservedly won.
It was a great success, but it also brought relief for many players in the team who had been chasing it for years. As you know, that always creates a kind of emotional release and drop in concentration. I honestly had doubts at times, but today I saw that we responded very well. We played as we should, the series continues. We will go there in two days and try to win.”
He also addressed the decision to fine him €10,000 due to incidents from the second game.
“Due to the decision of the sports judge, I also have to apologize to the fans for a video that was illegally recorded in the locker room. As you know, during 40 minutes of play and a three-hour-long game, I had no reaction whatsoever.
In the first half I didn’t say a single word to the referees, even though Mr. Giannakopoulos came down and asked for me to receive a technical foul. I didn’t even look at them. Obviously, that man had his intentions, and I also apologize to the fans.
But I wonder: for three hours there were insults directed at my wife, my mother, myself, Mr. Angelopoulos, Mr. Leventis, and I was informed that Olympiacos was fined €40,000 (total penalty €80,000), of which €10,000 concerns me, while Panathinaikos was fined €3,000 (total penalty €44,000). This is something we cannot comment on. Everyone says they believe in justice, and we say the same — that is why I apologize”, said Georgios Bartzokas.
Olympiacos leads the series 2-1, and the fourth game, which will be played on Panathinaikos’ home court, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
