Coach of “Zalgiris” Kaunas Andrea Trinchieri previewed the upcoming EuroLeague clash against AS Monaco.
Žalgiris is fighting for a place in the playoffs and victory is necessary.
“There are two games left in the EuroLeague regular season. We will try to climb a very high mountain, a Monaco team that is very talented. I always want to be positive. A few months ago we believed we were still alive and managed to travel to the final weeks. This is a great achievement.
I believe we must go into the match like sailors with the wind at our backs. We know how tough the match will be. We have to be good in attack, defense, keep our physicality, cool heads. What happened in the last two months should be a support for us”, said the Italian.
He is not interested in calculated scenarios: “I don’t know anything about these scenarios and I don’t care. 1 percent? 0.1 percent? It’s more than nothing. My team showed that they want to fight and play good basketball. We had a good game so it’s great to be in contention. All the numbers are for someone else. I know you have to, but I really don’t care about them.
The point is can I change them? I can only prepare the team and hope for another victory. I don’t want to waste energy on something that’s not in my control.”
A. Trinchieri believes that Monaco defender Mike James is the best player in the Euroleague.
“In my opinion, we are talking about the best basketball player. The package he brings to the game is the best in the league. I said that a few years ago. Not because he became the top scorer. This is a major achievement that highlights his career. He has nothing to prove to me – I know how good James is. Accomplishments are important in basketball, but that doesn’t change how good he is. There are plenty of NBA Hall of Famers who never won a title. Just because they didn’t win an NBA title, does that mean they aren’t that good? Or the Euroleague title? Titles are not for players, they are for teams, organizations. I think James is one of the best. Whether it is the first, second or third position is already very subjective. I know what he gives on the pitch. He is the best for me”, said the specialist.
A. Trinchieri has doubts about Rolandas Šmitas playing in the upcoming match.
“He took a hard turn. Šmitas tries to go through the pain. I don’t know yet – we’ll see. It will be a matchday decision. He is not in rhythm…” said the Italian.
A. Trinchieri was asked how he is preparing for the upcoming match.
“I go to church and light candles. This is the main preparation when you play against such a team. You try to do your best. Every choice will have consequences. There is a price you will pay. If you pull your troops to stop one player, others will appear that can be dangerous. You have to prepare a balanced match plan,” he said.
