Chus MateoReal Madrid coach, stated this Wednesday that he is not yet “aware” of what his team has achievedby winning the eleventh European basketball cup.
“I am still not aware of what we have achieved. I’ve been with Real Madrid since I was little and I have the values of this team deep inside. I know we have done something very big. Be part of this story and To think that your name will be next to that of Pablo Laso, Manuel Sainz and many more makes me dizzy”, he said on the second day of White Week at the Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea.
“When the horn sounded to mark the end of the game, I tried to keep the emotions and convey respect for the rival, who deserved as much to win as we did. It was very nice to live it ”, he added.
Continuing with the sensations experienced in Kaunas, he recalled that they were “on the edge of the abyss several times; with Partizán, with Barça in the semis, in a final that was practically impossible because of how Olympiacos had been playing”, but that they were “able to pull it off”. “What I am most proud of is the chemistry that has been created in the dressing room”, he stressed.
Regarding the last play it was clear. “We all knew that the last ball had to be Sergio Llull’s. He looked in the eyes of the players. If there is someone who had to take that shot it was Sergio. He hit a basket that gave us glory. We have world-class players, but no one could handle this situation like he does. I am very happy for him, because he deserved it more than anyone”, concluded Chus Mateo.
Philip Reyesformer player and former captain of the team also participated in the same event.
“This year I have suffered more than ever. I had never had the feeling of a heart attack and last Sunday I had it. You live with a lot of nerves from the outside. You see it very difficult. When you are a player you suffer, but if you are playing you don’t notice it so much, you forget everything that happens and try to do the best possible. Nerves are spent more by those who are outside, ”she pointed out.
“Since the tie with Partizan everything seemed impossible. Nobody believed in the comeback, except usThose of us who were with the team, the players themselves, the coaching staff. However, with desire and enthusiasm this team has made history. All the suffering turned into joy and happiness”, concluded Felipe Reyes.