On the eve of the derby against P.A.O.K. (Saturday 06/02, 21:00), David Blatt spoke to the Press about the special significance of this game.
“It’s a special game, which has a particular significance traditionally, historically, emotionally and professionally. It’s the kind of the game that anyone wants to live and participate in. P.A.O.K. is a team with many quality players and a good coach, mr. Markopoulos, whom I know from his presence in Maroussi. P.A.O.K. plays a particular kind of basketball and obviously it’s effective for them. Both team have their respective advantages, but I think that tomorrow’s game will be less about the tactics and more about matters of the heart and mind”, the American-Israeli coach quoted.
When asked about the feelings that his players might have, due to the bad result in the previous derby against P.A.O.K., mr. Blatt said: “There’s no question that tomorrow’s game will bring special feelings to the players who had participated in the last game against P.A.O.K.. However, I wasn’t here then, so it wouldn’t be fair if I tried to speak to the hearts of the players about that. It would sound phony. On the other hand, I believe that sportsmen should have long memories and remember all things of significance. And that game was significant. If the players choose to use their feelings in a positive way, it will be good for the team”.
Aris’s coach also spoke about the special conditions of such a derby and took the opportunity to praise the Aris fans for their attitude. ”In order to win, you have to play the game and not only think about the special circumstances of the derby. If you play good basketball, chances will be on your side. I’ve been part of many derbies in other countries in the past, but being part of it in Thessaloniki will be particular for me, because of the passion Greek people feel for sports”, he said and added:
“We feel double as lucky, because the fans of Aris are true aficionados. As much they cheer for the team, they maintain the correct behavior and they never get carried away to something negative. They have class and they represent Aris just the way the club would like them to. There’s no words to thank them enough for the amount of emotion they’re putting to the team”.
