Bartzokas: 'Two games left, we won't change our mentality'

Olympiacos has once again proven its dominance in European basketball, punching its ticket to the EuroLeague Final Four with a decisive 3-0 sweep against Monaco. This marks an incredible fifth consecutive appearance in the Final Four, a testament to the club's sustained excellence and the players' unwavering commitment. Coach Giorgos Bartzokas, visibly pleased, emphasized the team's gratitude towards the players, staff, and fans, acknowledging the difficulty of consistently competing at the highest level against Europe's elite.

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We are grateful to the players, the fans, and the organization. It was the second part of the EuroLeague, the first is the regular season, the second is the playoffs and the third is the Final Four. It is our fifth consecutive Final Four which is a huge achievement, it is not easy to compete with the best teams in Europe and be consistently in the top 4 teams.

Bartzokas stressed that the team will not rest on its laurels, maintaining the 'one game at a time' mentality as they set their sights on the semi-final. This disciplined approach, focusing solely on the next challenge, has been a cornerstone of their success. The coach also extended respect to Monaco for their competitive spirit despite their limited roster, highlighting the sportsmanship that defines the EuroLeague.

From our perspective at Ta Nea, this achievement is more than just a series of wins; it's a reflection of a well-structured organization and a winning culture that permeates every level of the club. While international media might focus on the individual brilliance or the final outcome, we in Greece understand the deep-rooted dedication and strategic planning that underpins this consistent success. It's a source of national pride to see a Greek team not only participating but consistently contending for the top prize in European basketball, year after year.

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Two games left, let's focus on the semifinal. Monaco was always as competitive as they could be with the small roster they had, they have my respect.

The focus now shifts to the Telekom Arena in Athens, where Olympiacos will aim to add another trophy to their illustrious history. The journey has been arduous, but the team's resilience and unwavering focus suggest they are well-prepared to face whatever comes next, whether it be Fenerbahçe or Žalgiris in the semi-finals. This is not just about winning; it's about the enduring legacy Olympiacos is building in European basketball.

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We will not change our mentality, one game at a time. First is the semifinal against Fenerbahçe or Žalgiris, we will prepare for that match, what will happen next and in the future nobody knows. I believe we were consistent throughout the season and we deserve to be here, we finished first in the regular season and qualified with 3 wins and we are positive about our team.