Priftis: “We won’t give up, we want to be competitive”

On Tuesday (March 1, 21:00, NOVASPORTS PRIME, LIVE Sportish) Panathinaikos will host Zalgiris in OAKA in a postponed game for the 18th game of the Euroleague. Dimitris Priftis stressed in the game’s press conference that regardless of goal position, the Greens will not give up while they want to show they are competitive.

The statements of the Priftis in detail:

The original statement: “We said that regardless of our goal position, we won’t give up. We want to be competitive both for their personal goals, but above all for the team. As much as the conditions allow, of course, because we’re going to go into this game with a lot of problems, maybe even more than the previous one. It’s an adventure game that’s been postponed twice already, let’s see how it goes.”

For absences: “Ioannis Papapetrou, Okaro White, Giorgos Papagiannis who will arrive just before the game as he will travel in the morning while Bohoridis is 99% doubtful. If it is him we will only be in the top nine or ten download.

Unfortunately we will not have Hugas either as this is a postponed game and he is not eligible to attend. Combined with White’s absence, this is an additional problem and, judging by his very positive performance in the previous game, another absence. Of course, Jovic’s absence is also important. We made that addition but unfortunately we lost him when he started to find his rhythm. “If Bohoridis doesn’t play, the relationship between the guards will shrink too much.”

For opportunities for new players: “We managed quite well, even though our squad was almost full. And sometimes we created chances, especially Mantzoukas. It’s very pleasant that Hugaz also played in the previous game, while Avdalas also needs time to participate, mainly in of the Greek championship It’s a “We have that will, plus the fact that our circumstances are going in that direction at the moment. It’s very important that the kids react because of course they’re training.”

For Ukraine: “I would say that what we said before is probably 10% to 20% of our concept right now. Obviously the thoughts of all of us are there. We hope for a positive development, which we expect. You see, there are implications for sport as well. I’m not sure if the Russian teams’ Euroleague games will just be postponed or played at neutral venues. I think that this approach is very optimistic and that it will not happen either. In any case, we have to wait and see what happens. “All of this is uncomfortable, and combined with the previous pandemic, I think our planet in general is going through a difficult time.”

Mantzoukas: “We will do our best against Zalgiris”

For playing with Zalgiris: “In every game we try the best, first of all for our world, but also for us and everyone who supports us. As in all games, tomorrow we will give everything for the best.”

For the time of his participation and his presence: “Sure, I do my best in training every day and try to take every opportunity that comes my way. Vassilis played extremely well against Red Star and above all proved himself a lot. Every game.” It will be dealt with separately. We’ll have a lot of failures again, but we’ll try.”

For match key: “Zalgiris is a team with many experienced players. We’ll try to run, put some baskets in surprise and limit the five-on-five game as much as possible.

For the war in Ukraine: “It’s a terrible thing for the whole world, we’re all upset about what’s happening. In cases like this, basketball is completely secondary. Every player, every person has a choice to do what they want. It’s definitely something sad and I hope so.” Stop as soon as possible with as few casualties as possible”.