Head coach "Runa" commented on the victory over "Avtodor" (87:79) in the debut for our team in the VTB United League.
- What can you say about today's game?
- First of all, I would like to congratulate the players. We got together very late before the season and we are still getting used to each other. It's not a quick process, we need some time. But I am very happy that our team has players with strong character. It's also worth noting that we're newcomers to the VTB United League. It's great that the club supports our attempts to build a team game. We have to grow as a team and as an organization as the season progresses.
As for the game, we were lucky today because Avtodor lost a very important player to injury. This team has very good players, a respected coach. I can't say that we played good defense, especially in the first half. In the second half we defended much better. If we want to compete for the playoffs, we need to play smarter on both sides of the court.
There are a lot of good teams in the VTB United League with good coaches and rosters. It's probably one of the strongest championships in Europe. That's why we have to appreciate every game and every practice. It's a good start for us, we have a tight calendar in October. I hope we will continue to develop and win.
- You took a timeout in the final seconds of the game, when the outcome of the match was predetermined. What was that about?
- It wasn't disrespectful in any way. "Avtodor" is a very good team and one of our competitors in the fight for the playoffs. We don't know what position we'll be in by the end of the season, but our goal is to make the playoffs. That's why every point and every possession is important for the bottom line in head-to-head meetings with this team.
- Nikola Ivanovic said earlier that the starting five will change as the season progresses. What will be the starting lineup for the next match?
- We are trying to create a good atmosphere in the team. I can produce the same starting five in every match, but I don't want to fix a certain rotation. I want to select the lineup based on the peculiarities of each opponent. I can change the starting five from match to match, but that doesn't mean it will be new in every game. The starting five is very important, but it is much more important who finishes the match - the last five.
- Author: Vladislav Mashurov
- Source: PBC Runa
