Papadopoulos: “We want to prove things through training and hard work”
Aigaleo coach Dimitris Papadopoulos was “hosted” on Eok Webradio's “Immediate Ripley” with Yiannis Lambiris and Rafael Alaga.
He said in detail:
For last year's Aigaleo's rise to the Elite League: “What happened to the children last year is a basketball overrun. When I took over it was very bad psychologically, it didn't play anything. There was pressure and were off -target. We worked, talked, concentrated, changed our plan many times. The kids wanted it, they played good basketball and we did what no one expected. I think all those who said in February that I could not do anything more, we finally showed that we could with the same players. So we changed something. “
For the goals of the new season: “This year we are a newcomer team, a player remained from last year's roster. We return to the Elite League after 15 years. We took the risk to change the whole team and take a majority of young players, up to 26 years old, and two foreign athletes. We want to go to something new, more energy. Children want to take the next step in their careers. They want to prove things through training and work. Let's go with a roster that wants patience and risk. We will have our weaknesses and defeats, but there people have to support us. You know that what is new wants time to work. We will fight for the best we can, we have health. I talked to the world, I'm not hiding, I love what I do. It's a difficult mission and I'll do it at 100%, but the team is new with 10 new players and needs patience. There is no experience in this category, but they have appetite and “I want”. They will go through training, they have the feedback. When you risk, you lose something and you win something. “
For Aigaleo's program: “This is my job, to be able to put the young kids in the mentality that the days are not indifferent. We work every day and concentrated. On October 4, something very important begins. We have a good and high program. We don't have a trip to the first six games, the home games are a “must win” for us or those with teams aiming for wins. We will… rush to make our home win early with our world. We will fight the first six games, there is no defeat for us. We go step by step to get the mentality and mood I want. I rely on the good climate of the changing rooms, something that comes out on the court regardless of money and earnings. “
For this year's roster: “We will start on August 19th the preparation and the chemistry of the new players in the team will be covered with many hours of training. So I know how to work. Because young children are not easily tired, I think this is the “key” to “tie” as a team. We do not have a “trunk”, but we will get it with our plan. There is a mood and we will be better after two months. We treat the cup as officially friendly, we will definitely not get it. We want to be ready on October 4 at the premiere of the championship against the fighters experimental at home. It's a “must win” for us this fight. “
For the additions of foreign players to Aigaleo: “We are close to reinforcement with foreign players. I can't say anything, signatures have not yet fallen. I have to respect the administration of Aigaleo. “
For competitiveness and this year's Elite League: “There is no team that is a clear favorite, nor a big brand name like in previous years with Hercules and Panionios. It's early for conclusions. From what I hear and read, I distinguish four teams. These are Chalkida, which has an excellent roster with coach Nikos Economou, the Megara due to consistency, Vikos Ioannina due to good and expensive movements, and Proteas Voula who has invested properly and has a serious administration. These groups are a “click” in front. For the other groups, I see that we are at the same level. I don't see huge differences, the day of the race will play a role and what strangers will get. The format plays a role, the championship improves. There will be many derby in each race. There is no fear team to get forward. “
For his renewal with Aigaleo: “People respected me in Aigaleo. Anyone in the basketball field knows what I have accomplished, I have a course in the sport. I am very passionate, I love what I do, I do it in my own way. It's my job, I'm not doing anything else, I'm a professional. Some people like it, some don't. I don't do it with a negative intention. Thanks to the administration who appreciated what I do. “
For his experience in the Elite League: “The format has been organized very well by the EEC with Mr. Liolio, is organized. There is nothing missing from the Elite League compared to GBL, beyond the many strangers. The TV is also on. I have worked in corresponding A2 categories abroad, not as in Greece. There is a dress code on the benches, there are several things in terms of finances. The format is very competitive and there are not many indifferent matches. The distances are short in the class, a bad match or a positive result affects the score of several teams. “
For the image of national men: “The team is new, there should be no stress. The average age has fallen. All right, they should not be “signs”, because when we said we were going for a medal we didn't do it. The map has grown, especially with Naturalishes. There will be groups that never existed. Basil is born to live in pressure. The staff is excellent and they work fast. Players have been deprived of their summer. It takes patience and everything comes with work. “
