Pascual and Navarro upbeat ahead of Madrid game

Captain Juan Carlos Navarro and coach Xavi Pascual gave a press conference ahead of Friday evening’s opener in the Liga Endesa Finals Play Offs in Madrid and both agreed that the team had a tough fight on their hands, but that there was little to choose between the two sides.

For Pascual:“there will be moments when the balance between the two teams will tip one way or the other, but you never know if we’re in for a long series of games or a short one. Both teams have fought hard to get here and we know they have already won everything whilst we’re still without a trophy this year. They are a very complete team and we’ll have to be at our best to beat them. I believe we can do that”.

The coach is also aware that he’ll need a win in Madrid to take the title: “we’ve not had much luck in finals – if luck enters into it – but we’ll see what happens this time. We know we have to win here in Madrid if we want to be champions: if we don’t, then we won’t lift the trophy”.

Navarro confident

Captain Juan Carlos Navarro also spoke of the Madrid team, explaining: “we are worried about a lot of things about them, they are a very complete outfit and they are full of confidence after winning everything so far. Madrid are favourites, especially with the home advantage, but we have come here to win and we are confident that we can do that. Right now we are just focussed on the opening game – it could be a long series and Friday’s match is important, but not vital”.