Neftchi head coach Konstantinos Vasiliadis says his side booked a place in the group stage of the FIBA Europe Cup on aggregate despite losing 61-73 to Estonia’s Parnu in the second leg of the qualifying round.
Vasiliadis said reaching the group stage pleased him, but he was not happy with the team’s performance in the return leg. He noted the side failed to prepare properly for the match, and coordination between players on the court fell short of what he expected.
Vasiliadis stressed that the 13-point lead built up in the first match should not have had a negative effect on the team’s motivation in the second game. He said it was clear in advance that the match against Parnu would be tough, but the team’s goal is always to go out and win. Unfortunately, he added, not all the players showed the level of performance expected of them.
The head coach said the coaching staff needs to do more work on the team’s psychological preparation and approach to matches. In his view, players must understand the importance of fighting at maximum intensity in both attack and defence, since the team failed to capitalise on a number of scoring chances on the day, a sign of lapses in concentration.
Vasiliadis said he had not ruled out giving more playing time to other players in upcoming matches, adding that this could bring extra energy and benefit to the team.
Congratulating Neftchi on advancing to the next stage, the head coach said the team’s goals do not end there. He noted that tougher rivals and the domestic championship lie ahead, which means the team must approach every match with maximum preparation. “We did not come into this tournament just to take part,” Vasiliadis said.
