Berlin-Monaco: Imperative victory for the Roca Team
Opponent this Wednesday evening of AS Monaco, Alba Berlin occupies the penultimate place in the Euroleague standings and should be handicapped by two packages. To follow its course, the Roca Team must return victorious from Germany.
“It looks like Maodo Lo and Ben Lammers can’t play,” Spanish coach Israel González said on the eve of the game.
International leader Maodo Lo’s knee pain has worsened, while Ben Lammers is suffering from groin problems. Jaleen Smith and Malte Delow could fill the void left by Maodo Lo’s absence.
“Both are capable of playing in this position. It’s good that we have players who can play in several positions,” said Israel González.
In addition, this season, the German team is often late in ignition. A defect to be treated.
“We are working on it, especially in the Euroleague, the opponents have a lot of quality. But we have to work on our energy level. »
Alba is currently penultimate in the Euroleague and the chances of making the playoffs have become slim. This poor positioning is due to a series of 12 defeats in a row, which ended in Villeurbanne on December 30 (79-81). The Germans then obtained two other victories at home against Vitoria (85-84) and Milan (83-63).
” We know it. That’s why we want to learn from the best in the Euroleague. Then we will see what comes out of it,” commented Israel Gonzalez. “We certainly don’t want to be the last. We want to win a few more games,” said winger Louis Olinde.
Obviously, the task will not be easy against the Roca Team:
“They have very, very strong players individually. And with Mike James probably one of the best players in the Euroleague,” said Louis Olinde.
The Monegasque coach, Sasa Obradovic, who was a player and coach of Alba, is wary of his atypical style of play:
“Alba is a team that cuts and runs a lot. They have a lot of talented players who can score and they are able to create an upset at any time. We don’t want it to be against us. They can put a lot of rhythm. In a season you don’t come across another team that plays like Alba. When you face them, do not try to play the same way. On the way out, our concern was above all defensive. You will have to be very vigilant. On the cue, they can block and take the 3-pt. Our objective is to seek victory. We will finish as high as possible. ”
Photo: Maodo Lo (Euroleague)