Vlado Micov returns to Italy to play in Milan. He is not just an international caliber player, but also a player with a great amount of European-competition experience who will lead Olimpia in terms of leadership. Here’s his interview with Olimpia Milano Tv.
The return to Italy – “Olimpia is the best Italian team for sure. Five years ago I left Italy after two seasons and half in Cantù and remember the great derby we had between us and Milan and also with Varese at that time. I’m happy to be here, I have a lot of friends especially in Monza and in Lake Como area. I know the language, althoug i need to reset a little bit. I’ say I’m more confidence than I was when I first came here. ”
Expectations – “All my life I’ve tried to improve and learn something. After three years in Turkey, with Galatasaray, I’m back in Italy and my goal is still to improve, to learn the system and help Milan reach its season goals.”
The role – “My original position is 3 but in the last two years, I do not know if I’d say unfortunately, but as a fact I played a lot of 4 because we had so many injured players. So I managed to play 4 because like I said I wanna be useful to the team. Basketball is a team sport where individuals have to help the team. ”
The EuroLeague – “Since they changed the format, with 16 teams you can never say that there is an easy game, you can never think before, wherever you play, against anyone, Ok this game we’ll win for sure. There are 16 teams of quality. You need a deep roster because there are so many games and we also play in the Italian league where the playoffs are long and we play almost for 11 months, so you need a deep roster with quality players, foreigners and locals. Altough Milan didn’t win the title, the team remains the best in Italy, but when it comes to compare it to EuroLeague teams there is nothing sure, I can not say bring an extra shooter or one more point-guard and that’s it. We just have to find out the right chemistry. We have so many new players, almost all the foreigners, Italians are pretty much the same, but we needsthe right chemistry and we have to practice well from the start, get to know a new coach and his philosophy. If we start winning in the Italian league, then we will be more confident and everything will be easier, but like I said there is not a formula to go for example to the Final Four “.
Leadership – “When I talked to Pianigiani, he explained what he expects from me and what my role will be. Yes, I am the most experienced player, the one with more EuroLeague games played, on the court I will try to help my teammates especially the Americans because most of them are new to the EuroLeague. I’ll explain how things are going here. “
