Simone Pianigiani, talking to Olimpia Milano Tv, about the EuroLeague: “With this new format, the most important aspect is to stay consistent in our approach, being mentally tough, and show the ability to overcome difficulties, which are inevitable and are going to be there for everyone. It’s important not to focus on the immediate result, especially after a loss, but to think only about improving – what Pat Riley called constant and continuous progress. The team that won the last EuroLeague lost 12 regular season games and the Red Star, the best among non-playoff teams, lost 14 games. It means there are so many moments in this competition where you just have to absorb the defeats. And it also means that you have to play tough to the end, because teams that do not seem to be racing for a playoff spot, in reality they do. I’m thinking about Kaunas last year. In the end they were eliminated just two games before the finish line. Whoever has the strength to be mentally tough, will probably have a better chance of entering the playoffs. At Olimpia we will have to take this step forward to bring us to the level of teams that each year have the chance to make the playoffs. “
About his Olimpia: “As coaches more than imposing philosophies we have be able to take the most out of the available players. I hope that this is a team that can improve during the season, with a solid defensive identity, because this is what allows you to stay competitive, knowing that the offense eventually will let you win games. I hope to see a team capable to read situations and to make the right choices. With the EuroLeagues format and an improving Italian league, we need to follow our path, to read games well, we need to exploit the talent of our players, being a little bit unpredictable. I wish that by playing collectively, with different guys stepping up every now and then, you could see if not the hand of the coach, at least the sacrifice of the entire coaching staff. “
About the coaching staff: “Staff is a crucial element if you want to build a successful team for one or more seasons. To stay competitive and consistent during the whole season with a number of games so high, the capillary work done by the team behind the team cannot be underestimated. The assistant coaches are decisive to keep players from listening to the same voice for eight to nine months. There are strenght and conditioning coaches and doctors: just think how difficult it might be to manage a week the needs of those who played thirty minutes and the ones playing ten minutes. Then we have different rotations between the Italian league and the EuroLeague, we have 30-year old players and 20-year old players. Everything needs to be individualized, yet it is also necessary to have a team work of high quality. Finally, I think about the scouting about ourselves and about the opponents: everything has to be done with the goal of improving. In other words, we need a staff of the highest level. I have been lucky enough to find one in Olimpia already. With some members of this staff I have already had the pleasure to work with this. The head coach is going to keep the last word but it will be the quality of so many people working will really determine what we can achieve on the court. “
