In a hard-fought contest, the national basketball team secured a crucial 74-64 victory against Denmark, marking a significant milestone for head coach Chus Mateo. This win, his first at the helm of the national squad, was a testament to the team’s resilience and defensive prowess. Mateo emphasized the difficulty of the game,noting,”It wasn’t an easy game. We knew it woudl be tough, but we were able to stay in the game, avoid turnovers. We were also good in defense, Denmark stayed at 64 points. That allowed us to get a good lead in the first half.”
While the offense experienced some challenges in the second half, Mateo expressed immense satisfaction with the overall performance. “I am very happy because, as I said, it was not an easy game. And for me, winning the first game as a coach means a lot to me,” he shared, highlighting the personal meaning of the achievement.
Addressing the performance of young talent Osobor, Mateo was optimistic. “He has played well. He is doing things well in Germany and I have high hopes for him,” he stated. Mateo acknowledged that Osobor, like any young player, has areas for advancement, especially in understanding game tempo and possession management. “There are things he has to learn, because he is young. But I’m glad. he has one against one, he generates play. But he has to learn to play on the edge of possession. I’m delighted to have him and the rest of the players.” This balanced perspective underscores a commitment to player development alongside immediate results.
The emotional weight of coaching the national team was palpable for Mateo. “Since I was named coach, it is true that I have enormous enthusiasm. I consider that one of the most gorgeous things that can happen is to be a coach,” he reflected. The pre-game anthem, he admitted, brought a surge of emotion. “Of course there were butterflies in the stomach and of course when I heard the anthem of my country, without a doubt it is a special victory.” He vowed to carry the memory of this inaugural concentration with his players forward. “This is how I transferred it to the locker room. I will never forget this first concentration,of each and every one of the players. contribute more or less. I will keep this moment in my heart always.”
Injury concerns for Jaime Fernández and Dani Díez were also a point of discussion. Mateo expressed hope for their swift recovery. “I hope it’s nothing serious about either of them. Jaime (Fernández) has noticed discomfort and we preferred not to risk it.And Dani (Díez) has a sprained ankle and I hope he arrives.” He concluded by reiterating his gratitude for the players’ dedication, stating, “And I am very grateful for the commitment that the players have shown.”
Player Just offered his congratulations, noting the team’s solid effort. “Congratulations to Chus for his first victory. We have only poured water on him for his first victory and nothing more. In general, good and happy. I think we have done a good job.”
Related News
your opinions matter! Comment on the articles and subscribe for free to our newsletter and to the facts alerts in the App or the channel WhatsApp. Looking to license content? click here
