FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.06.2007 14:12

Navarro: “Dream final for everyone”

Carles Cascante/Jaume Canut

Juan Carlos Navarro is about to take part in his sixth ACB final and for the man from Sant Feliu it is “a dream final for everyone” in that Barça-Madrid is a synonym of spectacular.

¿Does the Copa del Rey final against Madrid serve as a good reference?”

“It’s completely different. Now we are playing many games in the playoffs. It will be a long series of games which will be decided in the final seconds of the game, however, they know we can win and they will want to beat us.”

¿After six years without a clasico Barça – Madrid final, what can people expect?

“It’s a dream final for everyone. Barça – Madrid is always a spectacular, it’s an extra motivation for us as well as the fans. A great final which everyone can enjoy.”

The balance against Madrid, since the new format of the ACB, is 4-4. ¿is it a good time break this?

“Sure, they have the home court advantage, however, in the semifinals they showed us they can win on the road. However, having just beaten the favourites at home, we’ll be prepared for anything.”

Real Madrid and TAU were strong during the regular Liga and Barça, a little irregular, however, you are playing a much more dynamic game, ¿do you think this is a factor which gives you an advantage?

“Looking at the season, it’s been pretty good. We won the Copa del Rey by a little and now we’re in the final. We’ve been a little irregular but we’ve always kept faith. You have to take it game by game and with Barça, you have to be high up in all competitions. We’re now in the final and I want to give everything to win it. To win the double would be great.”

In the Vistalegre, awaits a hostile atmosphere. ¿What can be done to counter these environments?

“We don’t counter them, every player likes to play games like these; to play games in which the crowd is against you. They’ll also come up against this in Palau. At this level, people are used to it.”

¿What’s the best part of Joan Plaza’s team?

“They’re a well organized team, which plays the counter attack well. Their ability to get the rebounds in attack is strong, with both Felipe and Hervelle, they will take advantage of anything they get given.”

¿Regarding the referees, are you worried about the same thing happening as what did in Vitoria?

“Everyone wants the players to take centre stage. Vitoria is forgotten.”

The team knew how to respond at the right moment when the referee blew for a technical foul.

“We have a squad rich in depth and quality, people know we have the capacity to win games.”