FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.03.2010 23:59

Pascual: "I want to congratulate everyone"

Sònia de Alba

The Regal Barça were all pleased with the display against Partisan on Thursday evening, but were already looking ahead to another meeting with Real Madrid while coach Xavi Pascual was pleased to back at the Palau Blaugrana.

“We are pleased to have qualified in first place in the group because the Top 16 has been tough and we are satisfied with the way we have played up until now. For that reason I must congratulate the team and the supporters for what we have achieved,” he explained.

Below are what some of the players had to say after the game:

Xavi Pascual

“We have responded to the expectations. We spoke to the players about playing at home again after almost a month and the added pressures that that brings and we still missed some easy shots in the first quarter. But by the third we had settled and the defence was strong. We did not have many problems with the rebounds against one of the best sides in that area. Offensively we were good too. In the third quarter we reached our usual level.

“Now we must begin to prepare for the play-offs having home court advantage. Real Madrid is one of the best sides in Europe and although we have beaten them in three official games this season that does not mean we can do it again automatically. We hope that things continue to go well though.”

Erazem Lorbek

“Partisan played very well and are a strong team. We have great player and we are difficult to play againsty also. We found our rhythm and stayed strong at the back as well as securing several rebounds in order to win.”

“The rhythm that Partisan played was not good but we knew what to expect. Now we face Real Madrid and they have some superb players. What is most important is that we prepare well.”

Juan Carlos Navarro

“We are pleased because deserved to be first in the group. Now we can think about Real Madrid and we know it will be an attractive tie. We have won each game against them until now, but you never know. We will have to be careful and use our home court advantage well.”
Jordi Trias

“Real Madrid are a good side and we have to look at the positives as it is the shortest journey we could have had.”

“At home we are playing very well and have had a great season. For us it was important to finish on top because of the home court factor. It does not guarantee you anything but it helps.”

“Partisan are a strong team and they never let you move clear. They defend well and they do not make anything easy. But we are used to playing these types of teams and we are pleased that we have beaten them.”

Roger Grimau

“Home court advantage is a reward for our progress in the Euroleague so far.”

“We were great in defence in what was a tough game. In the last quarter we lowered our guard but that is normal when you have a big lead. In the third period we moved clear thanks to our defence. That was key to our success.”

Boniface Ndong

“It is only a short journey and we are playing a side that we know well. I think we will do well and it is important that we are at home first.”