FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.05.2010 17:07

Good form makes Pascual confident

Sònia de Alba (enviada especial)

Xavi Pascual is delighted with the way his team has played in the Euroleague and the ACB, while Ricky Rubio is concerned about CSKA’s experience, but feels the squad believe in themselves.

In the official press conference in the Paris City Hall, Regal FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Pascual has spoken about his pleasure at appearing in the F4. “We are happy with the season we have posted so far and hope to add our grain of sand to the show that is the Final Four” he said.

Precedent to forget

On their semi final opponent, CSKA Moscow, Pascual knows they are experienced, as the team discovered last year. However “every game is different” and this time they have to make up for being beaten by the Russians at the same stage in Berlin last year. “Last year we dominated until the final minutes, and then Siskauskas appeared. We weren’t patient enough, but that’s now part of the past”.

It is over the long throws that the coach is especially concerned, and he highlighted the skills of Holden, Langdon, Planinic and Siskauskas himself in that department. “Let’s see if we can impose our game and control matters in difficult situations” he said.

In his opinion “the plaers are calm. They know what they have done to get here, they wouldn’t change anything about how they made it here to Paris”.

Expectation of the Rising Star

Pascual was joined by Ricky Rubio, who the Euroleague have named the Rising Star of the tournament. The player believes “we have a good chance of winning”, although the important thing is just to enjoy the moment.

“CSKA are very experienced we believe in ourselves”, said the talented 19 year old, who doesn’t feel age has to be an issue. “When playing at this level it doesn’t matter of you are 15 or 35, the important thing is to be yourself and maintain that personality on court” he said.

Before him, Ricky will have the tried and tested guard Holden. The FCB star is not afraid, in fact, he’s rather excited. “I have watched all the finals on TV, and now at the age of 19 I can play in one”.