Filip Petrušev spoke ahead of the EuroLeague SuperCup games about the team’s preparation, the process of building a new-look squad, the challenge of facing Real Madrid, and the ambitions for the upcoming season.
“I don’t think we could have asked for better preparation than this. We’re playing against some of the best teams in Europe, and being part of the SuperCup gives us a chance to compete against that level right away. I think that’s the best way to prepare, because you get better by playing against the best. If our goal is to become one of the top teams in Europe, then we have to test ourselves against the best teams and see where we stand”, said Filip Petrušev from Dubai Basketball.
“We’re still in the process of building the team. We have some guys from last season, but with a new coach, a lot of things change. The system, the way we play, the expectations — everything is a little different. The coach has also brought in some new players, so we’re still getting to know each other and learning how to play together. We don’t have a lot of time, but that’s what these games are for. Through these games and the first games of the season, we’ll get more comfortable with each other and start understanding our roles within the team”, mentioned Filip, whose team did scouting on Real Madrid, but they have to show it on the court.
“Against Real Madrid, we have to control the pace and not let them play the way they want to play. We have to take away the things they’re comfortable with and try to make them play outside of their comfort zone. I think we’ve prepared well for that. Their coach is bringing a similar style to what he had at Valencia last season, so we’re familiar with it. They like to play fast, they like to score a lot, and we faced that style last year as well, so we know some of the things they’re going to try to do. Of course, practice is one thing and the actual game is something completely different. Once the ball goes up, everything can change. But overall, we know what we’re facing and we’re ready for it.”
Dubai and Petrušev has the clear goal for this season and EuroLeague SuperCup: “Every time we enter a tournament or a league, our mindset is the same — we want to compete for the title. That’s not just the SuperCup; it’s every competition we’re part of. We’re going in with the goal of winning it, and then we’ll see how far we can go”.
