After finishing last season’s EuroLeague regular season at the top but falling short in the Final Four, Olympiacos and their coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, are facing a different set of expectations this year. Rather than feeling pressured, Bartzokas sees this shift as a positive, believing it will allow his team to approach the season with a calmer, more focused mindset.
In a recent interview, Bartzokas shared that he prefers not being seen as the main contender for the title. “If you want to say that no one considers us the big favorite anymore, like last year, it really favors me,” he explained. He feels this allows him to “manage the situation better” and adopt a “more modest philosophy,” focusing on taking things one step at a time.
🧘♂️ A Calmer Approach This Season
Last season, Olympiacos carried the heavy weight of being the team to beat. This year, with the spotlight shared among other teams, Bartzokas welcomes the change. He believes that being labeled the number one favorite from the very beginning of a season doesn’t guarantee success. Instead, he wants the team to stay grounded and focus on their performance without the added pressure of external expectations. This underdog mentality, he feels, could be a key advantage as they navigate the long and challenging EuroLeague season.
🎯 Focusing on the Present, Not the Final Four
With the Final Four set to take place in Athens, the home of their rival Panathinaikos, there is a lot of talk about the end of the season. However, Bartzokas is quick to dismiss such long-term thinking. “It would be utopic to think about what may happen in May,” he stated, emphasizing that so much can change in the day-to-day life of a major club like Olympiacos. While he acknowledges the “must” for the team to compete at the highest level after four straight Final Four appearances, he knows that reaching that stage is an incredibly difficult achievement that requires focus on the present moment.
❤️ A Strong Bond with the Club and Fans
Now in his seventh consecutive season during his second tenure with Olympiacos, Bartzokas expressed deep gratitude for his journey with the team. He described his role as “priceless” and a “great joy,” even on difficult days. He also reflected on his relationship with the fans, which has grown stronger over time. He believes the team’s exciting style of play and memorable winning streaks, including 14 victories against Panathinaikos, helped build this special bond. He is focused on the present and future, guided by what is best for the club.
🤔 An Open and Committed Future
As his contract is set to expire this summer, questions about his future have come up. Bartzokas remains open, saying, “Nobody knows what life holds for him.” He never imagined he would stay at Olympiacos for so long but cherishes the environment and the people he works with. Looking at the big picture, he made his feelings clear: “I am in an environment where, as long as they want me, I also want to be here no matter what.”
