ATHENS. Giorgos Bartzokas appeared at Thursday's official press conference for the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four with a clear message: Olympiacos wants to convert its consistency over recent years into the major continental title. The Greek head coach analyzed his team's moment before the semifinal against Fenerbahçe and especially highlighted the physical and mental state with which the Piraeus club arrives in Athens.
"The only difference is that this time we didn't have to travel. Wherever we play, our fans are always with us," Bartzokas explained about the atmosphere surrounding Olympiacos in a Final Four practically at home. "It's very important to be part of a Final Four. Everyone here knows how difficult it is to reach this point. There's so much talent and fantastic teams, which is why we value this moment so much. But now we need to take the next step and win the title."
The Greek coach insisted that in a scenario like the Final Four, small details usually decide everything. "Many times it's God, a great player, luck, or circumstances that make the final difference. We will fight for every possession and, if it's our turn this time, we'll be very satisfied."
Bartzokas also spoke about the possibility of lifting the trophy alongside Kostas Papanikolaou, one of the club's historical references. "That would be fantastic. This team has many similarities with other great Olympiacos teams from the past. We have talent, competitive spirit, and we finished the season with the best offense in the competition. Plus, this year we're healthier than ever."
The coach also highlighted the collective construction of the project and the locker room's ability to set egos aside. "In life everything needs balance. When you build a team you look for pieces that fit. We have players prepared to sacrifice themselves for the group and that's fundamental to compete for something big."
Finally, Bartzokas underscored the importance of roster depth in modern European basketball. "The season is too long. Before you could compete with seven or eight players, now it seems like even fifteen aren't enough. That's why new additions are so important and also the way the club helps integrate them into the Olympiacos family."