Chus Mateo: “We are missing flight hours”

The Spanish team could not overcome a solid Portugal in a match that ended with a tight 89-95. After the final whistle, the Spanish coach, Chus Matthewappeared before the media with a sincere analysis of the current state of the team.

For Matthewthe key to the defeat does not lie in a single factor, but in the lack of training of a squad that is still learning to play collectively. “There have been many ups and downs, a match very typical of teams that are not yet sufficiently cohesive,” explained the coach. In this sense, he was blunt about what the team needs to improve: “I think we lack flight hours and we will take up those hours little by little.”

The coach did not spare his praise for the rival, stressing that the continuity of the Portuguese block made the difference in critical moments. “We have played against a good team that knows how to play basketball, that are veterans and have been playing all the windows together,” he said. Matthewadding that the additions of players like Neemias queta They have raised the physical level of the Portuguese to a higher level.

Despite Spain He had stretches of dominance, the lack of consistency prevented him from breaking the score in his favor. “There have been moments where it seemed like we could break it and in those moments they immediately came back with three-pointers and counterattacks,” lamented the coach. One of the points that stung the coaching staff the most was the intensity in the divided plays: “We have not won… in very few battles today with those balls.”

Finally, Chus Mateo He wanted to close his speech with sportsmanship and an eye on the immediate future: “We must congratulate Portugal, who played better than us. Today they won and we hope to play a good game again next day.”