What did Bartzokas say about the game outcome?
Olympiacos secured an 89-87 win over Red Star in the Neophytos Chandriotis friendly tournament, yet Bartzokas downplayed the result. He noted that Red Star shot efficiently for much of the contest because Olympiacos allowed open looks without defensive pressure. The coach stressed that every EuroLeague team possesses strong offensive talent, and failing to contest early shots quickly builds opponent confidence. Red Star reached 70 percent on two-point attempts and 60 percent on three-pointers during extended stretches. Bartzokas explained that the team had to raise its defensive intensity late to secure the victory. He added that the final score mattered less than the gaps visible between players already in good physical condition and others who still require substantial work. The coach said the team has one more friendly on Sunday before official games begin and that no club enters the season fully prepared. He repeated that Olympiacos has many aspects to improve in both offense and defense before competitive play starts. The large differences in conditioning between some players who are already sharp and others who need far more work remain the central concern heading into the final days of preparation.
How did the defense perform according to the coach?
Bartzokas described the defensive display as sluggish and lacking intensity in rotations and ball pressure. Players failed to force turnovers or contest passes, which allowed Red Star to find open shooters and collect late rebounds. He said the side must review video to correct these patterns before the competitive schedule starts. The coach observed that without tighter close-outs and better rebounding the margin of victory could have been larger. He linked the defensive lapses directly to insufficient physical readiness among several roster members. Bartzokas noted that the visitors were given time to see the entire floor and deliver passes without pressure, making it harder to contest shots afterward. Three rebounds grabbed by Red Star in the closing moments illustrated the issue; securing even one more would have sealed the result earlier. Video analysis will focus on improving ball pressure, rotations, and rebounding commitment. The absence of hands on the ball and weak defensive attention allowed Red Star to maintain high shooting percentages for long stretches, forcing Olympiacos to raise its effort only late in the game.
What challenges do the new players face?
Bartzokas explained that integrating new signings remains difficult because many have shared only two or three training sessions. He noted that Olympiacos carried the highest number of national team players this summer, leaving limited time to reach competitive rhythm. The coach hopes the compressed preparation period does not affect early results. He emphasized that this situation applies across all EuroLeague clubs, yet the limited shared practice time still creates real obstacles for chemistry and timing. The team is working to close the gap quickly, but the coach acknowledged the risk that the short runway could influence the opening weeks of the season. Players who have trained together for just two or three sessions must now perform at a high level immediately, and Bartzokas stressed that the reality is the same for every roster in the competition. The limited preparation window leaves little margin for error as the official schedule approaches. The hope is that the lack of collective work will not prove costly once the games begin to count.
How did Bartzokas assess Sasha Vezenkov and Tyler Dorsey?
Vezenkov struggled through most of the game but delivered key plays late. Bartzokas said the forward had completed just one and a half practices with his teammates and therefore receives the same allowance given to every player. Dorsey sat out the contest for rest and is expected to return for the next friendly. The coach underlined that all players receive understanding in this early phase because the entire roster is still building toward full readiness. Vezenkov’s limited time on the floor with new teammates directly affected his rhythm, yet his late contributions proved decisive. Bartzokas made clear that no player can be judged harshly after such minimal shared training, and the same standard applies to Dorsey who will rejoin the rotation on Sunday. Every member of the squad is viewed through the same lens of incomplete preparation at this stage.
What is the immediate schedule for Olympiacos?
The team plays one final preseason game on Sunday before shifting focus to official competitions. Bartzokas indicated that video analysis of the Red Star contest will guide adjustments in both offensive sets and defensive schemes during the remaining preparation window. He stressed that the focus remains on raising intensity in attack and defense ahead of the first official matches. The single remaining friendly offers the last chance to address conditioning differences and defensive lapses before the competitive calendar begins. Bartzokas expects the review process to highlight specific areas for immediate improvement so the team can enter official games with greater cohesion. The window to correct the observed shortcomings in pressure, rotations and offensive execution is now very narrow.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Bartzokas say Olympiacos is not ready?
He cited visible differences in conditioning among players and clear shortcomings in defensive pressure and offensive execution during the friendly.
What were Red Star’s shooting numbers?
The visitors reached 70 percent on two-point field goals and 60 percent on three-point attempts for extended periods of the game.
Will Tyler Dorsey play in the next game?
Yes, Bartzokas confirmed Dorsey will return on Sunday after resting against Red Star.
How many practices have new players completed?
Most new additions have trained together for only two or three sessions, limiting early chemistry.
When do official games start for Olympiacos?
Official competitions begin after the final friendly on Sunday.
