Euroleague season starts with Maccabi12.10.2009

Union Olimpija will start its 2009/2010 Euroleague season with away game in Israel where they will face powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv. In the press conference before the game coach Jure Zdovc and captain of the team Sašo Ožbolt explained the media representatives about the expectations and possibilities of Union Olimpija in this game. Coach Zdovc stated that few players are having some problems with injuries - Matt Walsh and Sani Bečirović are having difficulties and are both questionable for the game while Vlado Ilievski will not travel with the team to Israel due to problems with his leg muscle. Both Zdovc and Ožbolt promised to the media and supporters that they will give their best in Israel.

Jure Zdovc, coach of Union Olimpija: "We will be facing the team which has serious ambition of reaching the Final Four of Euroleague. We watched some of their games and it is clear that they aren't in shape yet because they are having a lot of ups and downs during the games. We have to prepare to the maximum but focusing on our problems. We have to be more aggressive and injuries of some key players like Vlado Ilievski who won't play in the game should not disturb us. Sani also got injured during the first game of the season but I think he should be ready to play. You could all see that we are having problems with team play due to the fact that  we aren't practicing long together but I don't want to use this as excuse. We will do our best and fight for the win."

Sašo Ožbolt, captain of Union Olimpija: "It is clear that we will be facing a strong opponent. We have to be better than in our first game of the season and play more aggressive. We want to stay in the game untill last minutes and maybe then wait for our chance for victory which would be a huge sensation."