Panagiotis Kalaitzakis spoke as part of the CLUB 1908 Game Talk series, ahead of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR’s upcoming matchup against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv.

What does Panathinaikos need to focus on in order to return to winning ways against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv?

“Our readiness and the way we approach the game must be at a very high level, as we are used to doing. The experience in Bologna definitely cost us psychologically, so tomorrow we must be ready to start very strong, both defensively and offensively. We need to stop Maccabi’s offensive weapons, and on our side we have to play our own game, put our fans into the action, make them our sixth player and give us a big boost — just like they’ve been doing over the last years — and get a great win. Tomorrow we need the win, we must win. It’s a very tough week, with two very difficult games against two very good teams that are not high in the standings right now, so both teams really need the win. We want the win as well, and we want to finish the week with 2/2.”

How easy or difficult is it from your side to deal with the many injuries Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is facing?

“Every team has injuries — we’re not the only team in Europe dealing with this. At this stage of the season, many teams have several players missing. It’s normal, and that’s why deep rosters exist. When one player goes out injured, the next one must step up. We are a team with a very deep roster, for better or worse, so there are players who can step in and grab the opportunity. I don’t think this should be a justification for anything, because — as I said — there are many teams in the EuroLeague with similar issues. So we must not let it hold us back. We have to go in and get the win.”

Are you at 100%?

“The truth is I’m not at 100%, but I’m here and I will help the team in any way I can.”

The arena is expected to be full once again. How important is the crowd in your effort?

“The crowd helps me a lot personally — and I think the same goes for all my teammates. If we are who we need to be on the court, then the fans will be who they always are. The fans cheer from the first second to the last, but the decibels can’t always be at the maximum. We need to be the ones who make them stand and shout for 40 minutes. We must play our basketball, come in focused, bring energy, and get the fans into the game.”