Tags: CSKA, Russia, ettore messina, euroleague, moscow

The moment has come. Four massive teams. A world-beating battle. But this time, more than ever, it’s the little things that will make the difference.

Little things, like being that nano-second faster to the rim, gaining that one extra inch of air, earning the psychological edge by analysing your opponent’s offensive plays.

These are the details we’ve all been working on for weeks – preparing our players for every possible scenario; thoroughly outlining our opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

It’s a tough time for the players. They want to perform in the national league but they don’t want to risk getting injured right before the greatest moment of their season.

That’s why I need them to focus on the game only, so I have to find that delicate balance they need to be confident, but not too relaxed. And to be excited, but not nervous.

The team most capable of eliminating even the tiniest of distractions will have the greatest chance of winning. I can give my players all I can - but once they’re on the court, it's up to them.

I don’t know what will happen, how we will play, or even if we will win. But this I do know: I won’t miss a single detail that can help make us first in Europe.

Ettore Messina

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