Martínez prioritizes group confidence against Maccabi

The white team is experiencing its best moment after starting the European competition with a negative balance of 0-3. Now, with a record of 3-3, the Madrid team is looking to consolidate its positive streak in a tournament that demands consistency and constant adaptation. Pedro Martínez spoke to the media in Valdebebas to analyze the upcoming commitment, a trip to Belgrade where they will face the Israelis on matchday 7.

Maccabi Tel Aviv poses as an uncomfortable rival. The Maccabees have just defeated Valencia Basket at the Roig Arena with a performance that the Madrid coach described as sensational. Moreover, they pushed Barcelona to the limit at home, where the blue and maroon team saved themselves thanks to a three-pointer from Justin Robinson in the final seconds. This context underscores the danger of a team that has surprised several opponents in the competition.

The management of minutes and rotation

One of the central themes of Martínez's appearance was the dosage of efforts. The coach explained that the team must be prepared to compete in more than ninety games if everything goes as planned during the season. This reality necessitates making decisions about the distribution of minutes, always prioritizing collective performance over individual demands.

“We have to pace ourselves a little with the minutes in exchange for the team always being above individual situations,” the coach pointed out. This philosophy has influenced decisions regarding new signings, particularly with Max Shulga and Nick Smith, whose journeys in the team have taken different paths.

Regarding Max Shulga, Martínez was clear: he is satisfied with his work in training, but currently does not have minutes in competition. The coach took responsibility for this decision, clearly stating that it does not relate to issues of quality or mentality, but rather to the tactical demands of the moment and internal competition in his position.

Nick Smith in his adaptation process

With Nick Smith, just 22 years old, the outlook is different. The young player has become an important piece of the Madrid attack, although Martínez insisted that he is still in the adaptation process. He comes from a basketball culture with different rules, and both the regulations and the intensity of training and play in Europe require a period of assimilation.

“We cannot forget his age and little experience,” the coach argued. Smith is doing a good job in training, and Martínez believes he will improve as the season progresses. However, he also reminded that in Real Madrid the competition for each position is fierce, and all team members have a very high level.

Tactical adaptation based on the opponent

Martínez also took the opportunity to clarify the team's offensive expectations. The white team has gotten used to scoring more than one hundred points per game, but the coach warned that this will depend on the context of each match. “The margin for improvement will depend on the opponent,” he explained, adding that there will be games where they will score seventy points and win, while in others they will score more but lose.

This tactical flexibility is essential for competing in a Euroleague where playing styles vary significantly. Real Madrid is preparing to face different difficulties and rhythms according to the nature of each opponent. The team works for both high-paced games and tighter, more defensive matches.

The next test will precisely be one of these adaptations. Maccabi Tel Aviv represents an experienced rival, with players who have been under the same coach for years. This defensive and tactical continuity requires that the whites remain alert and respect the proposal of the Israeli team.

With six consecutive victories and a record of 3-3 in the Euroleague, Real Madrid seeks to consolidate its rise in a competition where the margin for error is minimal. The group mentality, confidence in the entire roster, and tactical adaptation will be key to continue racking up wins on this European journey.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Martínez prioriza la confianza grupal ante Maccabi