25 Feb. 2017 – Amidst the tension surrounding the decisive game of the Tripoli-AYC series, Coach Farid Njeim and Coach Tarek Rizk have both decided to answer our questions before the clash.
First of all, Coach Njeim admitted that his opponent was a far cry from an easy team. With fast counter attacks and experienced players, AYC are more than dangerous to say the least. He said the series was far from over and that he and his team were prepared in the best possible way. In the little time they had between game 1 and 2, Coach Farid worked in detail with his team and players to fix everything that went wrong in game 1. As a result, they grabbed the win in game 2. He said that offensively, his team was better, however, what they lacked was the speed on transition defense. Add to that that Achrafieh are very scary on counter attack so the slightest of mistakes could cost them the game. Coach Njeim emphasized that his team probably had the upper hand when it came to system and organization as well as speed and individual skills but AYC are not ones to be underestimated. He added that if the luck was on the side of both teams equally, his team could grab the win though it won’t be an easy task. And when asked if the home court advantage would affect the team, he replied: “Of course not! I am very thankful for the fans of Tripoli who have undoubtedly played a great role in our home win. However, I am very confident that the supporters of the team will come in large numbers to Emile Lahoud, just like they did in game 1.”
As for Coach Tarek Rizk, he seconded Coach Farid by saying that the game was going to be a close one and that the win was far from granted. AYC want to keep the tempo of the game slow and don’t want to open their court. He explained: “As a team, we are better. However, individually, their players are very fast and their skill set in one-on-one situations is very dangerous. So if we were to play at a slow pace, we will have the upper hand, whereas if we allow ourselves to play with an open court, the balance will play in their favor. We will try as much as possible to reduce the gaps and be tough on defense in order to tame their fast and skilled players. We will play good defense and will take our time offensively. We will be very careful and will be on the watch during the whole time of the game. We will also play on our own signals and will take all our time in the set-offense. What is most important for us is to score the first goal in order to keep them trailing behind and not the opposite. So the first goal will be very crucial for us because it would keep us safer and would not require we open our court. They will be the ones following us and not the opposite.” He finally concluded by saying that his team was preparing for the match up regardless of all the circumstances surrounding the game.
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