"We said we had to get moving": with their backs to the wall, AS Monaco and Elie Okobo must overturn Paris Basket

Speaking at a press conference this Thursday, point guard Elie Okobo knows he'll have to play a different game to win. Visibly hurt, the Monegasque player is hoping for a better attitude...

What was the atmosphere like after this second defeat on Tuesday?

We told ourselves we had to get moving, that it was a bit of a shame to be beaten like that. There's a home game, maybe two, we hope two, to fight and show a different mindset. They're finals, after all.

Can you explain this face shown?

There's a lack of intensity, communication, desire... We need to be much tougher, much more connected... We showed during the season that we could be a good basketball team. Now, we're showing another side, a side that's not pretty at all. We need to try to turn that around.

What was your reaction when you saw the video images?

We see heads down as soon as there's a lost ball or a missed shot, a lack of energy in the defensive retreat. Transition play is their strength and it gives them energy and confidence. We must not give up, have confidence in our teammates, play hard and put in a lot more energy.

"We will show the face of the Monaco team, which is strong and can beat anyone."

Your role changes a little due to absences...

It's true that I have more responsibilities in attack. It's really a balance between creating for others and creating my own shots. There's a big focus on me defensively. I have to make the right choice as soon as I have the ball in my hands and succeed in giving confidence to my teammates. We know what they do defensively (the Parisians), they do the same thing all the time. There are a few actions where we have an easy shot but we completely change what we're doing and we'll lose a stupid ball. That's not what we want!

Would it feel like a waste to end this season without a title?

Over the course of a season, we mostly remember the end. If that ever happens, it would be a failure, that's for sure. But it's not over yet. We have confidence in ourselves. We're going to fight hard, stick to the game plan, and show that Monaco is a strong team that can beat anyone.