Sekulic: We are not underestimating Milan, others must step up

Barcelona coach Aleksander Sekulic spoke ahead of tonight's game against Olimpia Milano, to be played at 20.30 at the Unipol Forum in the seventh week of the EuroLeague. Although Milan, coached by Peppe Poeta, have won only one game in the first six weeks, Sekulic did not underestimate his opponent.

The Slovenian coach said it is too early in a long season to say which teams belong at the bottom of the standings. He said Milan have good shooters, look strong both in defense and in attack, and have played better in their last four games since the loss to Maccabi. The comments are based on Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona's defensive problems also came up. The Catalan side has allowed opponents at least 100 points five times this season. After the 113-89 game against Joventut Badalona, Sekulic explained that three-point attempts have increased a great deal in today's basketball and that forcing the opponent into fewer shots is not easy.

Sekulic also addressed the drop in Kevin Punter's scoring, saying the player was very consistent at the start of the season, which is why opponents have focused on stopping him. He stressed that the other players now need to make use of that gap. He also reminded his players that playing in the EuroLeague is not a job, but a privilege.