Leo Westermann: “A month without my teammates was too much” 0

Zalgiris is set to travel to Spain on Wednesday, as they look forward to their EuroLeague match-up against FC Barcelona.

For the first time in a while, the green-and-whites will head in to the game with a fully-manned roster, as Leo Westermann returned to the lineup after his recent knee injury. The guard got together with Zalgiris TV and shared his thoughts on his return to the court and the upcoming matchup against Barcelona.

“I feel good. It was my first game and it’s nice to be part of the team and to be back on track. It’s a great feeling. I’m trying to get healthy, get back to my 100-percent shape. It was a great game to start.”

After having played his first game in over a month, a victory against Skycop, Westermann admitted having missed his teammates the most.

“One month without my teammates was too much. To be away from the team isn’t an easy situation, just working alone. It’s difficult being in the locker room, but not being able to help them on the court. I’m very happy and excited for the future.”

Zalgiris has suffered two consecutive defeats and stands 13^th in the EuroLeague. According to Leo, the team understands its’ current situation and will head into every game like it was their last.

“I think everybody is aware of the situation. We are two games away from a Play-off spot and we are still in the race. Every game is a final. It was this way before, but now the meaning of every game is even larger. Starting with Barcelona on Thursday, then we just have to take it game after game.”

Zalgiris’ next opponent, FC Barcelona currently has four victories more than Zalgiris and has won six of their last eight games. Westermann noted the well-assembled roster the team boasts, but acknowledged that Barcelona is a team that can be beat.

“They’ve got a lot great defensive players, they put on a lot of pressure. They’re athletic and tall, so we have to match their energy, match the physicality and everything can happen. We know we can beat them. They’re a very good team but so are we. We’ll see the gameplan, we have to stick to it, and everything can happen.”