Austria admits Beermen still getting back to winning form
San Miguel coach Leo Austria isn’t too worried over the Beermen’s opening game 93-85 defeat to Meralco on Wednesday.
He attributed the loss to one simple thing: championship hangover.
“If we had won, it would’ve been big morale booster because most of the time, 70-percent of the season, we always win,” he said.
“But it’s very obvious that the blending is not really good for us. I’m trying my best to have everybody get back to the rhythm, but after the championship, our play is really far from how we were back in the championship.”
Austria said the Beermen faced some “distractions” during their preparations for their conference opener.
“We started our practice two weeks ago and we were not able to complete the two weeks because of other commitments of some players,” he said.
The defeat served as an early reality check for a San Miguel side, already got to be one of the best teams ever, which added more firepower in Christian Standhardinger
Like always, Austria hopes the humbling loss would serve as a fuel for the Beermen to meet what is expected of them.
“We thought that we’re a very strong team, a super team. Before this game, that was really hyped. But I think we’re still in the period of adjustment,” he said.
“We’re not yet in game shape, which is very evident. We have to adjust our approach in the game, especially if we’re up against a very tough team like Meralco.”
Austria, however, expects San Miguel to shape up quick as it prepares for Rain or Shine this Sunday.
“We’re still trying to figure out what’s really good for us. But I think we will be fine,” he said.
