Belichick's final press conference

PHOENIX – Patriots coach Bill Belichick held his final press conference of Super Bowl XLII. The final press conference is always a highlight because it takes place in a large setting at media headquarters, in front of the shiny Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Wearing a dark suit and a red tie, Belichick hopped up on stage and spoke in front of a podium with the NFL’s logo affixed to the front of it. To his right was a small table that had the helmets of both the Patriots and Giants resting next to the trophy.

Photographers were positioned near the trophy attempting to snap pictures that included both the trophy and Belichick as he spoke.

“We’re winding down our preparations today for the game and I know the players and the coaches and the entire organization, we’re very excited to be participating in this game,” Belichick said in his opening remarks. “We’re looking forward to Sunday afternoon, of course recognizing the big challenge we have against a great Giants football team, which is playing extremely well at this time of year, the last month since we saw them. Hopefully we’ll be able to put our best game out there Sunday and perform as well as we possibly can.”

Belichick was asked about the Giants planning a parade for Tuesday and if he had any comment. He said he did not, then touched on the role that pre-game talk between the teams (e.g. Plaxico Burress's 23-17 prediction) might play in the game.

“I know there is a lot of talk about somebody said this, somebody said that, somebody else is doing this, some other town is doing that, whatever it is,” he said. “This game will be decided by the team that performs the best Sunday. That’s the way it should be. That’s what it will come down to.”

Belichick was asked about his relationship with Bill Parcells, with the questioner pointing out comments from Belichick’s book that his relationship with him was complicated.

“I think that was the way it was characterized then and I’ve spent time with Bill since then,” Belichick said. “Bill and I shared a lot of success together. I think we’ll always treasure those victories and those good times. He’s a tremendous coach. He’s had a Hall of Fame career and I’m sure he’ll be there at some point. Unfortunately, now, he’s back in our division as a competitor. I totally respect him and his football ability, both as a coach and as an administrator and a talent evaluator. Now we’ll be competing against each other again and I’m sure it will be very challenging.”

Belichick did not make eye contact with the trophy, or take pictures with it.