Fragkiskos Alvertis expressed the pride of being Panathinaikos and a member of the green family during the press conference after the game againt Fenerbahce Ulker.
"Before referring to the game I have to say that I am very proud being Panathinaikos and a member of the green family and this club for so many years. Nights like this express the love and the recognition to people who have offered to the club. Bravo to everybody! Bravo to all the fans to cheer for Zeljko, to the administration and to everybody in the club. It's one of these special moments in sports. Above wins, losses and cups the human relations are the ones that will stay alive for ever".
Speaking just about the game, Alvertis said: "We knew that we didn't have any space for losses. We had to do what we have planned and we did it. We had the will and the passion. We had Mike (Bramos) in a big night. Even Loukas (Mavrokefalidis) who played injured for a minute offered positive things to the team. Our goal is to add, to the already good work Argyris (Pedoulakis) has done. a couple of things that will help us to play better in offense. We want to keep our defense untouched and to run in fast break. Congratulations to the players. We have to keep going".
When asked whether he dreams to live the same thing is as Obradovic did, he replied: "I am proud to belong to a club that gives back the love. These are great moments and you have to be happy to be present at the arena".
Zeljko Obradovic had to say only good things about Alvertis. The journalists informed him about that: "We are trying to do our job day in, day out. Our relation is special. I wish him well".
Alvertis was asked if he believes that Fenerbahce Ulker was affected: "For sure, these situations affect everybody. We wanted to separate this reception from the game itself. We managed, we were very focused during the biggest part of the game. We'll be more ready the next time".
Asked whether Zeljko Obradovic gave him an advice he replied: "It was a really important game. Of course, if we need something in the future we'll ask him. Always with his blessings (laughing)".
Speaking about his future Alvertis replied: "I am a person who has lived 25 years in Panathinaikos. When I was asked to take over I didn't think about it twice. I didn't have the time. So, I made the decision. I don't know what will happen tomorrow, and you want to predict what will happen in summer?"
Finally, he was asked how did he feel seeing Obradovic going to the opponents' bench: "We had a hint from the first game at Turkey. It was tough for everybody. But you say that we are on a mission. We had a job to do, but friendship and love are still there".
Obradovic: "Thank you"
Zeljko Obradovic stated: "First of all I want to congratulate Panathinaikos, because they had a really good game. They found the way to beat us and rather easy. We tried to prepare ourselves in the best possible way to come here, because it was an important game for us. But we had a poor performance. We didn't find solutions to the mis-matches, both in defense and offense. We had a lot of turnovers, we allowed Panathinaikos to have open shots and the result came easy for them. After this game we are in a tough place in our group, regarding our place in Play Offs. This is the real situation. As I said during the half time it was a difficult night for me. It was hard to come here as the opponent coach. I had already said to my close friends that I would never wanted to find myself in this situation. But this is life... I want to thank all the people in Panathinaikos for this night and for everything they have prepared for tonight, starting from Giannakopoulos family, who, for one more time, showed how much they love me. And of course to all the fans of Panathinaikos. I love the and I will keep the team and the people working for the team close in my heart. The people who know me, understood that I tried to fight till the end. What disappointed me was the reaction of my players. We always have different ways to lose a game. This was the worst possible way. For once more I wish to thank everybody here. I wish the best to Panathinaikos and especially Fragkiskos Alvertis with his new beginning as a coach. I wish him to keep working and to give whatever he has".
Asked if he felt as if this was a final, Obradovic replied: "This was a very special game. It was a chance for us to claim the second place in our group. The way we performed today was much different than this. If you have a goal, you must understand which this goal is. Today it was obvious that we don't understand this goal. I don't feel bad after the loss. I feel more than bad".
About the feeling of love from the fans he said: "It is obvious. They expressed their love not only during the game, but since the day I landed. A lot of people approached me. And Gate 13 came to the morning practice. Alvertis deserves his place and I am sure that he will continue celebrating titles with Panathinaikos. I have no doubt in my mind on what the fans of Panathinaikos think about me, or the Giannakopoulos family. The toughest moment for me was when I tried to prepare myself for this night. I have a team and I have a responsibility. It was tough for me to see mr Pavlos and me Thanassis there, t the centre of the floor. My kids were at OAKA tonight and I am very proud they had the chance to see that. It's more important than a title. All members of Giannakopoulos family showed me their love. It was a beautiful but a really difficult moment".
Regarding the chance to come back to the team he stated: "Panathinaikos has a great coach. They played well and they won. Alvertis is one of the most important players in the history of Panathinaikos. I wish him the best. The team is in good hands".
Asked if Fenerbahce Ulker was affected by the atmosphere in OAKA he noted: "This is my team and my arena for 13 years. There was no pressure. It was like a friendly game. What atmosphere? I said to my players to focus on the game and that I would handle the whole situation. If somebody say that this was a problem, he will be looking for an excuse".
He was also asked about the Fenerbahce Ulker badge on his suit: "It's my obligation from the club to wear it. I am very proud to wear it. This is a big club and everybody has treated me very well. We all have to wear it".
Finally, about the video Panathinaikos prepared for him, he replied: "First of all I have to watch the video of the game and then I will tell you about the other video".
