Zeljko Obradovic was entirely satisfied with the victory but most of all with his team’s performance after the clash against Panionios, a fact made abundantly clear through his after-game statements: “I am very pleased in the way we competed. We stepped out on court seriously from the first second, because all of the players, even Zoubos understand our philosophy and the opportunities they are presented with. We put in hard work since the first day of the season. We get lots of help from Bogris, Zoubos and Karamalegos and commit great practices. Things are very different when you have 13 players in practice and can play a good double (full court) game. Hence we can practice in the same manner that we play. At a high level”.
Next he was asked to comment on Dimitris Diamantidis’s new accomplishment, who poses currently at top spot of the Greek League’s assist all-time list. “I did not know of the record, but congratulations. Everyone knows what Diamantidis stands for in the game and which is his importance to it. I am very pleased in any record he breaks, so much he and whichever player on the team. I hope he competes for many more years and sets even more records”.
Fotis Zoubos, who also had his name day today, made his appearance in the press conference only to note: “I would like to wish all the best for the new year and health above all. We stepped out on court with a conviction from the first minute thus we managed to contain our opponent. We were focused hence we prevailed so easily”, he stated initially, only to add further on a more personal note: “I hope to have a professional approach. I do not like to consider myself a youngster and feel I am entitled to leniency due to this fact. I have to work hard , because I am miles apart as far as my competing level in comparison with my peers and I have lots of ground to cover”.
Panionios’s Head Coach, Yorgos Bartzokas, said: “The regulation of the mandatory press conference is a painful law for me, because I have to say something, whilst whatever was to be stated… sounded loud and clear on the floor. I had no illusions as far as the final result was concerned. Panionios has seven players with no images. Panathinaikos taught as a lesson this evening. We won nothing out of this game and I wonder how my players think. It is a black page in Panionios’s history. We stepped out on court relaxed and I hope we can use this bad experience as a lesson, because important games are in store for Panionios next. We will always remember this game”.
Stelios Ioannou, Panionios’s players stated from his point of view: “We were very lose on court, without concentration and when playing against opponents such as Panathinaikos, this is something you pay for dearly. Bad day and very bad result. We must put this game behind us as soon as possible…”
