In the OPAP BasketLeague playoffs fourth final press conference Zeljko Obradovic thanked his players, the fans, and answered a question regarding rumors about his future in Panathinaikos.
“It was a very specific game, because we would either win or go home. This was the reason that led us to start the game with such big nervousness. We made a lot of mistakes in the transition game, transitioning from defense to offense there were more Olympiakos’ players there, while we also missed some incredible shots under the basket, that we could not believe could be lost. The final score is definitely not indicative of the entire game. The score difference was decided right down the finish line. I want to thank my players because, contrary to the third game, they fought very hard and secured the rebounds. At PFS Olympiakos had grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, whereas the rebounding difference today was to our favor: 44-28.
I must give special “congratulations” to the three oldest players: Batiste, Jasikevicius, and Diamantidis, for the great job they did and for setting an example to the rest of the guys as to how they must compete. I am very proud of being their coach and no matter what happens it is an honor for me to have worked with them. I believe that because of them I have not only become a better coach, but also a better person. I want to thank the fans too for creating an excellent atmosphere. The fifth game is one that everyone wants to watch and on our side we will do our best to win that game.”
Referring to the energy that his players go out on the court tonight he noted: “Game by game we watch how we have played and how the previous games have been. It is only natural for one to see that Olympiakos competes with far more energy and that it is a very different team compared to what it was like at the beginning of the season, due to the experience they have accumulated and the work they have done with their coach. Therefore, today we had to put more energy into our game.”
Finally, he gave answers regarding the rumors about him renewing his contract by underlining: “I honestly believe that this has been my last game at the OAKA; and that the next one will be my last game at PFS It is not a matter of whether I want to continue or not.Nor does the game on Saturday play a role in that. I believe that this has been a good season and I am proud of the work we have done. But let me turn the question to you: is it normal to be here for 13 years and to ask me this question now, after the fourth final, after all the things we have achieved all these years? I would like to stay here for 36 years, but this is not just my decision to make. I love the team and I feel Panathinaikos more than many of you.”
Batiste: “It makes no difference to me what others say”
Mike Batiste deserves the MVP title amongst many of the players who gave it their best tonight, as he quite simply refused to be defeated: “I am very happy for the victory. It was a difficult situation and one we had not experienced before, being with our back against the wall I mean. We had to fight hard and not allow them to win the title here; we had to defend our home arena. We knew what is going on and got out on the court strong, so managed to survive another day. We are now going to PFS where we have lost badly both times. We know that it is difficult. We have to play very well. We know that they will be much energized, because they thrive on playing in front of their fans. We must control the rebounds, play hard, with a lot of energy, and make a good start. If we do all these, we will have our chance in winning.”
Referring to what has been heard about some players in the team being tired, he said: “Being tired is always part of the game. To me it makes no difference what others say. What makes a difference is how you prepare for the game, both mentally and physically. If you are well prepared, then the degree of readiness and your talent will take over, and this is what counts. Yes, they are younger than we are; yes, they are fresher, but this is not an excuse. Tiredness is not an excuse. We must be ready to win the championship. Olympiakos has the home advantage, but we have players, like me and Diamantidis, who have been in a similar situation and must help others prepare as best possible for it. This is a ‘one off’ game, where the previous four do not matter at all. We must prepare for it properly.”
Ivkovic: “Is Mr. Bitis a referee for such a final?”
Olympiakos’ coach, Dusan Ivkovic, congratulated Panathinaikos for the victory, but again did not omit references to refereeing: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos for its victory. It was a very tough game, a sensational game. We started off very well, with high concentration, a good passing game, and easy baskets. In the third quarter, we toughed it out and controlled the game, but in the last quarter we received 29 points and committed many turnovers. The offensive rebounds were 13-5, and the picture changed completely compared to the previous game. I told Mr. Manos (tr.n.:the commissioner of the game) that every time someone steals the ball they assess it the other way around. It was correct for me to be assessed with a technical foul, because I was punished, but is Mr. Bitis a referee apt for such a final? Today we had different criteria. Hines played for 15’ with 5 fouls. This is a world record. All my tall guys together played for only 35'. That says it all.”
As regard the game on Saturday, he said: “We will prepare Saturday’s game as best we can. We are facing the team that has been by far the best team in Europe for the last 15 years and has the top coach in Europe. It is not difficult to prepare for such a game. This is not a difficult game; we know what to do. Difficult games are those against Panionios, for example.”
Marko Keselj stated: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos for winning. It was a big and tough game, the fourth one within ten days. We must concentrate, rest, and be ready to win on Saturday. We must make the most of our home advantage.”
