Argyris Pedoulakis had little to state after the end of the encounter; on the contrary Ilissiakos’ coach Dimitris Papanikolaou had quite a few to declare amongst which his resignation.
“We had an appetite, we were mature; we had energy… We are preparing for the next games which will be very tough and critical for the ensuing season”. Panathinaikos coach was questioned about the signing of new players issue and more specifically as far as Battler and Banks, names “heard” today: “About Battler, it is not true. We need one-two guys to help us in order to get more bench depth especially in the Euroleague games. Certain players will come along but we have to be cautious, because little choices exist on the market at the moment. As far as Banks, it is true that there is an interest. What I would like to stress is that regardless who comes, his contract will become effective after a ten day period; because we must be certain that he will be in a good physical state. There are players who haven’t been competing essentially since May. We must check this out also”.
Ilissiakos coach, Dimitris Papanikolaou, had much more to state: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos and coach Pedoulakis for the easy win. Panathinaikos had lots of energy, tried to turn all the negative energy of the last few days into a positive one and played well for the entire 40 minutes, it got to fast breaks, enforced pressure and cruised to prevailing easily. At this point I would like to thank Ikaros for allowing us to use its court and its video room in order to be able to train the last few days. The next thing I would like to do is hand in my resignation because it is impossible to keep up the tragic state we have been living through the last few days here in the team. From now on certain people who are supposed to have no sort of implication but essentially are the ones calling the shots should show themselves to the players and take responsibility for them. Every day is yet another ridiculous situation for us. I am not referring only to economical issues. We had aspired to make a mini preparation for the games versus Panelefsiniakos and Panionios these last days and all we got to perform was one training session. Certain people do not help the team on purpose. I had spoken of strange behaviors in Aris and I insist. Under no circumstances can you keep a team focused in such conditions. I tried by using word tricks for a certain period of time but it is no way to do business. If a team does not train and there is no serious aspiration, it doesn’t even stand a chance. I would like to thank the players with whom we have been working alongside since the 21st of August and President Mr. Gabierakis for the opportunity he presented me with to work in a Greek League A1 team. Because this team needs to shocked back into action I personally undertake my respective responsibility by resigning. The President informed me yesterday at 0.00 that in the football team’s game the fans requested “Papanikolaou to resign”. We have made a team with a very small budget. A team which is not likely to annihilate a team but also will not likely be annihilated itself. Results up to day 4 in the league prove exactly that. I am proud of the way we competed. Anyone who saw us said that this team was not competing out of luck. If this team had been calm at the end of the first round and in the second round it would have reached its appropriate position. I stated many things the last few days, fought with many people, but the great people I have met through my career, amongst them the person next to me, Argyris Pedoulakis, taught me to keep my head high, have integrity and pass my wishes on. I allow ultimatums to no one, like the one they had told me would exist after the game versus Panelefsiniakos in a messed up situation. I am proud of the work I did. I have been working alone night and day for months…”
Gaios Skordilis stressed: “The team was coming off three very bad results. We needed a game to boost our confidence, in views of all to follow and of what might very likely be the most important Euroleague game, the one versus Real Madrid. It is very positive that all the players got a piece of the action”.
Vangelis Bebis stated: “We faced one of the best teams throughout European basketball history. We input an effort but did not make it. I would like to thank my coaches for trusting me to such an extent as to allow me to play in the A1 Greek League and all the more across from such a team as Panathinaikos. We will continue the effort in order to challenge all we are worth”.
