Ergin Ataman spoke to journalists on the eve of the derby against Olympiacos at SEF. Here is what the Panathinaikos AKTOR coach had to say:
Should we expect any tactical differences, or do you believe that the outcome is determined by the way the players perform—with passion and focus?
"I always believe that the players decide the outcome of the game. From a tactical standpoint, both I and Bartzokas may introduce certain elements, but ultimately, the performance, energy, and concentration on game day determine the result. Both teams are great and highly competitive. Olympiacos is currently leading the EuroLeague standings, but we are also in a very strong position. We want to win. We have confidence, while maintaining full respect for them. It will be a tough and exciting game for both sides. As I said, the players who perform well and execute their roles effectively will secure the victory."
Both teams have added a new player—Panathinaikos has Pleiss, while Olympiacos has Lee. Additionally, each team has a player who could potentially be the MVP—Kendrick Nunn and Sasha Vezenkov. Do you think these top scorers will be the most crucial players, or could others step up and make a difference?
"Both teams have outstanding scorers. Olympiacos has Vezenkov and Fournier, two exceptional offensive players. We have Sloukas, Nunn, or Hernangómez leading our attack this season. However, in games like this, I believe the key players will be those who step up beyond the usual stars.
I’m not sure how many minutes Saben Lee will get for Olympiacos since he played limited minutes in the last game. The same goes for Pleiss, who also had limited playing time against Real Madrid. Of course, the performance of the star players will be critical, but Olympiacos also has strong inside players like Milutinov and Fall, as well as Alek Peters. Additionally, they have experienced guards like Williams-Goss and Vildoza. On our side, we also have experienced players like Jerian Grant and Cedi Osman.
Mitoglou has been a key tactical piece for us in previous games. Both teams have very strong rosters, and tomorrow, the team that plays better on the day will take the two points. We are entering the final stretch of the EuroLeague, with only six games remaining, and every match is crucial in securing a top-four finish. Olympiacos already has an advantage and is very close to securing a top-four spot, and perhaps even the number one seed. For us, the specific ranking—first, second, third, or fourth—is not the main concern.
Tomorrow, we want to win here, and we have the confidence to do so. We want to prove that we can play well in this arena in Piraeus against the top-ranked team in the EuroLeague."
For the second consecutive season, you requested to hold a practice session at Olympiacos' arena. Last year, you even said that you would welcome Giorgos Bartzokas to train at your facility if he wished. Do you do this for psychological reasons?
"It’s not about psychology. This is a EuroLeague game, and I like to utilize the league’s official regulations, which allow us to use the arena either the day before the game or on the morning of the game. If we were playing in Madrid or Istanbul, we would do the same. This is an official rule. If Olympiacos ever wants to use our arena for a EuroLeague game, they are welcome to do so.
I believe both teams are very strong, and it is great for Greek and European basketball that we have seen fairness in these matchups—whether among players, coaches, or even fans. Every game has been fair. Everyone should respect the fact that these are two top-level teams, and in the end, one will win. It’s just a basketball game. Tomorrow, we will see who comes out on top."
Hernangómez: "It will be a great battle"
Juancho Hernangómez was the Panathinaikos AKTOR player who spoke to the media on the eve of the away derby against Olympiacos for Round 29 of the EuroLeague.
Here is what he had to say:
On the derby against Olympiacos: "Every game is different. We're playing here, which will be challenging. We're playing very well. They have great players. It will be tough, but we came here to win."
On the new additions (Tibor Pleiss and Saben Lee) to both teams: "Both teams have very high-quality players. Sasha and Kendrick are competing for the MVP award, which is incredible. They’ve been outstanding all season—they're unstoppable, like machines. We know that, so it won’t be a surprise. Olympiacos is a very strong team, but so are we. We expect a great game with high intensity and a fighting spirit. We'll see what happens."
On the clásico and comparisons with derbies in Spain and Serbia: "I can't compare them because I haven’t played for either of those teams. But this is a huge rivalry. These are two of the best teams in Europe. Everything is different—different eras, different competitions. I don’t know what Real Madrid vs. Barcelona was like ten years ago. Every derby is unique. Of course, the Serbian derby between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan is incredible to watch. But this is Greece. What I feel here is something fantastic. It will be a great battle."
On the atmosphere at SEF and the reaction from Olympiacos fans: "I’ll probably understand some Greek, to be honest. Their fans are passionate. I believe ours are even better. I love seeing a packed arena. We're here to put on a great show. That’s why fans come to the games or watch on TV. Of course, I would love to be playing at OAKA, but I also enjoy coming here and competing for the win in front of their crowd. It’s a great motivation."
