Željko Obradović weighs return to Panathinaikos amid coaching dispute

Greek club Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos is reported to be ready to give Serbian coach Željko Obradović full control over the team’s sporting matters, hoping to bring back the EuroLeague success he achieved with five titles. However, Obradović has halted negotiations, stating he will not sit at the bargaining table while current coach Ergin Ataman remains in charge.

Panathinaikos missed the EuroLeague playoffs and faced fan unrest after rival Olympiacos won the European title in their home arena. Reports suggest internal discord in the locker room and dissatisfaction among players. Obradović, who left Partizan and is on a career break, says any return would require clear terms and a defined role, with a decision likely after the season ends.