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Zeljko Obradovic discusses Panathinaikos progress after tournament win
Following Panathinaikos' 87-81 victory over PAOK in the final of the 8th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, coach Zeljko Obradovic and player Mathias Lessort shared insights regarding the team's current status and future.
Obradovic praised PAOK, stating they possess “EuroLeague level quality” and expressing hope for their inclusion in the competition next season. Regarding Panathinaikos, he noted that the team is not yet fully ready for the official season due to injuries and a lack of sufficient training sessions with a full roster, emphasizing the need for more energy and concentration.
Mathias Lessort expressed his happiness at Panathinaikos and his desire to remain with the club as long as possible, aiming to help Obradovic secure a tenth EuroLeague title. Lessort highlighted the significant differences in coaching styles between Obradovic and former coach Ergin Ataman, noting that the team is currently undergoing an adjustment period to a new system. He also mentioned his enduring connection to Partizan Belgrade, stating that if he were to leave Panathinaikos, he would welcome a return to the Serbian club.
Additionally, Obradovic paid tribute to the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, describing him as a “second father” and expressing confidence that he would be proud of the club's current state and the renovated OAKA arena.
Entities
Dimitris Giannakopoulos · Mathias Lessort · Matthias Lessort · PAOK BC · Panathinaikos AKTOR · Pavlos Giannakopoulos · T-Center · Zeljko Obradovic
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Obradovic described his relationship with the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos as being like a father.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Obradovic noted that he and Dimitris Giannakopoulos have been working together intensely for approximately one month.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Zeljko Obradovic stated that Dimitris Giannakopoulos has changed over the years but they share a good cooperation.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Obradovic confirmed that Dimitris Giannakopoulos was the first person he spoke to regarding his return to Panathinaikos.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fans gave Obradovic a standing ovation at the T-Center during the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament. www.madata.gr