Zeljko Obradovic discusses his return to Panathinaikos and team philosophy
Zeljko Obradovic has officially returned to lead Panathinaikos, a team with which he famously secured 11 championships during his previous 13-year tenure. In recent media appearances ahead of the new season, the coach expressed his dedication to the club's high ambitions, while acknowledging current challenges, including a significant number of injuries early in the season. Obradovic emphasized that while he maintains a professional focus on basketball, the team must strive for excellence to meet the high expectations of the fans, noting that collective effort is paramount.
Players, including Isaac Bonga, Mathias Lessort, and Guerschon Yabusele, have publicly praised the Serbian coach for his attention to detail and his status as one of the best tacticians in the EuroLeague. During discussions regarding potential future rosters, specifically rumors involving Nikola Jokic, Obradovic remained skeptical, labeling such scenarios as unrealistic given current contract realities. As the team prepares for both the Stoiximan GBL and the EuroLeague season, the coach remains committed to fostering a culture of hard work and fair play, with immediate focus on the upcoming Super Cup.