Hapoel Tel Aviv announced the termination of its contract with Jonathan Motley, who will continue with Red Star.

Shortly thereafter, the president of the Israeli team, Omer Yanai bid farewell to the Hapoel center; however, he did not fail to include, among other things, a pointed remark directed at the former Panathinaikos coach, Ergin Ataman, indicating that the atmosphere between them remains tense.

Specifically, he remarked, “Ergin, it turns out you can win a series against Valencia.”

It should be noted that the Turkish coach had lashed out at Giannai two months ago during a press conference.

Here’s what he said in detail

“TM

The first experienced player to join the ambitious, yet small and humble, Hapoel Tel Aviv.

His arrival at the club laid the foundation for all the talented players who followed and helped shape Hapoel’s wonderful team during the 2024/25, which won the EuroCup, with Mot named MVP of the finals.

The title was won during a year in which Israel was at war, with not a single game played in Israel. This makes this achievement even greater than Partizan’s away championship victory in 1992.

To achieve this, we also had to win a playoff series against the outstanding Valencia, a powerhouse team that many considered unbeatable (which reached the EuroLeague Final Four the following year).

By the way, Ergin, it turns out you can win a series against Valencia after all…

TM, you’ll always be in our hearts and in our history. You’ll always be a member of our family, and you can always count on my friendship.

Red Star, please take good care of him.”

*photo source: hapoelbc.com