Zeliko Obradović is well aware of Panathinaikos’s problems with player absences, but he says he’s satisfied with his players’ attitude and expects a good game tomorrow against Villeurbanne at the Telekom Center Athens.
“We’ll have to play well; it’s always the same. Villeurbanne played very well against Maccabi; they have experienced and athletic players, such as Mills and Crowder. In all their games, they make a lot of three-pointers, and we have to defend against that, as well as their transition game and one-on-one situations. We have to do whatever it takes to be at the level required for a EuroLeague game. The team’s morale is very good,” said the Serbian coach.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Asked whether time is on Panathinaikos’ side, he said: “I hope so. It’s not easy, because we have a lot of problems and a packed schedule; yesterday we basically had a regular practice. We have games tomorrow, Friday, and Sunday, but that’s the case for everyone. We have a lot of players out, but we’re not going to complain about it. Whoever is available will have to give their all, and so far I’m satisfied because everyone is giving their all in training and in the games. The players listen—they listen to each other, and I listen to them.”
He also confirmed that Juancho Hernangómez will be out. “Juancho will be out for about 10 days. The other injured players are following their own rehabilitation programs; we’re not pushing anyone to return early. They need to be 100% ready to return to practice, and then we’ll see when they can play.”
Finally, when asked about Villeurbanne’s coach, Tony Parker, he said: “I’ve always had respect for Parker; he was one of Europe’s top players, won four NBA championships, and accomplished great things. As a coach, it’s easy to see what he wants to do with his team. They have great chemistry on both ends of the court.”
*photo source: KYPE
