Kostas Sloukas appeared optimistic and eager for the new season at the start of Panathinaikos’s preseason training.
“Happy New Year to everyone. This is the team’s first official session; it’s a transitional period of training. Some players are away with the national team, but everyone—including the coach—is doing their part,” he said at the outset.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Regarding the change in coaching staff, he said: “Ataman had a three-year tenure that was, in theory, successful, with titles. A chapter has come to a close; it was a pleasure working with him for three years. I respect him, as does everyone at Panathinaikos. I’m especially happy to be working with Coach Obradović again, and everyone has been eagerly awaiting this partnership. Sure, there are plenty of great memories after 13 years, but the past isn’t on his mind—he has new ambitions; success and a thirst for victory run through his veins. We’ll have to wait and see if these expectations will be fulfilled in the best possible way.”
As for whether the large budget creates pressure, he replied: “At Panathinaikos, you’re obligated to win titles. The organization thrives on titles; last season wasn’t a success for us, so there’s pressure to succeed, but it all comes down to whether the right mix will pay off in the end. The conditions are very good; we have a top-notch coach, a very good roster, amazing fans, and support from everyone for everyone—the question is whether we’ll end up with a positive outcome.”
He added: “It takes time for the coach’s work to take hold. There’s a thirst for success, a thirst for hard work, and the fans, seeing the expectations that exist, will demand good basketball and good results right from the start. The key is to win the titles we’ve set as our goals.”
The Panathinaikos captain avoided making grand statements. “What can I promise the fans? Effort, a thirst for victory, fighting for every ball, unity—and what we want from the fans is support and patience.”
Regarding Kendrick Nan’s injury, he said: “Kendrick is a tremendous player and a great person. His injury isn’t that serious, and he’ll be back soon.”
Regarding the group of French players on his team? “As for the French contingent, we’ve all started to understand French (laughter). Their quality is fantastic—top-notch. The challenge is how we’ll all come together to get results and play great basketball.”
Finally, when asked what he would say to his teammates as a… veteran and captain, he replied: “For me, there’s one word that matters in a club like this: respect—for Panathinaikos, its history, the coach, and for one another. That’s the key ingredient for a team to succeed.”
*photo source: KYPE
