Panathinaikos owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, had an interview with SDNA.gr and referred to the club’s conflict with the EuroLeague, legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic and Olympiacos leader, Vassilis Spanoulis.
Here is what the Greek businessman said:
On the feud between Panathinaikos and the EuroLeague: “We had some meetings with the EuroLeague, analysed the situation and expressed our respective opinions. We believe that both sides have made mistakes.
For my part, I exaggerated. A lot. However, I think that the EuroLeague understood they can’t hurt an organisation like Panathinaikos. There will also be an announcement regarding this conflict in the upcoming days.”
On Fenerbahce’s coach, Zeljko Obradovic: “Obradovic is undoubtedly the best coach in Europe. He is the best at managing a large budget. We have never seen him manage a smaller budget. They always say he and Ivkovic are the best. Ivkovic to start a team from scratch and Obradovic to control emotions and different types of characters.
I don’t know how successful he would be with a smaller budget. I always want the best for Panathinaikos. Obradovic is the best coach in Europe; thus we would want him on the court. I think that he made a huge mistake in the way he left.”
On Olympiacos captain and leader, Vassilis Spanoulis: “Spanoulis is a great athlete. As far as I know, he enters the court first and always leaves last. If he had not been so tied with Olympiacos, I would even want him back now. I just know it is not feasible. It would not be good for both sides.”
