Obradovic: 'You Can't Fight Rumors' - What He Said About Bonga and Diamantidis

Zeljko Obradovic, recently returned to coach Panathinaikos, addressed the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, sharing his thoughts on his second tenure with the Greek club. He spoke about the warm reception from fans and the trust placed in him by Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the team's owner.

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Yes, I didn't expect so many people. They love me, obviously. It's good to talk about the past, but the future is important.

Obradovic confirmed that Mike Batiste will join his coaching staff and emphasized the need for patience and hard work in building the new team. He also commented on transfer activities and circulating rumors, leaving the door open for potential collaboration with Isaac Bonga and expressing happiness at the prospect of Dimitris Diamantidis returning to the club in some capacity.

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It is very important in every team. In the EuroLeague, I know that people have confidence in me. This is a truly new opportunity for me, for my career. Thank you to Dimitris Giannakopoulos for giving me the opportunity to return here.

The veteran coach outlined his philosophy for the team, stressing the importance of instilling his principles in the players and fostering a strong sense of family within the club. He acknowledged the increasing difficulty of the EuroLeague season by season and stated his intention to focus on basketball matters, aiming to send a clear message to the Panathinaikos supporters.

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How do you fight rumors? How do you fight that? It's a sign of the times. It's summer, and you have to write something, and the other person has to read something. It's all normal. There are all sorts of rumors. You can't fight that.