Ergin Ataman, the Panathinaikos head coach, gave a brief comment ahead of Game 3 of the Greek league final series against Olympiacos.
Ergin Ataman has mentioned the referees at the last two press conferences, clearly dissatisfied with the officiating criteria and the fact that Olympiacos had more free throws in both games (especially in the first one).
He now states that Panathinaikos will become national champions if they are allowed to compete under fair conditions.
“We respect Olympiacos’ roster, which is the EuroLeague champion, but we are in a better position. If we are allowed to play according to the rules of basketball, we will win the title. The only thing we expect is equal and fair officiating,” the Turkish coach said for AA.
The series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams winning at home, and Game 3 at the “Peace and Friendship Stadium” is scheduled for Monday at 20:00.
It should be noted that Ergin Ataman is under enormous pressure in this final series. There is increasing talk about his departure from the Panathinaikos bench, with legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic being mentioned as a possible replacement. Ataman himself previously stated during the season that if he does not win either the EuroLeague or the Greek league, he would leave the club on his own. He did not win the EuroLeague, as Panathinaikos was eliminated in the quarterfinals, so it remains to be seen how the domestic championship will end for Panathinaikos this season.
