How much did the management influence the arrival of numerous reinforcements, and how much was it Ataman himself?
“I made all the moves, and the management took every player I wanted. So far, no team I’ve worked with has brought someone without my knowledge. There were some contracts before my arrival, but I ‘signed’ all the new players.”
The Turkish strategist was asked to comment on his relationship with Fenerbahce, with whom he fought great battles, both at the helm of Anadolu Efes and leading Galatasaray, the fiercest rival of Fenerbahce.
“I won five titles against Fenerbahce, which created a great rivalry. Besides, I can admit that I am a fan of Galatasaray. Thanks to them, I won the EuroCup and became part of the board of directors. After I leave coaching, my goal is to become the president of Galatasaray, so I won’t work for Fenerbahce. I have goals, and I respect Fenerbahce, but I can’t work for them. They are familiar with my personality, they will never offer me a contract. It wouldn’t be right,” Ataman concluded.