Zeljko Obradovic, the head coach of Partizan, spoke at the postgame press conference following the Round 13 EuroLeague matchup against Panathinaikos.
The most successful coach in EuroLeague history had reasons to be pleased only during the first 15 minutes of play — after that, the game shifted completely in favor of the opponent. Partizan led 31–27 after the first quarter, but then came a major collapse, capped by a 25–0 run from the rival in the third period. In the end, Partizan suffered a 91–69 defeat.
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Claim Now “Two different halves, the third quarter was very weak. Panathinaikos obviously played exceptionally well. Congratulations to them and I wish them all the best,” the legendary coach stated.
He also addressed the reasons for the loss in more detail.
“The atmosphere in the arena was great, truly special. From the first quarter on, we did not make a single three-pointer, I think it was 0-for-17. I don’t know what the real reason is, honestly. Some shots were open, some were bad. The same guys played the first and the third quarter. In the first, they scored 31 points, in the third only six. It is very hard to understand that.”
What needs to be done now?
“I don’t know. I don’t know… Until now, I believed the only solution was to work hard in practice. With this schedule, it is very difficult, because we have no time. Everything always depends on motivation and desire to play. A winning character means fighting and wanting to triumph even when you are playing poorly.”
Panathinaikos fans showed respect toward him.
“I am very happy whenever I come here. It is special. Thank you to them once again for the applause,” Zeljko Obradovic concluded
For Partizan, Sterling Brown was the top scorer with 16 points, 14 of which came in the first quarter.
In the next round of the EuroLeague, Partizan will face Bayern in Belgrade with a 4–9 record.
Without a doubt, the lowest point of Zeljko Obradovic’s tenure that Partizan has reached.
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) November 25, 2025
His face says it all.
What will the legendary coach do and what move will he make after this performance in Athens tonight? pic.twitter.com/JK3OllUJHR
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