Zeljko Obradovic, head coach of Partizan, spoke after the game against Crvena Zvezda, in the ABA League, and Game 3 of the finals.
Zeljko Obradovic aimed with his team to secure the first win after two losses, thus preventing the rival from lifting the championship trophy. However, he failed to do so, marking the sixth consecutive defeat against the same opponent, in a manner that hadn’t happened to him in 25 years.
“Congratulations to Crvena Zvezda on the title. We tried to give our maximum in these circumstances we are in. Maybe it’s hard to say that we gave our maximum, but close. Some players, with all the problems they have, especially in the situation after the first game.
There are some things you cannot influence, that was clear to me, and I hope that everyone following the ABA League will be wiser and more experienced, and we certainly will be. Because some things were unbelievable. Thanks to the fans for the entire season, they were great again tonight. I thank them for that,” said Zeljko Obradovic.
About James Nunnally and other things
“I don’t know if that situation had an impact. I was to say the least surprised when they told me in the office. We had a practice session before the game, and I asked about the training session before the game when Crvena Zvezda was coming, they said at 11:30, I finished at 11, just so there wouldn’t be any reason for us to meet, not because I thought something was going to happen. There was no reason to think about it. They told me what happened, and then the stories started. I don’t justify it, it’s a terrible ugly sight. Whether a player from Crvena Zvezda initiated what he did, I don’t know. What Nunnally did, I don’t know. I didn’t even look at the websites, and I was disgusted.
The decision for Nunnally not to be in the team was mine. After what happened this morning and the time spent at the police station, he wasn’t ready to play. I took care of the team. I have no reason not to believe James in what he told me, but everyone has to be accountable for their actions, let the authorities deal with it. It’s mentioned that there’s no part of the video, I won’t get into that. As far as I know, Lazarevic is a decent guy, extraordinary. I don’t know what happened between them. I’m sorry that this incident is being talked about before the final and that it’s something that has received so much attention. It’s a situation I wouldn’t want to ever happen again.”
About the consecutive defeats against Crvena Zvezda
“It doesn’t matter, six consecutive defeats. After the first game, things were clear to me, where the series was going. There are things you can’t influence. Maybe you don’t see it, but there are some things that are unbelievable. Congratulations to the rival, a great lesson for us, and I think if the ABA League wants to progress, some things have to change.”
What was crucial and about the leaders of Partizan
“In all the games, we were in the game. The analysis of everything from the first game emerged. The second was very similar as well, and tonight we were also on that one possession. Obviously, some things are missing, and some things you can’t influence. I wouldn’t comment on individual players’ performances, the team is more important, and the coach is the most responsible. I am responsible for this season. Thanks to all the people in the management, led by the president, who have been supportive. Many times I’ve said that this is sports and that wins are important, but some things are more important, like integrity, that you can look everyone in the eye.
I’m not sure others can do that. I can. I will always stand behind my players. We continue, maybe it’s also a moment to say that in two years of playing together, we’ve been in the same position where we are, and the rival where they are. Last year, we were sixth in the EuroLeague, they were 11th, and this year, we’re 11th, and they’re 16th. That fact explains some things. We’re talking about a serious league.”
About the EuroLeague
“I am sure that Partizan will play in the EuroLeague next year, everyone has recognized what Partizan has done. There was no question, it is clear that everything we represent in European basketball deserves to be part of it. We will do everything to achieve that, the club deserves it for a thousand reasons, its tradition, everything it has given, how much is talked about its matches. Together, we will try to prepare and be at a better level everywhere next season,” Zeljko Obradovic said.
The weakest performance?
“Some things you can’t control, anyone who understands a bit knows what I’m talking about. The season is incredibly exhausting, and we talked about how some players were burdened, some less burdened. It’s not accidental that I managed tonight’s game in a certain way, that we played with 11 players. And that says something. Two have been out for a long time, and Nunnally was my decision. And that’s it. Some are more burdened, some less. Some, out of excessive desire, didn’t perform as they should have.
When you look at the shooting percentage, we shot twice as much as Crvena Zvezda, we scored 16, they scored 14. Free throws 15 more for the opponent. We had 15 more possessions, can a team that doesn’t fight have 15 more possessions? We talk about everything, sometimes it turns out well, sometimes badly. It’s not the end of the world; we lost the final, we’ll try to prepare, I hope we’ll play in the EuroLeague, there’s enthusiasm, there’s desire. We’ll try to see the mistakes and see why things happen the way they happen. When you compare the ABA League and the EuroLeague, some things aren’t very clear, it’s incredible how big the difference is.”
About the Serbian Super League
“I just asked when it starts, and no one knew. No one expected this, there should be a calendar, I have no idea. A serious league must make a calendar so it’s known in advance, in case, God forbid, some representatives play in Europe, then adjust accordingly. We’ll see how it will look. I don’t expect anything good from the Serbian league, as our experience with Serbian referees is, it’s not a circus, but a little more than that. I have no problem saying it. I don’t expect anything, it’s all clear to you. These 20,000 people understand clearly how everything went,” concluded Zeljko Obradovic.
Zeljko Obradovic: "I am sure that Partizan will play in the EuroLeague next year. Partizan has done everything, and everyone has recognized that, including the clubs that make the decisions. It was never a question, and I think that is clear to everyone." pic.twitter.com/MWlDjibchN
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