Zeljko Obradovic, the new head coach of Panathinaikos, spoke at a press conference for the first time since returning to the Athens club.
As a reminder, it was officially confirmed yesterday that the most successful coach in the club’s history is returning to the position of head coach 14 years after his departure.
ZELJKO IS BACK HOME! ☘️#paobcaktor pic.twitter.com/My8XJidp9q
— Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) June 22, 2026
At the beginning of the press conference, club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos also addressed the media.
“In 2024, I said that we would try to make Panathinaikos the biggest team in Europe again, and some may have doubted it. We won the EuroLeague, brought the Final Four to Greece, created the best arena in Europe, and now the time has come to close the circle in the most ideal way.
The greatest of the great returns. Our love, Zeljko Obradovic. The man who has connected his name with the most and biggest successes in Panathinaikos history. Today, Zeljko returns where he belongs. To his family. Coach, thank you for everything. Welcome home.”
Then the floor was taken by the legendary Zeljko Obradovic.
“I want to thank Dimitris for giving me the opportunity to be here again. I appreciate it. It was an easy agreement and we quickly understood each other. I have never lost my connection with the Giannakopoulos family and the people here. I want to thank everyone for the way they welcomed me.
I have been here with Fenerbahce and Partizan, and every time it was special. Athens is a great city. It is truly a pleasure to be back here again. Dimitris, thank you for inviting me to be part of one of the best clubs in Europe and the world.”
Dimitris Giannakopoulos, whose birthday is also today, once again stressed how important this moment is for him.
“This is more than my birthday. This is a historic day for Panathinaikos. As I said to Zeljko, it is even more than a historic day. The messages I received, the happiness on the fans’ faces, it is something special. Even more than winning the EuroLeague. This is the biggest moment for the club in recent years. This is a responsibility for all of us.”
Obradovic then spoke in detail about whether he is motivated for the new challenge.
“I would say that in every person’s life, motivation is the most important thing. This arena was renovated thanks to Dimitris and it is truly special. When I arrived, that was the first thing I said. The fire still exists in me to be a coach. It was easy for me to find the motivation to be here. I have never lost the connection with the family and with these people. I will do everything on my part to show respect to them.
Love? Everyone knows I have it. The past is something beautiful and important, but we must live in the present and the future. We must leave the past behind. It is important that everyone understands what this club represents. Not just me, but everyone. That we all understand what Panathinaikos is and give everything we have, everything in our power.”
He was then asked when he became aware that he would once again become Panathinaikos head coach.
“I… I have been getting this question since the moment I left Partizan. They kept asking me that all the time. I said then that I would speak when the right time came. We are talking about June 20… We spoke two days ago. That’s how it was. I believe it was necessary to respect myself, of course. During this period I was thinking about certain things. We met, spoke directly, and here we are. That’s it. Simple things are simple things.”
He also revealed whether he has been in contact with former players he coached, such as Kostas Sloukas and Mathias Lessort.
“I spoke yesterday with Kostas Sloukas. He is in Halkidiki. Due to my obligations, I am going to a clinic in Belgrade, and when I return, we will meet. I plan to see all the players I can. Kostas knows me, and I know him. I think we will have a lot to talk about. I have not spoken with Mathias Lessort. I don’t know where he is. I have only been here one day, I need some time.”
Obradovic could not avoid the fact that he is the most successful coach in Panathinaikos history.
“Yes, I cannot ignore that. If you remember, two minutes earlier I said that the past is beautiful, but that you must live in the present and the future. We all worked as a family, and we must continue to do so now.
I can only promise that I will think exclusively about this club and the job I love. About twenty days ago I was in Italy, where Gigi Datome invited me to work at a clinic. When I stepped on the court with the kids, that feeling was special. That is exactly what drives me, and that is why I feel like the happiest person in the world.
I am sure I will feel the same when I step on the court again. You know everything, now it is my turn to do my job with my players. There are new faces here, but also old friends. The most important thing is that we function as a family. That is the key for every team and every club. First the team, then the club.”
