Zeljko Obradovic expressed his expectations ahead of the 17th round of the EuroLeague, where Partizan will host Virtus.
The accomplished coach emphasized his pleasure in returning to Belgrade and hopes for a better performance following a lackluster display against Zadar in the ABA League.
“We were away from Belgrade for seven days, and it seems that it had consequences, as seen in the last game in Zadar, where the opponent was highly motivated, and we were not at the required level. We are happy to be back in the Stark Arena and to play against a team in excellent form with exceptional quality. We need to play really well if we want to achieve a good result.”
Good news came with the return of Uros Trifunović to the roster.
“Alen Smailagic will definitely not play, everyone else is okay, except Aleksa Avramovic. Uros Trifunovic has started training, he will be in the team, but I don’t believe he will be able to contribute too much.”
Jaleen Smith still does not have the right to play in the EuroLeague, and his debut in the black and white jersey is expected over the weekend against Mornar in Bar.
“We will consider when that game comes, we brought him primarily to play. He has the right to play, he has completed the first training. When a player is brought in, he is brought in to help. We know him, we have followed him, he is experienced, has been in Germany and Virtus. He can certainly help.”