By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Following Partizan Belgrade’s 70-66 road loss to Zalgiris in Kaunas, the black-and-white Serbian side can’t contend anymore for a spot in the post-season. Being two wins away from the Play-Ins zone, they have one last game at home, which won’t be enough regardless of the result.
In the post-game press conference in Lithuania, Zeljko Obradovic was asked if he believes this season was a disappointment. “For sure, because I believe in this team,” he first said.
“I believe it’s a team that can fight with the best teams, Top 8 or Top 10, whatever. We didn’t find a way, especially in the last few games. We didn’t play well, with some problems and some injuries.”
“But those are not excuses. Whoever is on the team needs to fight. I don’t mean we didn’t fight, exactly the opposite. But it wasn’t enough for tonight’s game,” he commented.
Asked about the way the team was built in the summer, with a complete renovation, the experienced head coach recalled the plan. “Our plan wasn’t to change the team, but it happened,” he said.
“We had a similar season with Zalgiris: for a lot of games, we played well, like Zalgiris. They lost some games in an incredible way, we won games in an incredible way. I believe it’s good to discuss what’s going on after the end of the season. All the responsibility is on my shoulders,” Obradovic finished.
PHOTO CREDIT: Eurokinissi