By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
After a solid start to the season, Partizan has hit a rough patch, losing five of its last six EuroLeague games.
Željko Obradović didn’t mince words after last week’s loss to ASVEL in France, and following another defeat — this time at the packed Belgrade Arena against Fenerbahçe — the experienced coach once again addressed the media, though he appeared more satisfied with his team’s effort despite Partizan dropping to 4–8 in the standings.
“I said that we lost to a team that played exceptionally well and looked like the champion it was last year. I didn’t see discouragement at any moment. Not once. The players fought, gave everything they had, but it wasn’t enough. We opened the game poorly, and things looked better in the second half. When we cut the margin, a mix of circumstances and the opponent’s quality allowed them to pull away and win the game,” Obradović said.
Jabari Parker and captain Vanja Marinković were late scratches.
“I don’t know who announced it, but I was shocked this morning at practice when I was told he (Parker) wouldn’t play. That’s all I know. The same goes for Marinković. Both practiced normally yesterday, and this morning we were preparing the game plan. I worked and prepared with both of them in mind, setting up our offensive movements and defensive tactics as always. And then I found out they wouldn’t be in the lineup. I don’t know the reasons. I know Vanja had back pain, so that’s probably why he couldn’t play. As for Parker, I really don’t know.”
Obradović emphasized that he believes he is doing everything in his power and that outside noise does not concern him.
“I’m not interested in what people on the outside think. How many times do I need to say that? What you write, what others might say — I don’t deal with that. I use my phone to make calls, maybe send a message, and check scores. That’s what my phone is for. I don’t read comments. Whether someone likes me, applauds me, thinks I’m doing a bad job, or is against me — Partizan has a club management that will react if something needs to be addressed. If someone interpreted things this way or that, or if, as you say, the temperature has risen, it has nothing to do with me. I firmly believe I’m doing my job the best I can. I know how much energy I put into this club, how much I love it, and how much I want to give back. If someone thinks it’s not enough, we’ll sit down and talk. Life goes on. No problem. I’m at peace with myself.”
After the previous game in France, he criticized his players for being on their phones before tip-off, calling out their behavior.
“As long as I’m here, I will fight for discipline. I’ll do everything I can. I have no problem with myself. Tonight they certainly weren’t looking at their phones, nor will they be. And everyone agreed to that. After the game and after practice, fine. We don’t lose games because of phones — especially with this roster. Nick Calathes didn’t play for ten months, and now he’s playing… Shake Milton didn’t play for a month and wants to help the team. We don’t have anyone else.”