By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The new sports director of Partizan Mozzart Bet, Zarko Paspalj, was formally welcomed in his new role via an introductory press conference on Monday.
Team president Ostoja Mijailovic discussed recent changes to the front office, headlined by the arrival of 59-year-old Paspalj, and went into several topics regarding how things work at Partizan using visual elements in a detailed presentation. The 46-year-old Serbian executive explained that Partizan does not function solely on two people, referring to the president and head coach. However, the coach is responsible for shaping the team roster, he noted.
“I always accept my responsibility. Each of us makes mistakes, but I think I did my job quite conscientiously because when you look at the fact that over 117,000,000 euros entered the club. I can’t accept responsibility for the standings, for the situation in the locker room, it’s just not mine. I could not demand responsibility from Zeljko Obradovic. Because he is more than a coach, he is an icon of the club,” he recapped recent developments leading to the departure of legendary tactician Zeljko Obradovic.
Finances, Joan Penarroya, Cameron Payne…
Mijailovic also revisited club finances with graphics, clarifying that he is in charge along with the front office, while members of the coaching staff are responsible for team results.
“We are not changing anything for now. Mirko leads the team. When we decide on a new coach, the public will be informed,” he confirmed, with questions spilling into the next moves for Partizan and reports regarding a deal with Joan Penarroya to become the new play-caller.
Besides a permanent solution to succeed interim head coach Mirko Ocokoljic, Partizan is seeking a backcourt reinforcement with Carlik Jones sidelined for several more weeks.
“I wanted us to bring in a European playmaker or an American based in Europe, but only Americans are available. Even if you choose an American, you wonder how long it will take him to adapt. We live in a time when everything is expensive. If you ask me, nobody in Europe is worth this money. We are indeed in contact with Cameron Payne and some others. Of course, it also depends on the coach. Much stuff impact,” mentioned Paspalj.
“The most embarrassing view”
Rewinding to his hiring in early December, Paspalj discussed assuming duties in a complicated situation with many more changes.
“On my first day, the fans entered the training facility. I then thought this would definitely be interesting. We were dealing with a situation where Zeljko left. I understand that, but I will not get into that. I have my own opinion,” he shared.
“I have never felt more ashamed. People took it on themselves to reduce Partizan. I will not get into the misunderstandings between Zeljko and Ostoja, but what happened in the arena was the most embarrassing view I have seen,” he added, recalling fans booing Partizan during Round 14 of the EuroLeague Regular Season opposite FC Bayern Munich in Belgrade Arena.
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES IN BELGRADE 😮
Partizan players are BOOED by the fans during team presentation in the aftermath of Zeljko Obradovic’s resignation https://t.co/vct79e8hPf pic.twitter.com/s5zRYERH7S
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) December 4, 2025
With Ocokoljic in the same role as recent team outings, the Belgrade outfit enters the next two-game week on the EuroLeague schedule, starting with a clash versus Virtus Bologna in Belgrade Arena on Wednesday, and sitting 14th on a 6-9 record, which is 2.5 games shy of the Play-In Showdown zone. In the AdmiralBet Regular Season, a 7-1 tally ranks second in Group A, behind Dubai’s 8-0.