By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After Jordi Bertomeu’s latest comments on the matter and Dimitris Giannakopoulos’ new attack to EuroLeague’s CEO, Xavi Pascual spoke on the issue after Panathinaikos‘ win over Kolossos Rhodes.
As the Spanish coach said: “What Bertomeu said is a great surprise for me as, if I am not mistaken, there was an agreement between the two sides until the end of Final Four. If I’m not wrong, it was agreed not to talk to the media and to meet after the end of the Final Four in order to find the solution. Also, if I’m not mistaken, Mr. Manos Papadopoulos is in Belgrade and not with me here with the team to talk about these issues.
This is why I was surprised by what has been said. My opinion is that when there are such issues, it does not benefit anyone to speak publicly to the media but to quietly find the solution. A negotiation to solve a problem is not being helped by public statements in the media.
I want to express my position and I wish to really help the clubs to end this conflict. Panathinaikos is a founding member of the Euroleague and we all have to remember that. I also want to express the love, support, and pride that I work in this club headed by the Giannakopoulos family and now by Dimitris.
It is a family that has provided so much to the basketball in the past and continues to do so in the present and the future with an enormous effort. I love the team of Panathinaikos and I want to be here and in the future. I say again, I am very proud of what Dimitris offers and what his family have given all his years to basketball”.