Zeljko Obradovic urges calm between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos

Zeljko Obradovic has publicly called for a cooling of tensions between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, asking players, coaches and fans to treat the derbies as sport rather than a battlefield. The veteran coach — who spent 13 years at Panathinaikos and later coached in Belgrade — said he supports efforts to lower the temperature around the rival clubs.

Obradovic urges respect and perspective

Obradovic said he has long tried to play a moderating role around fierce rivalries. "Listen, throughout all these years — including the 13 I spent here, and also during the time in Belgrade, where the derby between Partizan and Red Star has many similarities with the duels between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos — I have always tried to do exactly that. And I will continue to try with all my strength. I have such a relationship with Giorgos Bartzokas. He said it, and I will repeat it," he said.

He underlined the responsibility of coaches to set the tone. "Coaches must be an example for everyone. Let it be just a basketball game. Sport," Obradovic said, urging a return to healthy competition.

Obradovic also praised Olympiakos's consistency under its current coach, noting the advantages continuity brings. "They (i.e. Olympiakos) were a very good team last year, as in all previous years. They have continuity as a team with him on the bench. That is a huge advantage. I would like everyone to follow that path. Not only the coaches, but also the players. Anyone who can help in this situation is welcome. It is the best way," added the man who brought Panathinaikos five of the club's seven European championships.

Turning to the wider state of Greek basketball, he welcomed the rise of other strong teams and appealed for better atmospheres in arenas. "Let's try to calm people down. For years, the Greek championship did not have the quality it has now, when we also have two strong teams from Thessaloniki. That is good for basketball. Let's talk about it. Let's have a healthy atmosphere in every hall we visit. After all, it is just basketball," he said.

Obradovic closed with a personal plea for perspective beyond sport. "As I always say, we need to understand that we need to be healthy and that we have only one life. To enjoy life, to talk about positive things, to respect people and to do everything we can to show the world how much respect we have for each other," he said.

Photo: press material from the event