“The Federation and Referees Ignored the Incidents”

Both teams entered the Greek finals aiming to save their season. We won the Greek Cup by beating Olympiacos earlier in the year. Olympiacos came into the finals without having won anything and trailed 1–0. When we traveled to Piraeus for Game 2, shocking events occurred. Half an hour before the match began, outrageous chants and insults were hurled at our president’s family and daughter. It was clearly done to provoke Mr. Giannakopoulos. The referees should have intervened, but the federation and officials remained indifferent.

This was essentially a major confrontation between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. As a result, the Greek government suspended the finals and called on both clubs to reach an agreement. They said that if no agreement was reached, the finals would be canceled. Our club agreed, as we had home-court advantage. However, Olympiacos refused to sit at the same table. The ministry then backtracked and asked both sides to provide separate assurances. Will the game happen, or not, and when? We were left in limbo.

“Being Accused by Opposing Lawyers – A First for Me”

As I was preparing to answer in court, I saw three Olympiacos lawyers accusing me directly. I lost my composure but stood my ground. What was said about Türkiye was racist. “You can insult me, but insulting Türkiye because I’m Turkish is racism,” I said and I stand by that. Maybe I reacted strongly, but I’d do it again. This was the first time I’ve been accused like that in court. My pride was hurt. We played badly and lost Game 3. The gesture made by a French player toward our fans was something never before seen in sports. Our president was punished. I was punished. But the player wasn’t. These incidents affected us, and we handed the championship to Olympiacos. I wore headphones at the start of the game to avoid being influenced.

“I Have Nothing Against Fenerbahçe”

Fenerbahçe deservedly beat us in the Final Four. I congratulated them afterward. They played better and became champions. I met Ali Koç by chance, and after congratulating him, he said: “You always won, this time we did.” That’s how sports go. Their fans are strongly against me. But as coach of Panathinaikos and the Turkish national team, congratulating the president of a Turkish club that beat us was the right thing to do. I have no personal issues with Fenerbahçe. Circumstances led me here. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve been unfairly harassed – that’s part of sports. What happened in the Greek finals is part of that reality.

“Fenerbahçe’s Investment in Basketball is Huge for Turkey”

I congratulate Fenerbahçe on winning the EuroLeague. Their basketball investment, which began with Aziz Yıldırım and Obradović, continues. I believe this is a major promotional boost for Turkish sports and the country. It may not be football, but the EuroLeague is followed by hundreds of thousands worldwide. It’s important that a Turkish club became champion.

“Using My Turkish Identity to Provoke is Racism”

Waving the Greek flag against me is a form of provocation. Panathinaikos is a Greek club; I respect the Greek people, the country, and its flag—as I do with every country. But insulting Turkey because I’m Turkish is racism. Despite my defense, I was fined.

“Anadolu Efes is My Home”

I know who triggered the chants at the Anadolu Efes game. When a part of the crowd joined in, I felt disappointed. Efes is my home. We achieved historic successes together. Even when I left, I did so as Turkish champion. I expressed my frustration internally. The president already reacted—it was a brief incident. In the end, the real Efes fans welcomed me warmly. There are always provocateurs in any fan base. Social media in Turkey has become a space dominated by negativity and provocation. What matters is whether club management lets itself be influenced by this.

“Micic Wants to Return But We Can’t Get Him”

We’ve signed TJ Shorts, who had an excellent season. Lorenzo Brown has one year left on his contract, but I’m unsure if he’ll stay. We didn’t give him the minutes he wanted. We also don’t know how well Mathias Lessort will recover or whether he’ll be the same. We’re looking for a supporting center beside him. Vasilije Micic wants to return, but we can’t afford to sign him.