The Serbian coach officially returned to Panathinaikos after 14 years, receiving a warm welcome during his presentation at the club’s T-Center.

Both Giannakopoulos and Obradović spoke in highly emotional terms, highlighting their long-standing relationship and shared ambitions for the future.

“We had our first meeting two or three days ago. Dimitris travelled, we spoke openly and reached an agreement,” Obradović revealed.

The two men also confirmed that decisions regarding the coaching staff will be made in the coming days.

Obradović added that he would be happy if Panathinaikos could reach eight European titles, underlining that the club’s success is more important than his own personal records.

“I’ll be happy if Panathinaikos has eight European trophies”

When asked whether the prospect of winning a tenth EuroLeague title as a coach motivates him, Obradović responded:

“I will be happy if Panathinaikos has eight.”

Tribute to Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos

Asked whether his return on Father’s Day carried special significance while looking “up to the sky,” Obradović replied:

“I’m sure both of them will be happy,”

referring to the late Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos, the legendary figures behind the club’s rise.

Giannakopoulos concluded the exchange with a smile:

“Can you imagine? Željko is back.”

“Today we are happy, tomorrow we go to work”

Responding to comments that his arrival was more important than winning another European title, Obradović stressed that expectations at Panathinaikos remain extremely high.

“This club is enormous and so are the expectations. Today we are happy, but as soon as we leave here, we get to work. The players need to understand that. The people who came here want to see a team that fights. Everything else—targets and objectives—is easy to talk about. This club exists to win titles.”

“He was never really an opponent”

Obradović admitted he was surprised to see fans attending what he expected to be a standard press conference.

“I’m happy. What else can I say? I didn’t expect people to be here. I thought it would just be journalists. I thank them, and now I can’t wait to start working.”

Giannakopoulos then shared a personal anecdote:

“In recent years, when we went through difficult moments, this gentleman sitting next to me would always call and encourage me to keep going. He may have coached a rival team, but he was never truly an opponent.”

Respect for rivals, focus on Panathinaikos

Asked whether he had always envisioned returning to Panathinaikos and whether Olympiacos’ recent success had provided additional motivation, Obradović said:

“I was at Partizan and very happy there. I don’t make long-term plans in my life. In November I made a very difficult decision and told my agent I didn’t want to hear anything about basketball. When the time came, we spoke. Everyone knows the history of Panathinaikos. I respect every opponent. We must focus on ourselves and show respect to every team in Greece and in the EuroLeague.”

Giannakopoulos added:

“We don’t look at what our rivals are doing. I assume you’re talking about Real Madrid, our rival. Željko once said that one day we wanted to surpass them. We’ll be here, and one day we will surpass Real Madrid.”

Coaching staff decisions to follow

Addressing speculation about potential staff appointments involving former Panathinaikos stars such as Mike Batiste, Vassilis Xanthopoulos and Dimitris Diamantidis, Obradović remained cautious.

“I know there are many rumours. It’s part of life. In the era of social media everyone has an opinion and a story. When I decide on my staff, I’ll tell the president first and then the media. It’s a matter of professionalism and respect for my work.”

Giannakopoulos emphasized that the club’s doors remain open to former legends:

“Many iconic figures have passed through this club. There are people already within the organisation. The doors are open, and whoever Željko wants by his side, he will have.”