Ataman: “We are playing in the best stadium in Europe – Lessor will be the top center of the competition again”

Statements ahead of Panathinaikos AKTOR’s home match against Villerban for the 6th matchday of the Euroleague, did o Ergin Ataman.

The coach of the “greens” described the French team as a very dangerous team, described OAKA as the best stadium in Europe, insisted that his teammates are key to its success, while he expressed the belief that Matias Lessor will be again the leading center of the Euroleague!

In detail what the coach of Panathinaikos said:



For the Villeurbanne game: “So far we have played four away games and just one at home. Of course, home games are very important, you have to win them. You can’t underestimate any team. Villeurbanne last week lost in the last minute to Barcelona. He scores, he has experience. We have to be ready to play aggressively, with the crowd on our side. Every match, especially in the Euroleague, is another story. We should be ready to play aggressively and as a team”.

On how difficult it is for his players to stay focused after the double in SEF, but also before the game with Red Star: “We’re not thinking about Red Star right now, we’re only thinking about the next game. Of course, you are right, after two big away wins, the team is always a bit more relaxed in these types of matches. But I hope the world will give us the extra motivation we need. It is very important that the field is… hot, to give more motivation to the players. Villeurbanne is a very dangerous team”.

For the Panathinaikos schedule and for the games every two days: “It’s normal, we don’t have a problem. We have a large roster for this reason. We have been playing with this program for years and still enjoy it. Sometimes it can get a bit tiring, but the same goes for all Euroleague teams, they all face the same challenge.”.

For Lessor: “Matias gives energy, tries, for the whole team. It is very high quality. But even more important than its quality is its power and energy. It always gives us motivation, push. Last year he was the top center in the Euroleague. I think that at the end of the year he will be the top center of the tournament again. Matias has been the same for the last two years. Sometimes he is not so focused. But when he’s focused, there’s no stopping him.”.

For fans: “We are playing in the best stadium in Europe, the glass floor is incredible. Our world against Bayern created a tremendous atmosphere. I believe that after two very important victories our audience will enjoy the team again tomorrow, it will motivate us. Our world is very important, at home and away. We also have them with us in away games. People are one of the keys to our success”.