LeDay: “It’s hard to compare the Greek and Serbian derbies, Partizan-Red Star is like a war”

A few hours before the away match between Olympiakos and Armani Milan for the 18th matchday of the Euroleague, the current player of the Italian team and former player of the “red and white” gave an interview to Serbian Meso and was asked to compare the derbies he has experienced in Greece and Belgrade!

In addition, he made it clear that he prefers life in Milan compared to the other cities he has passed through, talked about his collaboration with Messina and Obradovic, while describing Patrizan’s meetings with Red Star as “war”.

What the former Olympiakos player said in detail:



For life in Milan, Belgrade and Athens: “For everyday life I will always say that I prefer Milan to other cities. Of course the weather conditions in Athens are good, which I really like. Belgrade is like my home, everyone there is connected to me. All these places are good and choosing one is difficult”.

On having worked with coaches like Messina and Obradovic: “My mother always said ‘all the big names want you on their team, I don’t know what’s wrong with you.’ It’s a blessing to play for such names and work with them because it means you’re doing something right. I always try to focus on our preparation and plans. Focusing on controlling everything in my power to help the team win.

All my life I have had strict coaches. So I’ve learned to control what happens on the floor. The coach doesn’t play basketball. We the players are on the court, we are the ones playing. For example I’ll tag Kendrick Nunn, not Messina. The player will have to adapt to the game, but the coach is the one who will have to keep it to high standards, which we already have.”.

For the comparison between Serbian and Greek derbies: “It is difficult to compare the Greek and Serbian derbies, because I have much more experience than the Serbian ones. I experienced these big matches when I played with Partizan against Red Star. Big names and big players. It was nice to be able to experience it, it was like coming out of a “war”. It was crazy, throwing rubbish, soda cans, ice cubes… I’m glad I managed to deal with it. I definitely learned a lot from this process.”.