Betsirovic: “Frustration for Panathinaikos if it doesn’t get the Euroleague – I was shocked when I left”

THE Sunni Bezirovic He was a member of the legendary Panathinaikos team that won Euroleague in 2007, in the final at the OAKA, coached by Zelimir Obradovic. Later, he returned to the “green” bench, this time as a member of the technical staff, next to the Sasha Djordjevic.

Following his presence at the coaching honor, he assumed administrative duties as a technical director in 2023 and, in just ten months, contributed a catalyst for Panathinaikos’ return to the top of Europe, with the 8th Euroleague title in 2024 in Berlin.

Since July 2025, Slovenus has taken on a new role, moving to St. Petersburgwhere he succeeded the Mano Papadopoulos in place of the sports director of the local team. In an interview with “Meridian Sport”, he referred to the “Greens” in his two years, beautiful moments who lived but also in the way the cooperation ended.

Referring to the transcriptions he made to Panathinaiche said: ‘My first transfer was perhaps the most important link and the most undervalued player, Jerian Grand. Certainly one of the factors that brought us a lot. It may not be very attractive and may not get attention, but it is certainly a very important link. “

Elsewhere in the interview, he explained: “THE Panathinaikos Surely has a super group and anything other than conquering Euroleague It would be a great disappointment. Ataman also said he had a team with two Euroleague teams and that both teams should be in the final. “

When referring to his departure from the Greek team, he stressed: ‘It happens in the world of sport And in life. We were unable to find common points to continue cooperation. At first I was shocked, but in the end it turned out that once a door was closed, no matter how big it is, a new, different, perhaps even better. I’m done, I wish the people of the club the best. It was my pleasure to work there for two years. My thought turned to Zenit From the signature of the contract. “

Accounting for his job at Panathinaicstated: ‘The results are talking about slavery my. The greatest recognition for a man In my position and the club for which I worked. I am in peace with myself, at the highest level that I am absolutely capable of taking over the team, making good decisions during the summer, of course, with the help of the president and in collaboration with the coach. “

When asked how he achieved what he did with the “Greens”, he replied: ‘Always there is the factor luck. There are many good teams that show unity but never produce a good result. Surely, a large share belongs to the coach and the coaching staff, but also to us working in the shadow to we keep All of these relationships, to make sure everything is properly, to make the stressful situations look less stressful for players and the team. There are many things that need to be balanced so that everyone has a clear mind and can think of basketball. “

Speaking of the transcriptional successes, he noted: ‘There were many good deals, the Lesorthe Huzano (ed. Erngome) … My first transcript was probably the most important link and the most undervalued player – Jerian Grand. Certainly one of the factors that brought us a lot. It may not be very attractive and may not get attention, but it is certainly a very important link. “

Referring to the general secret of his success, he revealed: “There is no secret. OR approach Me with positivity and goodwill, relationships and working with people, this is the key nowadays. I do not avoid the fact that I had the opportunity to bring top specialists and players everywhere but the seasons are great, there are many fluctuationsSo as someone who was a player, a member of the training staff, it’s definitely easier for me to recognize what and how in some situations. “

Commenting on developments in the European player market, he said: ‘Year after year, it is becoming more and more tough. The team is getting diminished and the market grows. To do a good job, you have to make a team early and sign players so you don’t end up with the highest quality players left on the market. “

Speaking about the effect of US colleges, he appreciated: ‘She’s a great deal of influencewill be felt in 4-5 years. The first two generations are already gone, so until they are finished college, there will certainly be more major transcripts over the next two or three years, and there is a shortage of players in the Europeto whom an opportunity should be offered. “

Predicting her future Euroleagueexpressed his reflection: ‘Long -term, we will not be able to maintain the quality of Euroleague where it is now. In the long run, we are all afraid that the Euroleaguewith everything it has now, it will become a veteran championship, because you can’t attract players from NCAA or NBA contracts or even in the Development League. “

Finally, commenting on the possible creation of Nba Europenoted: ‘There is competition with the Nba Europe that comes. I am a supporter of the expansion of the championship, it should be further expanded because we will get more top teams with a good budget and thereby try to protect the possible entry of championships or systems to be created in the next two or three years. “