Ergin Ataman: 'Our success is receiving great appreciation'

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman made notable statements on A Spor.

In his statement, Ergin Ataman said, "We went through a restructuring this season. With my arrival, we signed 11 players. It took time for the team to settle. Winning the game against Olympiacos in Piraeus had a positive impact on the team. We are currently leading the Greek League with 7 wins in 7 games. With this system, we have gained good momentum in the EuroLeague. This has created a great deal of excitement at Panathinaikos, a newly formed team that finished last in Europe last year."

The successful coach added, "As a coach who has been a champion twice and played in a final once in the last 4 years, I needed to bring a new momentum here with my arrival. There is tremendous love here. Basketball is almost the number one sport in Greece. Real Madrid is going undefeated, but all the teams behind them have a chance to reach the final. Our team's success is highly appreciated in Athens."

Stating that the Greek people are warm-blooded, Ataman said, "There is tremendous love and respect here. Greek sports authorities and the sports public have great respect for the successes I have achieved in the EuroLeague in recent years. As a result, as the results started to come, everything is progressing positively. The important thing here is to create this love. I am building a bridge here. The people here are also Mediterranean people, they are very warm-blooded. I do my 'fist show' at the games. Everyone expects this when I step onto the court. The important thing is to create this bond."

Speaking about Kostas Sloukas, Ataman said, "The backbone of the team is Kostas Sloukas, whom we transferred from Olympiacos! His leadership, captaincy, court vision, and direction of the team are major factors in us playing this brand of basketball."

News Source: 12punto