The welcome awaiting Željko Obradović and his bond with the Grobari were the focus of Prva’s “Glam i drama”, with Partizan football club president Rasim Ljajić joining the discussion.
Belgrade is counting down to the moment Željko Obradović steps back into Belgrade Arena. Tuesday’s (October 13) meeting between Partizan and Panathinaikos will bring the Serbian coach face to face with a club and a fanbase with whom he shares a deep bond. The reception awaiting him is already attracting considerable attention before tip-off.
That anticipation was reflected on Serbian television. On Prva’s “Glam i drama”, the two hosts and their guest, Rasim Ljajić, discussed Žoc’s return, the emotions it stirs among Partizan supporters and what it means to see him on the opposing bench.
One comment during the discussion captured the anticipation: “I believe there will be a real eruption of emotion. They say the hardest thing is to play against people whose love you can still feel. And that is exactly the situation here.”
The conversation focused on Obradović’s enduring relationship with the Grobari, as well as the sadness surrounding his departure. His return was described as an opportunity for supporters to say “thank you for everything” and once again express their feelings about the way their time together ended.
The connection was described in equally emotional terms: “The fans will support Partizan, but in Željko they will see a part of themselves. They will welcome him with applause, with a lump in their throats because of everything that surrounded his departure.”
The phrase “I love Žoc more than my father” was also cited on the programme to illustrate the Grobari’s affection for the Serbian coach. There was a prediction that he would receive an ovation few people have experienced, reflecting both his contribution to Partizan and the bond he built with the supporters.
The discussion also touched on Obradović’s own reaction. His return was expected to be deeply emotional for him, with particular interest in how much of that emotion he might show before the game or after the final buzzer.
The basketball itself also featured in the conversation. The prospect of Panathinaikos leaving Belgrade with a victory highlighted the delicate balance between the supporters’ love for Žoc and their desire to see Partizan win.
The discussion also underlined the supporters’ priorities: “You love your club more than yourself, but at the same time you love and appreciate a coach for everything he has done for that club. There is no doubt, however, that the fans will want Partizan to win.”
That sentiment was echoed in another remark: “Personally, I wish Željko every success in the EuroLeague, except in games against Partizan.”
The conversation also returned to the message that could reach Obradović from the stands. A message capturing what Partizan supporters still feel for him: “This is your home. Come back one day.”
