Željko Obradović returns to Belgrade Arena on Tuesday for the first time since leaving Partizan last November, now as head coach of Panathinaikos. Joan Peñarroya understands how much his predecessor means to Partizan’s fans and the reception awaiting him, but he believes that once the game begins, the crowd will turn its full attention to supporting its team.
Partizan hosts unbeaten Panathinaikos (4-0) at 8:30 p.m. CEST, while the Black and Whites enter the game with a 3-1 record. Peñarroya believes the Athens club is currently playing the best basketball in the EuroLeague, highlighting both the quality and depth of its roster.
What do you expect from the game against Panathinaikos, and how special is this matchup because of Željko Obradović’s return?
“We have a big game tomorrow against a team that is probably in the best form of anyone in the league. For the home fans, this is much more than just another game, but for us as coaches and players, what happens on the court is still the most important thing. It’s an extremely difficult challenge because Panathinaikos has simply blown away its opponents in the first four rounds. They’ve won every game by more than 20 points and effectively decided each one in the first quarter. They’re a true All-Star team, both on the court and on the bench”.
How do you expect Partizan’s fans to welcome Željko Obradović, and what kind of atmosphere do you anticipate during the game?
“I’m aware that this is a special game. I have absolutely no doubt that our fans will give Željko a magnificent welcome. But I also have no doubt that as soon as the referee tosses the ball up, they’ll create a great atmosphere and give Partizan tremendous support”.
How do you feel about the support you’ve received from Partizan’s fans, particularly ahead of the return of a coach they love so much?
“I completely understand the situation. Just because our fans have enormous love for Željko doesn’t mean they don’t respect me or any other coach. I’m very happy with the support they’ve given me, and it’s a tremendous honor for me to coach this team. The emotions before the game are normal, but once the game starts, we’re all working toward the same goal”.
What’s the team’s injury situation ahead of the game, and how many players will be available?
“The only injured player at the moment is Derek Willis. Everyone else is available. We have 13 players in the rotation who can play and contribute”.
There’s a lot of discussion about Panathinaikos’ biggest stars. How important are its Greek players, and what will be the key defensively?
“Everyone talks about the stars, but very few people mention that Panathinaikos starts every game with three or four Greek players: Mantzoukas, Mitoglou, Kalaitzakis and Rogkavopoulos. They’re playing at an exceptionally high level and bring tremendous energy to the team. We have to play outstanding team defense and be at our very best if we want to have a chance to win”.