Ergin Ataman spoke about the victory against Mykonos, the elimination from Valencia, and his tenure at Panathinaikos over the last 3 years.
Here's what Ergin Ataman said in detail:
"I am satisfied. It wasn't easy after the great disappointment of being eliminated from the Final Four. Within 48 hours, the players were ready. We played seriously, it's the playoffs, we made it 1-0. We will play again on Sunday.
The situation is not easy. We lost the fifth game, even though we were up 2-0. We were eliminated at 3-2. There is disappointment for us and for our fans. This is sports, these things happen. I respect Valencia, they finished 2nd and had only lost three games at our home. We got 2 wins, but then we were defeated at home. Valencia deserved to play in the Final Four. In sports, there are unsuccessful seasons, as for us this year.
However, in the last three years, Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce have been the most successful in Europe. With one EuroLeague, one championship, and two Cups. If there is another team as successful, tell me. Only Fenerbahce. It saddens us even more because the Final Four will be held at our home. However, that's life.
He then specifically stated: "Only 4 teams will play in the Final Four. All other teams, like us, will focus on the league games.
We have the ability to do it and we will focus step by step. We will now deal with this series, then with the semi-final, with respect to all teams. And then qualify for the final."
We have the ability to do it. We don't need to say anything to the players. During the season we have some discussions with the players. That's how sports are. It's not art so that we can always do something good. There are also different moments in sports. But the players have the mentality to overcome these difficult situations. I came to the team with great trust from the president, Dimitris Giannakopoulos. And I will leave the team when Dimitris Giannakopoulos loses his trust in me."