By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Galatasaray left for Belgrade on the same day of the game against Crvena Zvezda and coach Ataman talked at the airport about the unique situation his team faces in tonight’s game. As he explained despite the security risks, there are guarantees from all sides about the safety of his team and Galatasaray is focusing on winning the game: “We expect a heavy atmosphere for sure, but a heavy atmosphere is always created in Serbia in every game. We are doing something we are not accustomed and that’s the only drawback for us. Normally we travel to our destination one day before the game. Now after lunch we will relax in the hotel and then go to the game”.
Once more Ataman explained his position about his notorious “terrorists” quotes in the press conference after the regular season game in Istanbul: “I was deeply saddened when I received the news of the death, one or two hours after the press conference. There was a misunderstanding and events that I was not aware of, especially the death for which I was not informed and I apologize for my comments. I can’t do anything else. After all, we have repeatedly played in Belgrade with the Turkish national team and Galatasaray. Red Star came to Turkey before. Partizan also. Each mach is a token of friendship even if it’s played under a heavy atmosphere. We didn’t have any problem so far. But this time, no one expected such a tragic event to occur. I’m not responsible for this or Galatasaray”.
UPDATE: Galatasaray president paid a visit to Marko Ivkovic’s grave as it was decided on Tuesday.
