By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes was leading both Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Turkey’s BSL up to the decisions to pause the seasons, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Getting back in action when safety concerns are lifted produce additional risks for his team, head coach Ergin Ataman explained talking with Turkish outlet AKSAM.
“I consider the World Health Organization more responsible than Euroleague,” he noted on Europe’s premier club competition halted, “They were late declaring the pandemic. Euroleague stopped just in time.”
His team was 24-4 in EuroLeague and 21-2 in Turkey’s league. A strong display all the way was thrown to the ropes by the coronavirus COVID-19.
“This presents us a risk. We were the fittest team of the season leading both competitions,” said Atman, “Will we get back in shape in time? That is the risk. We are going through the process with our players. Eventually, all players will be equally set at 70 or 80 percent. No players will recover to their previous condition.”
The Turkish club is not planning salary reductions while attempting to help its players stay in shape under extreme circumstances.
“Our players continue to practice individually at home,” he furthered, “Apart from facilities available at home, we open our training facilities for two hours a day. If a player wants to work there, we assign one trainer and fulfill his needs without contact.”