By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
As you have read in Eurohoops.net, Panathinaikos during the Greek finals made its move in order to keep Zeljko Obradovic in Athens, something that is also the wish of Serbian coach. So what’s keeping the two sides apart?
That’s the million dollar question and there isn’t a clear answer yet. There are some indications about a power struggle inside the team but nothing more. After all as Obradovic said after the Game 5 of Greek finals: “What happens in the family, stays inside the family”.
Zoc’s wish thought is clear. He wants to grow old in Athens as the boss of Panathinaikos and in order for that to happen, there must be guarantees that the Greens will continue to have the highest goals. If this changes, then maybe Obradovic will also change his mind and continue his career elsewhere. As you were informed again by Eurohoops.net, the first serious proposal that he got came from Fenerbahce/ Ulker, but now things have changed.
CSKA is searching for a new coach and in Moscow they are waiting the news from the meeting that Obradovic will have probably on Tuesday with Panathnaikos brass. If Zoc decides to leave Athens, then Moscow should be his first choice. The Russians, though, are ready for every scenario and they seem to have a back up plan that involves Siena’s coach Simone Pianigiani.