Zeljko Obradovic acknowledges crucial fan support in winning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title
A healthy team at the start of the playoffs was vital to Fenerbahce’s championship title, head coach of Zeljko Obradovic told Anadolu Agency.
"Before the start of the playoffs, we finally had healthy players. We started working the way we like to do,” Obradovic said in an exclusive interview.
"Having 16 players including young Ahmet [Duverioglu] is something that is very good for us,” he said. “We worked very good, that is something you should do if you want to be successful at this level."
Fenerbahce became champions of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after routing Olympiakos 80-64 in the finals at Istanbul's Sinan Erdem Dome on Sunday.
The nine-time EuroLeague champion coach acknowledged the support of the team’s fans in winning the championship.
They were “excellent”, he said. “Their contribution to this trophy is big."
Obradovic expects fans to continue to show their support for Fenerbahce on Wednesday when the team begins its run in the Turkish Spor Toto Basketball Super Lig playoffs.
"It will be tough for us coming out of the Euroleague Final Four. The fans really help our game," he said.
Fenerbahce’s championship game was a massive event across Turkey as a number of cities erected giant screens for viewing parties.
Following the win, hundreds of thousands of fans across Turkey emptied into the streets to celebrate, with Bagdat Street and Yogurtçu Park in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul serving as the center of celebrations.
The team celebrated the trophy with fans Monday during a bus tour in Kadikoy.
As teams begin to pivot to next season, Obradovic is reluctant to make any major changes to his squad.
"Our plan right now is to continue playing at this level in the Turkish playoffs. Once it is done, we will sit and talk everything that we plan for next season," he said.
"Honestly I don't think that we need to change lots of things. But like always, let's finish the season, first."
It’s hard to argue with the logic of the man who has coached 500 games in the EuroLeague and finds motivation from his love of basketball.
"I like basketball. I am very happy. This is my home. I spend every day here. I feel very happy coming to practice in the morning or in the evening," the legendary coach said.
"I am very happy because I have the pleasure to share the feeling with these people over here. The first title in the history of the one big club like Fenerbahce,” Obradovic said. “Thanks to everybody that supported us and was behind us. This trust that we have from our fans is something that push us to always work harder. Without them, nothing would make sense," he added.
