Ergin Ataman Praises Incredible Panathinaikos Fans
Ergin Ataman Breaks Olympiacos’ Domination with Panathinaikos Derby Win
Ergin Ataman, who was appointed as the head coach of Panathinaikos at the beginning of the season, spoke about the recent victory in the derby against Olympiacos. Ataman acknowledged that Olympiacos had gained a significant advantage over Panathinaikos in recent years, as they had been crowned the champions of Greece for three consecutive seasons and had not lost against their rivals in the last 11 derbies at home. However, Ataman emphasized that his team, Panathinaikos, was prepared to break this streak.
Last season, Olympiacos narrowly missed out on the THY Europa League championship against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos formed a new team, but their performance in the Cup was disappointing as they suffered a heavy defeat against Olympiacos. In the first match they played in the Europa League, Panathinaikos took the lead for most of the game but lost in extra time. Despite facing difficult circumstances, Panathinaikos managed to claim a clear victory in the second half of the match by implementing tactical changes, securing a much-needed psychological advantage.
The derby win brought great joy to the Panathinaikos fans, lifting their spirits. Ataman, who expressed his gratitude towards the fans, said that he had received immense love and support from them since his arrival. He acknowledged the fans’ opposition towards Olympiacos, a team with five European championships and two consecutive titles. Ataman, who himself won the Europa League cup, realized the high expectations placed upon him. However, he considered the derby win as just a small step towards the ultimate goal of winning the championship and restoring Panathinaikos to its former glory.
Ataman also shared his experience of the fans’ enthusiastic reception after the victory. He mentioned the incredible atmosphere at the OAKA Arena during their first match and the torch-lit welcome they received from thousands of fans upon their return from Piraeus to Athens. The coach emphasized the importance of connecting with the fans and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. Ataman believes that such camaraderie promotes friendship between the people of the two countries and contributes to global unity.
The Panathinaikos president, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, played a crucial role in the recent transfer of American player Kendrick Nunn to the team. Ataman praised Giannakopoulos for his dedication and expressed his confidence in the president’s vision. The coach acknowledged that they faced difficulties in attracting big-name players due to the team’s performance in the previous season. However, they managed to secure the services of Nunn, who had a notable career in the NBA. Ataman highlighted Nunn’s scoring and playmaking abilities, which will strengthen the team. He also emphasized the president’s determination and his ability to make things happen when he sets his mind to it.
As a new team, Panathinaikos’ first goal is to qualify for the play-offs in the THY Europa League. Ataman acknowledged the challenges they faced in the tournament, losing two matches in overtime. However, he remains optimistic about their chances and believes that the team will settle down and adapt to the system, enabling them to pursue bigger goals in the future.
In conclusion, Ergin Ataman’s appointment as the head coach of Panathinaikos has brought about a significant change in the team’s performance. The recent derby win against Olympiacos has broken their dominance and given Panathinaikos a much-needed boost. With the support of the passionate fans and the addition of strong players like Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos aims to reclaim their place among the top teams and bring back their past glory.
