Ergin Ataman: 'I like to be compared with Jose Mourinho' / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman said he likes to be compared with Jose Mourinho while also talking about the chance of winning a 3-peat with Anadolu Efes

Credit: AFP-Scanpix, EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages Credit AFP-Scanpix, EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages

Before the upcoming game against FC Barcelona, Ergin Ataman gave an insightful interview to Marc Mundet of RAC1, talking about comparisons with Jose Mourinho, a 3-peat with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, and an eventful night in Barcelona last year.

Anadolu Efes head coach was asked about comparisons with one of the greatest football managers Jose Mourinho, admitting that he's a huge admirer of the Portuguese.

"I like the comparison with Jose Mourinho," said Ataman. "I'm a big fan of his. Everyone knows I'm not a bad person, and I'm polite. But basketball is a mental thing. You have to convey a lot of confidence in yourself, the players, and the staff."

Another inevitable topic was Anadolu Efes aim to win the EuroLeague for three years in a row. Currently, the back-to-back EuroLeague champions lack consistency, ranking in 10th place with a 9-9 record.

However, as everyone would expect from Ataman, he says he isn't worried at the moment, adding that if Efes achieve a 3-peat, it would be the greatest feat in EuroLeague's history.

We would become the third team to achieve a 3-peat? The old European Cup and the current EuroLeague have nothing to do," Ataman stated. "Now, to win the title, you have to play 41 games. If Efes achieve it, it would be the greatest success in the Euroleague."

I don't feel pressure for the 3-peat. We will try, and we would like to make history in European basketball. Yes, we suffered more defeats in the first part of the season, but we are not far from the top. I am very optimistic about the end of the season," Ataman continued.

Finally, Ataman clarified his actions from the 2021-22 season when Anadolu Efes visited FC Barcelona.

Ataman was ejected from the game, and before leaving the court, he teased Barcelona fans. The Turkish tactician held his fists up in the air and apparently shouted to the crowd, 'I won the cup'.

However, in the interview with RAC1, Ataman clarified that he didn't have any intentions to offend someone.

"I apologize if someone misunderstood me [regarding the incident] with the Barca fans," Ataman said. "I didn't say any bad words or insults. A disqualified coach gets emotional, but I'm happy because now I'm back with two EuroLeague titles."

"I was very nervous. I wanted to send a strong message to my team, fans, and referees. Palau Blaugrana was charging against them. They played their game. They showed the emotions... but we won [the title]," Ataman concluded.

Barcelona will host Anadolu Efes on Friday at 20:30 CET.

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