'Ashamed' Dimitris Itoudis snubs transfer rumours / News - Basketnews.com

After fifth loss in a row, Dimitris Itoudis admitted that he feels ashamed for tonight's performance, and his team must figure it out what's not working.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (10-7) suffered their fifth EuroLeague defeat in a row, and as expected, head coach Dimitris Itoudis was not happy.

As Itoudis revealed, Fenerbahce were preparing for the visit to Zalgirio Arena by playing sounds during practices. And yet, it didn't help.

"We were not even close to our potential," Itoudis said. "We prepared for a battle and even had sounds in the gym just to make adjustments regarding what kind of crowd we'll have here. We did not even reach 30% of quality. We started to play in the fourth quarter, but it was too late."

Fenerbahce suffered a 20-point defeat (66-86), even though the hosts lost its star Keenan Evans in the first minute of the game.

"I really hope from my heart that Evans does not have anything serious. After he [Evans] went down, everything turned around. It was like a chip on their shoulder," Itoudis said. "They turned that chip on and played really aggressive basketball."

"Regarding us, we need to look in the mirror. We represent a great club and a great 30 million fanbase. It was a shame the way we lost," Itoudis continued.

Fenerbahce head coach also made clear that Evans' exit didn't change his game plan. On the contrary, Itoudis thinks it might have had a positive effect on the hosts.

"It didn't [affect our game plan]. We expected [Lukas] Lekavicius to be back, just like the other guys. We lost by 20, and we were down by double-digits all the time," Itoudis said. "We ended up having 15 assists, while they had 13. They were making individual plays, everybody who drove to the basket, they scored. Or everybody who goes on board, [take the rebound], and score. It's absurd."

"We shared the ball more, even though we scored 66 points. Imagine if we would make free throws. It's not about the plan. It probably affected them more in a positive way, gathering and being all together," Itoudis added.

So, what's the difference between a 9-1 Fenerbahce at the beginning of the season, and this one, currently carrying a 5-game losing streak?

"We definitely don't have energy that energy and belief," Itoudis replied. "We have to keep working and believing. Things are happening, teams are losing. I don't want to be in this streak."

"We're the same, we have the same attitude and energy when we were 9-1. Those players didn't forget how to play basketball and compete. We have to figure it out. They have to figure it out. We will figure it out. We must figure it out," Itoudis said emotionally.

Itoudis was also asked about transfer rumours regarding Fenerbahce, but the Greek tactician sent a very clear message.

"If I answered every rumour or discussion that's going out there, with all respect to your question, it would be a disaster," Itoudis responded. "I'm not here to answer rumours. We had a very devastating performance. I feel ashamed."

Straight after that, Itoudis was asked about the guards' rotation and their performance, but Fenerbahce head coach wasn't having it.

"It's not about guards. It's about the team. Today [Laurynas] Birutis had a career game. He was a point of emphasis seven times. Coaches found maybe four situations in EuroLeague when Birutis goes on a block. Congratulations to him, I don't have anything against him. All I'm saying is that basketball is not about guards.

Of course, it's important to have creative guards who can make things happen. However, it's team effort how guards are doing and how bigs are helping the guards," concluded Itoudis.

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.