Dimitris Giannakopoulos criticizes former EuroLeague management: 'Bar wasn't set that high' / News - Basketnews.com

Dimitris Giannakopoulos believes that Dejan Bodiroga's arrival will produce a better product than what EuroLeague has had in the last 20 years.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos Athens owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, shared his view on the recent EuroLeague changes in the highest positions.

On September 14, Dejan Bodiroga officially replaced Jordi Bertomeu as the EuroLeague president, while sports business leader Marshall Glickman took on the acting CEO position.

As stated by Giannakopoulos, Bodiroga's arrival is a breath of fresh air for the European top-club competition.

"Changes are always for the better," Giannakopoulos pointed out in the press conference for the 4th Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament. "Dejan Bodiroga made history as a player. I trust that he will also make history as a manager and leader. Of course, it is easier said than done, we will see how it goes.

Actually, the bar was not set that high by the people, who left the EuroLeague. So, it will not be that difficult for Dejan Bodiroga to do better. I wish him all the best. He will have our support, and I trust this change will produce a better product than what we have had in the last 20 years," PAO owner threw a shadow on former EuroLeague management.

Bertomeu, who also worked as the vice president of ACB, became the CEO of EuroLeague back in 2000 and was at the helm of the tournament until the middle of September 2022.

For his part, Bodiroga recently said it's time for EuroLeague to make a leap to the next level.

"After 22 years in which we have seen this league grow, the time has come to take it to the next level. This is a new beginning, and you are a fundamental piece in the future evolution of the competition," Bodiroga said on Tuesday in Barcelona during the Annual Meeting with the ELPA Player Representatives.

Full conference:

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