Zeljko Obradovic: 'If I am the issue, there are no problems to leave' / News - Basketnews.com

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Frutti Extra Bursaspor delivered arguably the biggest surprise in the 7DAYS EuroCup competition this season, edging out favorites Partizan NIS Belgrade at Stark Arena in overtime drama, 103-95.

Player of the Game EFF 35 Andrew Andrews Points 24 Accuracy 7-10 Rebounds 8 Assists 10

After the match, Zeljko Obradovic was emotional and cruelly honest, facing the elimination from the competition.

"I want to congratulate Bursa on the victory. This was one elimination match. I'm sorry for my players and the fans. I take responsibility for the defeat in terms of everything that happened on the court. I don't want to go into details.

I think we had a chance to finish easily, but we didn't. I take responsibility for everything that happened during the game. It's logical that it is so: I have experience, therefore I take all the accountability," said the 62-year-old, via Mozzart Sport.

The nine-time EuroLeague champion did not want to go into the details of the last moments in the match, nor to point out any player for a bad finish.

"Whatever it was, it ended badly for us. I could analyze, but I wouldn't go in... We spent a year on nothing. I came here with the greatest ambitions. We knew it was one game, we tried to prepare in the best way.

I will always defend my players. I have said on several occasions: I have a great professional staff, which works phenomenally. But that was not enough tonight. We'll start with us and with me as the head coach."

The Serbian mastermind admitted that this defeat hurt him a lot.

"One of the hardest defeats in my career. Everything was good in the season, except for the Serbian Cup final against Crvena Zvezda. I know how much the club president, sports director, professional staff and players are investing.

I went into the locker room and I didn't even know what to tell. I had no idea in my head that it could end like this. The ABA League playoffs remain, let's learn lessons and prepare," Obradovic stressed.

Zeljko was also straightforward regarding his future at the Serbian powerhouse.

"I came here for three years. Only if the club is dissatisfied with my work, if there is someone better - no problem (to leave). It's hard, but this is life. I will analyze everything, but we have no choice other than to work and stick together. If I am the issue, there are no problems (to leave)."

Last but not least, as stated by Obradovic, the new EuroCup system did not go hand in hand with Partizan.

"We heard people talking about the system, that after 18 games in the league, we play only one game. It is not fair, but it was done that way last summer. We were all aware of the home-court advantage. Bursa deserved to win. Basketball is unpredictable. It was like that tonight," Zeljko concluded.

Partizan's collapse

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