Zeljko Obradovic on Partizan's early success, the team's fighting spirit, and managing expectations / News - Basketnews.com

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Partizan NIS Belgrade kicked off their Adriatic League season with victories over Zadar and KK Split. Partizan's coach Zeljko Obradovic said that he's satisfied with his team's fighting spirit, but he added that the black and whites must improve the game on offense.

"From the first day we got together, I insisted on one thing with the players - and that is that their desire and fighting spirit must be at the highest possible level. And from that point of view, I am absolutely satisfied. The team fought for all 40 minutes in all the games we have played in," Obradovic said.

When asked if taking the Partizan job was a step down in his career, Zeljko said it couldn't be further from the truth.

"For me personally, there is nothing better and more beautiful than being the coach of Partizan. I came back because it's my club, which I love.

I enjoy working with these players. I am aware that this is a process and that it will take time until things agree. The beauty is that you work where you like," Obradovic explained.

He talked about working abroad for 28 years and that the time had come to think about what he would like to do next and where he could find motivation.

"I found motivation here. We set some goals in front of us. We know what the fans expect from us. We will do our best to return Partizan to where we believe it belongs, and that is the EuroLeague. How, when? These are the questions that lie ahead."

Obradovic said it is crucial to start the season well because it gives players confidence and builds team chemistry.

"We had good moments in both Zadar and Split. I think we play pretty well defensively. The aggressiveness on the defense is at a very high level. However, I expect much more on offense. We have to play more fluently, more diversely," he said.

Asked whether the players are burdened by the fact that everyone sees Partizan as the favorite to win both the 7DAYS EuroCup and the Adriatic League, Obradovic said he told the players not to think about it.

"I told them not to read the newspapers or to think about it. We should take it a game at a time. I asked everyone one question - why did you come to Partizan? To progress and to achieve results. That is done through bloody work."

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