Zeljko Obradovic takes responsibility for final loss, criticizes refereeing / News - Basketnews.com

Zeljko Obradovic questions referee selection for the Radivoj Korac Cup final: "These three guys who refereed the game were absolutely not up to it."

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

On Saturday night, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade clinched their fourth consecutive Radivoj Korac Cup with an 85-79 victory over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the final game.

2-pointers this season

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After the loss, Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic openly expressed his dissatisfaction, acknowledging responsibility for the defeat.

"I took responsibility [for this loss], and I told the players that," he started, via Nikola Stojkovic of Mozzart Sport. "There are moments where I feel my influence over the team has its limits. I need to seriously reflect on our approach and figure out how we'll proceed. Fortunately, we have this break to regroup."

Partizan's next game will be played on February 29 against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the EuroLeague Round 27.

"We did have opportunities, but towards the end, some decisions were made impatiently," Obradovic continued about Saturday's final. "I emphasized the importance of controlling emotions before the final, but unfortunately, we couldn't execute that. These factors contributed to our defeat.

"I am absolutely aware of my responsibility," he went on to say. "When the team reacts the way it did in key moments, without questioning their fighting spirit and desire, the responsibility falls on the person tasked with teaching and ensuring calmness. Clearly, there's a lapse, and it has been evident in several games."

The winningest European coach also critiqued the refereeing.

"I mean, these three guys who refereed the game were absolutely not up to it," Obradovic noted. "Why inexperienced referees officiate the Partizan-Zvezda final is a question for other people. I'm not going to get into it, but I think they weren't at the required level for the final game."

Overall, Crvena Zvezda have claimed their 10th Radivoj Korac Cup title. Partizan remain with 8 first-place finishes.

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