Ergin Ataman frustrated over team's lackluster week before Partizan game / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman: "If we think it will be a party, like my players have been thinking all week, it will be a disaster tomorrow."

Credit: BETAPHOTO/SIPA - Scanpix Credit BETAPHOTO/SIPA - Scanpix

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are gearing up to host Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in their EuroLeague Round 22 game scheduled for Friday. However, head coach Ergin Ataman expressed dissatisfaction with the team's preparation for the upcoming duel.

When asked about expectations for another "OAKA party" akin to previous home games, Ataman cautioned against assuming a celebratory mood.

"The worst thing is to expect a 'party time.' We did not work well all week. We had injured and sick players," Ataman said, via George Zakkas of SDNA. "We are not ready for this game. The worst thing is to have a 'party' before you win the game. If we think it will be a party, like my players have been thinking all week, it will be a disaster tomorrow.

"We will have a lot of fans here, and they will give us a lot of energy. This is the only positive thing," he went on to say. "I hope that the guys with this energy will put more motivation. I did not see good motivation and good energy this week."

Providing updates on the injured players, Ataman mentioned that Kostas Antetokounmpo had been sick for six days, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming game.

Additionally, Mathias Lessort experienced a back problem throughout the week, with only a normal practice on the day before the match.

"Kostas Antetokounmpo was sick for six days. I do not know if he will be ready to play tomorrow or not. Also, Mathias Lessort had a back problem all week. Only today, he practiced normally. It's a big problem," Ataman said.

Panathinaikos host Kevin Punter-less Partizan on Friday at 20:15 CET.

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