Zeljko Obradovic defends Erdem Can, jokes about Sarunas Jasikevicius / News - Basketnews.com

Zeljko Obradovic believes Erdem Can does well at Anadolu Efes despite the injuries and new signings.

Credit: Tolga Adanali via Getty Images, Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic, IPA/SIPA-Scanpix Credit Tolga Adanali via Getty Images, Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic, IPA/SIPA-Scanpix

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach Zeljko Obradovic says Anadolu Efes Istanbul tactician Erdem Can deserves time and patience.

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In an interview with S Sport, the Serbian tactician argued that new signings and injuries make Can's job more difficult, but he still copes well with it.

"I'm in contact with Erdem, I called him last night," Obradovic revealed in an interview with S Sport. "We talked. I remember one game I and my staff watched. I believe there was only one player from the championship-winning teams. I believe it was only Larkin. So, that's absolutely a new team. They have a lot of injuries, and his team still plays excellent [basketball].

"Everybody talks about the last game they played in Madrid. It was an amazing game in all sense. You can really see and understand that players want to fight and give everything [for him]. I believe that explains how well Erdem works.

I worked with him; I know how much he likes basketball. I know how he is as a person. I'm sure players want to play for him and try to do the best," Partizan head coach added.

Obradovic also discussed the controversy that involved him and Can. Before the friendly game between Partizan and Anadolu Efes, Can kissed Obradovic's hand as a sign of respect.

However, some people, including Ergin Ataman, didn't like this gesture due to the fact that Obradovic had coached Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the past.

Nevertheless, the Serbian tactician had a clear message.

"I don't understand why people like to put their nose into the lives of other people," Obradovic said. "This is something between two friends. I treat Erdem as my younger brother. He has this kind of respect for me. It's between me and him."

Free throws this season

80%13,2Points made:13,2Accuracy:80,1%Place in standings:10Record max:26Record min:3Most made FTs:Shane LarkinTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"And now opinions? What kind of opinion? Who cares about it? Why do people need to put their noses in someone's private life? At that moment, he felt that way. Okay, it's between us, and finish the story.

Can you imagine if we'd go outside and have an opinion about everything? And today, that's how life works. The life where you see friends and discuss [things between each other doesn't exist anymore]. Everybody needs this kind of reality [to talk about other people's business]. I hate it.

I know how much Erdem respects me. And he also knows how much I love him and his family," Obradovic added.

After being asked how he welcomed Sarunas Jasikevicius' hiring at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Obradovic began his answer with a joke.

"I hate this guy. Sarunas Jasikevicius is a very bad person, I hate him," Obradovic chuckled.

"Seriously speaking, he's another great friend. We have an excellent relationship from the time he played in Panathinaikos. We keep this. It's really something special.

I liked his character when he played for me, I like how he coaches now and his passion for the game. In my opinion, he's among the best coaches in Europe. I wish him all the best, knowing that he's coaching my former club," Obradovic praised the Lithuanian tactician.

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