Former Fenerbahce president revealed how he talked Zeljko Obradovic out of resignation / News - Basketnews.com

Aziz Yildirim talked about his relationship with Zeljko Obradovic and how he managed to convince the Serbian coach to sign a new contract with the club instead of resigning.

Credit: Ahmet Dumanli/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Credit Ahmet Dumanli/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Aziz Yildirim, the former president of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, held a press conference at a hotel in Beylerbeyi.

Free throws this season

72%12,4Points made:12,4Accuracy:72,3%Place in standings:17Record max:20Record min:5Most made FTs:Johnathan MotleyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Making statements about his presidency and the current situation of the club, Yildirim talked about the relationship between him and Zeljko Obradovic after a tough loss and revealed the Serbian coach's decision to resign in 2016.

Stating that they have strong ties with Obradovic, Yildirim said, "Our relationship with Obradovic was at very different points. Our lifestyles and lives were similar."

He explained what happened after Fenerbahce got blown out by Baskonia with a score of 86-52 at some point during the 2016-17 season that ended in an ideal way for the Turkish powerhouse.

"In Spain, we lost to Baskonia by almost 35. Then he got into a fight with the players and decided to resign. Ozan Balaban called me and said, 'The apocalypse is breaking out here, Obradovic will resign'. They got it hard," Yildirim recalled.

"They came back the next day. I called him to meet at the hotel at 11 am. He came, and we sat together.

I said, 'Why are you angry?

'They get paid but they don't play. How will I look you in the eye?' he asked me.

I said, 'Never mind, we didn't bring you for a day or a year. Call your agent, let's extend the contract for three years, then you go to sleep.'

The next day they brought the contract and we signed it. Finished. We signed the contract in 5 minutes. Then we chatted until 4-5 in the morning. Our relationship was different, we were friends. We still talk," the ex-president revealed.

Credit Ahmet Dumanli/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Fenerbahce entered the playoffs from fifth place, eliminated Panathinaikos and reached the first EuroLeague championship in its history in the Final Four held in Istanbul. They ended up winning the Turkish league as well, behind an unbeaten playoff run.

Aziz Yildirim thinks Fener need to bring Obradovic back to organize their basketball section.

"Erdem Can, for example, developed and went to Efes. We need to bring Obradovic in and train coaches and players."

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.