Zeljko Obradovic ahead of series vs Real: 'I can't be more motivated' / News - Basketnews.com

Zeljko Obradovic revealed that he often discusses defensive tactics with the players themselves and adjusts. The coach said it will be a great opportunity for Partizan players to show that they belong in the playoffs and expect the series to be at least interesting.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Eight years after not playing in the EuroLeague at all, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade are now in the playoffs where they will square off against Real Madrid in the quarterfinal series.

Ahead of Game 1, Zeljko Obradovic said that fans should expect a different kind of game compared to the previous two during the regular season.

"I expect the match to be different than the previous two. They will try to adapt to the way we attack, we knew that too, [and] we tried to react after returning from Podgorica. Until we go out on the floor, let's see who will be in the lineup. Although teams with such a [deep] roster... No matter who is in the lineup, they will always be favorites. We have no health problems. We want to see what we can do in Madrid," the coach said during the pre-game press conference. "I expect it to be at least interesting."

The legendary specialist revealed that he allows his players to have a say on the defensive and offensive tactics when preparing for the upcoming game.

"We are preparing as we would for any other game. It so happened that we just played against them, they know everything about us," he said. "Of course, when you analyze the previous game and the first one, you come to conclusions to see what needs to be different. When we started talking about our defense during practice, I liked the reaction of the players that they are the ones who should make the decisions.

When we talk about defensive tactics, I like to discuss it with them and make them understand it [and realize] that it will not be different during the game. They also came to propose something, I trust the players. Where their comfort zone is greater, then that is good [and we adjust]. We'll do it this time too."

While Real Madrid have numerous players with extensive playoff experience, Partizan have only a few that have even been to the EuroLeague postseason. According to Obradovic, it will be a great way to show the world they belong there.

"It's important for Partizan, these players have a great opportunity to understand what it means to win a playoff series. As far as I'm concerned, that doesn't matter, it's important [for me] that Partizan goes to the Final Four. I can't be more motivated than this, we were sixth. We want to take those three steps and move on," Obradovic concluded.

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