Bartzokas: "We found the solutions"

Olympiacos made a winning start in the Euroleague, despite the fact that during the game against Panathinaikos at the OAKA, Giorgos Bartzokas did not have Moustapha Fall available.

“It was a very good beginning for the Euroleague”, the ‘red & whites’ coach commented. “Given the circumstances, it was difficult for us. Due to the atmosphere at the arena, Panathinaikos’ wanting to give an answer to the heavy loss they suffered against us only a few days ago and the absence of Moustapha Fall, who is a very important player for us. But we found the solutions and the way to play our defense and get the win”.

He then addressed the passing of Giannis Ioannidis: “Whoever lived in Giannis Ioannidis’ era, most of us who are of a certain age that is, we have lived some great moments, either supporting Aris or PAOK. Aris was the team for all of Greece then. But even later on, with reimagining Olympiacos. That man, together with all those who where with Olympiacos at the time, made Olympiacos once again into what the team was supposed to be. I was personally moved during the service when I saw his wife and daughter. We were all emotional for the person that left us”.