Ataman: "Giannakopoulos is right, he's like me"

Ergin Ataman, after Panathinaikos' victory over Real Madrid, spoke about the pressure he faces, saying that it motivates him. He also commented on the support of Dimitris Giannakopoulos.

"In the beginning, we had some problems in the attack. Shorts found some shots. We had prepared our defense with a specific plan. Sloukas had a great influence on the attack. Osman finally found some big shots, as did Juancho. We could have won more easily, but we took the victory," Ataman initially stated.

Regarding the pressure he feels, he emphasized: "Panathinaikos is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. This naturally brings pressure. I know who provokes in the media. I know there is also love from the people. I am like that as a person, there is pressure. I want to win as a person. Those who provoke in the media should continue to do so because they give me the strength to continue."

About the support of Dimitris Giannakopoulos, he said: "In the last two days, I received many phone calls in Greece and Turkey because I did not react to Mr. Giannakopoulos' post. I am the same as him, very passionate. Just as I attack my players when they don't play well, so he attacked all of us. Mr. Giannakopoulos was right and gave me motivation."

Finally, about the importance of the victory, he stated: "Tonight's game was very important. It gave motivation. It was also important for the ranking. It was important that we beat Real Madrid even without Kendrick Nunn. It will be one of the key games for the team's continuation."