Alimpijević Delivers Strong Message After EuroCup Final Qualification: "We're Going to Play Like Men!"

"We controlled the game from the very beginning, which was far from easy, especially against a talented team like Bahçeşehir on their home court. Bahçeşehir is a team where, if you stop one player, another steps up; if you stop two, a third activates; and if you stop three, the others take responsibility. For most of the match, we were very good. We managed to force shots from the players we wanted and shut down those we targeted. Even when we ran into foul trouble in the first half, we managed to control the situation. I believe that was one of the key turning points of the match. Thanks to that, we were able to rotate and conserve energy in the second half." - Dušan Alimpijević

"Also, I want to emphasize how incredibly happy I am that we've reached the EuroCup final for the first time in the club's history. I must give credit to our fans, the Board of Directors, and the president. Of course, the greatest credit goes to my players. Today, everyone fought like a true family. We stayed united, believed in each other, and together we made it to the final. Furthermore, I want to state this: we are not going to the final 'just to participate.' We are going to the final to play 'like men.' Naturally, in a final, every team has an equal chance, so we must play very carefully and aggressively there." - Dušan Alimpijević

"On Monday, this team will play against Karşıyaka at Akatlar (Beşiktaş's home arena). I invite all our fans to come to Akatlar on Monday, support this team, and show them respect. We need that; we need Akatlar to be filled to capacity on Monday. Of course, our energy will be a bit lower after the semi-final series. That's why I call on everyone to show respect to these players and stand by this team. I want us all to play the game against Karşıyaka together on Monday." - Dušan Alimpijević

"This is incredible. After all, I am a foreigner in this country, which makes the chanting and support mean double to me. I adore this passion and emotion. As I said in the 'flash' interview immediately after the game, my players played with heart and immense passion today. Every member of the Beşiktaş club should play and behave this way. I believe our fans are aware of everything we have achieved in basketball over the past three years." - Dušan Alimpijević