Obradović Reveals Bad News Ahead of Derby: "We Have Many Problems!"

"I congratulate the players on the win; it was thoroughly deserved and a well-executed game. We faced significant personnel problems before the match. After a tough week in Spain, Cody had back issues, Chima had an ankle problem, and Semi couldn't play due to a fall in Vitoria. Similar to the ABA League game against Partizan, where Moneke was out, we reacted well, dictated the tempo from the start, and played good team basketball. I'm satisfied with the victory." - Saša Obradović

"There are also some things that bother me… We talk a lot about it, especially about certain aspects – irresponsible and careless turnovers. If I were to discuss that, we could analyze what we have and the players who have been coached in that manner. It's true we have problems, that in some phases we know what a good shot is… We talk a lot about it, and we're making good progress. Besides the whole team, congratulations to Stefan Miljenović, who brought energy off the bench. A good team win." - Saša Obradović

"We certainly talked about the convincing loss in Sarajevo. It was completely without pride; Red Star cannot lose games like that. Regardless of being deflated after Fenerbahçe. That was good motivation not to play that way. The players who hadn't played much showed good energy, especially in the guard positions. First Yago, then Tyson, who is showing improvement game by game. After that, Stefan and Butler… Kalinić at power forward, that was against Partizan, now again, it's always good to have a smart player in that position. And Davidovac did everything well, with different centers, we can maintain a good rhythm. Everything is okay with Motiejunas; these centers are the best we have right now." - Saša Obradović

"We have to talk about that. It's clear that when you pick a team, you look for players who can play together and in a European style. We depend on instinct, and you have to accept that. On one hand, if you try to change details, to be tactically better, you lose what you have. You have to accept that there will be rushed shots, some turnovers that perhaps don't belong even in big games, but that's us. This is the best we can have and what you can expect from the players who are here." - Saša Obradović

"We have many meetings and talk about it, we also discuss using fouls on both ends. Some players from the USA haven't been coached yet on what a foul means, how to commit one, and when. Both offensively and defensively. These are small things that make a difference. Against Barcelona, they made them. In the bonus, you can't commit such fouls. Maybe I can't expect the best, but they are certainly understanding more and more. People are trying their best, and for that, I am grateful; they are trying to accept certain things. And these rushed shots. If someone were to analyze now whether Nvora should have shot or not… You lose the rhythm of the game, but that's how Jordan plays. I can recall a game where we played well against Valencia and were within one possession, you see him making shots, but now is the moment when he shouldn't shoot, but drive. We come out of a timeout, should he pass the ball, and the overthinking puts him in a state that isn't comfortable for him." - Saša Obradović

"Everyone has the same competition rhythm, it's a bit more demanding for us. Especially since every game is the most important. How long have we been talking about this… Sometimes you endure psychologically, sometimes you falter. It's certain that it will be a good derby, that Partizan will play much stronger than in the ABA League. We know what's at stake; we need to stay calm to play well. We shouldn't get too emotional about it." - Saša Obradović

"That's his opinion; he has the right to say what he wants. As for us, we need to focus on ourselves." - Saša Obradović