«All together» (pics+video)

The owners of Olympiacos, Mr. Panagiotis and Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos, were the ones to present coach Bartzokas to the team players. Sunday afternoon (12/01), the Greek coach’s second service with the ‘reds’ began and before the first practice, the ‘reds’ Presidents addressed the players…

 “Today we are turning a page. Coach Bartzokas is going to be with us for the next two and a half years. He has worked for us before, he knows what Olympiacos means, he knows what Euroleague means. He’s the first Greek coach to win the Euroleague. Vassilis, Giorgos and Kostas had been with him in 2013, when he won it. As you very well know, nothing has been lost for this season, we still have 16 games to play. With the same spirit we played our last game against Valencia, we can win the games we need to make the playoffs”, Mr. Panagiotis Angelopoulos said talking to the Olympiacos’ players an went on : “Changes are not easy decisions to make. Actually, it’s the first season since we are with the team that we proceed with a second change of coach within the same season, but you always need to think what’s best to help the team and the players. I believe you all are going to try for the best outcome”.  

Then, it was the turn of Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos to speak: “I welcome the coach to our team, a European Champion and one of our own. He’s an extraordinary person, a professional, with knowledge and experience. Changes are tough. Olympiacos always has goals. Changing the coach is not always a solution to the problems. The season hasn’t been going well up to now and you, the players, also bear part of the responsibility. There’s no point in looking back now. We need to look ahead and give everything you’ve got. You need to understand that this is a nodal season for Olympiacos, it’s a historical season”, he originally commented to add: “Play to win so we can go to the playoffs and even higher. We believe in you and your abilities. We believe that our ranking spot is totally in contrast to the team’s potential. We believe that the TOP 8 is a feasible goal and our priority right now is to play good basketball… We demand things from you because we believe in you. That’s why you are here. We all together need to succeed and become a team. Together. We are especially proud that the coach is again with us and we hope he leads us to new success”.  

A few minutes later the first practice under the directions of the new coach began.