"We'll Compete for Every Title": Sasa Obradovic Introduced as Hapoel's Head Coach

For the first time, Obradovic spoke about his new role, his vision for Hapoel and the team's goals ahead of the upcoming season:

Sasa Obradovic: "Thank you to everyone who came. I appreciate this opportunity. I believe in this place and in the people who brought me to Hapoel Jerusalem. We have an opportunity to build a new team with new energy. I'm confident that we will compete for every title in Israel and in Europe and achieve our goal of playing in the EuroLeague."

Club owner Matan Adelson added: "Thank you to everyone for coming, and thank you, Sasa, for believing in us and coming here to Israel during the offseason. Over the past few years, we haven't managed to achieve our goals as a club. Now, as we begin a new chapter with the goal of competing at the highest levels, that means bringing in someone who can take this team to those levels.

"When we were looking for a coach, Sasa met every requirement we had set. He has coached at the highest levels, won titles in several countries across Europe and reached the EuroLeague Final Four. He has been where we aspire to be as a club, and we're very happy that he will be our coach.

"The qualities that stand out most about him are his hunger, his leadership and his determination. His decision to come here under challenging circumstances says a lot about him. We're thrilled to have him with us, and we're confident that together we'll create many happy moments in the years ahead."

Gal Mekel also spoke about the appointment of the new head coach:

"We're very happy to have Sasa here with us. For me, this is a very exciting moment. I've known Sasa for many years and played against his teams throughout my career. There's one thing you can always say when you play against one of his teams: 'Wow, they are incredibly well coached.' Offensively and defensively, his teams always know exactly what they want to do.

"Sasa has a very impressive resume that speaks for itself, and we're confident that his leadership at the club will take us forward."

Sporting Director Dan Shamir said:

"I'm very excited about beginning this new chapter with Sasa, working with him every day and going through all the changes that are ahead of us. We know what he brings to the table. He will energize everything, excite the fans, and we'll do everything together to help him succeed."

Following the opening statements, Obradovic and the rest of the club's management answered questions from the fans.

Sasa Obradovic: "The biggest challenge right now is this period - getting to know everyone and recruiting players. Jared Harper has extended his contract with the club, Jaleen Smith has joined, and now we need to bring everything together in the right way and shape the team's new style and tactics.

"I see myself as a EuroLeague coach, and I've coached there for many years. I first met the people here in Athens, and they gave me many reasons to come here. One of the first things that was important to me was to come for a period of time that would allow me to implement a process and build something, and I feel this is the right place for me. The security situation doesn't concern me. I feel safe."


 

Club owner Matan Adelson: "The most important quality I look for in a coach is leadership. I don't care what kind of basketball we play - defensive, offensive, fast or slow. What matters is that we win.

"Already in Athens, when we first met Sasa, he told us, 'Actions speak louder than words.' That's when we understood that he truly wanted to be here.

"As for bringing the games back to Israel - we all want that to happen as soon as possible. We'll do everything we can to make it happen."