Sloukas: “As a captain, I am ashamed of our image – Panathinaikos will come back stronger”
After the heavy defeat of Panathinaikos AKTOR by Red Star with 86-68 at “Beogradska Arena”, Kostas Slukas spoke with honesty and harsh self-criticism to NOVA, expressing his dissatisfaction with the image of the team.
“I’m ashamed of our image”
The captain of Panathinaikos emphasized that the performance of the team does not befit its size, personally taking responsibility:
“Our image is very bad. Panathinaikos is in a difficult situation. It is very difficult to play without height against such strong teams. Today in the first half we were bad, we missed and conceded easy baskets. Honestly, I’m ashamed of our image and I tried in the last quarter to close the gap with what I had and what I didn’t have. I’m embarrassed as a captain, but I promise we’ll change that.”
“We lack toughness and passion”
Slukas did not hesitate to refer to the lack of combativeness observed in the team:
“We miss the passion, the “shining” look. We missed a lot of 50-50 balls and rebounds, we conceded easy baskets. Of course there are excuses, since we are playing without a thoroughbred center. Mitoglou and Kouseloglou are fighting against heavier bodies, but our team needs to show more toughness.”
“Panathinaikos will return”
In closing, the leader of the “greens” sent a message of optimism:
“The team was built for high goals and is currently going through a difficult phase. But I promise that Panathinaikos will come back stronger.”
“My relationship with Giannakopoulos is above money”
Slukas also referred to his new contract with Panathinaikos, which he recently signed until 2027:
“The trust and mutual respect with Mr. Giannakopoulos is enormous. He asked me to sign and I couldn’t refuse. We are talking about the biggest club in Europe. The president sent me the contract blank and unsigned; I signed it without asking the amount. Our relationship is much more important than money. I have a responsibility to give even more.”
Panathinaikos is now called upon to react, showing the required determination and unity in view of the difficult continuation in the EuroLeague.
