Andrea Trinchieri Explains Why He Turned Down Partizan After Obradović’s Exit

Following the departure of legendary coach Željko Obradović, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade entered a turbulent transition period before eventually appointing Joan Peñarroya as the club’s new head coach.

Among the names linked to the job was former Partizan coach Andrea Trinchieri, widely considered one of the main candidates. However, the Italian coach has now clarified why a return to Belgrade never materialized, speaking in an exclusive interview with Meridian Sport.

“Throughout all these years, I have always said that my love for Partizan is the same,” Trinchieri explained. “I also said many times that the best thing for Partizan was for Željko Obradović to be the coach. His departure created enormous polarization.”

Trinchieri described a situation marked by conflicting emotions: loyalty to the club on one side, and deep respect for Obradović on the other.

“On one hand, there is love for Partizan; on the other, respect for Obradović as a man and a coach. And I immediately told myself: no — I can’t and I don’t want to,” he said.

According to Trinchieri, the polarized atmosphere surrounding the club was unhealthy and damaging.

“This kind of polarization doesn’t benefit anyone. It’s sad, regrettable, and it hurts me. I hope better times are coming — no one needed this.”

The Italian coach confirmed that he never held direct talks with Partizan’s management.

“I didn’t talk to anyone from the club,” he stated. “When you look into the abyss, be careful that the abyss doesn’t look back at you. I didn’t want to get involved in this story.”

Trinchieri also addressed the controversy that followed, after his private phone number was leaked in Serbian media, prompting a wave of messages from fans.

“Among those messages, many were extremely beautiful, some unpleasant — but that’s the world we live in,” he said. “I know who the real ones are and always will.”

He added that the situation reinforced his decision not to pursue the role.

“In this kind of atmosphere, it wouldn’t have been good for Partizan either,” Trinchieri concluded. “Because of love, respect, and everything that was happening, I said no” as reported by basketnews.