Kostas Sloukas is preparing for another season as one of Panathinaikos’ key leaders. Speaking to Gazzetta, the Greek captain discussed his recovery, the previous era under Ergin Ataman, Željko Obradović’s return, the new roster, his future and the Greek national team.
Sloukas: “I’ll join the team in 10-15 days”
Sloukas is still recovering from the surgery he underwent last April, which forced him to miss the final EuroLeague games and the Greek League Finals.
“I’m at a good stage now and I think I’ll join the team in 15-20 days. That’s what I want to believe. After the surgery I came back well and had good practices. But after a game against PAOK, my leg swelled up and reacted. I couldn’t help the team and basically had to miss the entire summer.”
The Panathinaikos captain is now looking forward.
“I’m at a good stage and I’ll start with the team in around 10-15 days. I’ll probably make it, if not for the first game, then for the following ones.”
Sloukas gives Ataman’s tenure a positive grade
Sloukas described his experience with Ergin Ataman as a positive one, despite considering last season a failure.
“I’ll definitely give it a positive grade. He is a great coach, based on the titles he has won. He has his own style and brought titles to the team. After years, he brought a EuroLeague title, and that is not insignificant.”
Sloukas also praised their personal relationship.
“Many people have said that he doesn’t have many relationships with players. I had a very good and harmonious relationship with him. There was mutual respect and appreciation. It was a successful three-year cycle.”
His assessment of last season, however, was much harsher:
“Last season was an absolute failure.”
Obradović’s return: “He turned me from a role player into a star”
The biggest change at Panathinaikos comes with the return of Željko Obradović, a coach Sloukas knows extremely well after their five years together at Fenerbahçe.
“It brought back memories. I was particularly happy. When I went to Fenerbahçe, I was 25 and a role player. With his help and guidance, I managed to leave there as a star.”
Sloukas described Obradović as “the best coach of all time in Europe”, particularly highlighting his work ethic.
“For me, by far, he is the best coach of all time in Europe.”
“Respect is the key word”
Sloukas expects a different identity under Obradović.
“He really likes the philosophy of rules. Specific basketball, attacking weaknesses. In general, a serious team on both ends of the floor.”
And there is one word that, according to Sloukas, Obradović constantly emphasizes:
“Respect. Respect for our teammates, our coaches and, of course, the club and the fans.”
“The new players are putting the ‘I’ below the team”
Panathinaikos made significant changes to its roster after last season’s disappointment. Sloukas has been impressed by the attitude of the newcomers.
“There is a lot of talent and a lot of quality. What particularly impresses me about all the guys who have arrived is that they respect the Panathinaikos name. They know where they have come.”
And above all:
“They are all ready to put the ‘I’ below the team.”
“Fall has nothing to fear”
Sloukas also discussed the arrival of Moustapha Fall, his former Olympiacos teammate who has now joined Panathinaikos.
“When I found out he had signed, I called him immediately because I was very happy that we would be teammates.”
For Sloukas, Fall made the move with his future in mind.
“He has nothing to fear. He chose what was best for him, his family and, of course, his future. Helping a team and feeling important are very important things.”
“I don’t want to finish on a downward trajectory”
At 36, with his 37th birthday approaching in January, Sloukas does not rule out this being his final season.
“I want to see how this season goes. There are expectations. I don’t want to simply be on the team. I want to live up to the expectations and demands placed on me.”
His future will depend largely on his performance and physical condition.
“If I can’t live up to those expectations, it will be my last season. I’ll also see how my body responds. But generally, I don’t think it will go much further. I believe I will stop at a high level.”
National team retirement appears closer
Sloukas also addressed his future with the Greek national team, confirming that he could announce his decision soon.
“I haven’t officially announced anything yet. I’ll probably announce something in the coming days or months.”
However, the Panathinaikos captain appears to be leaning toward stepping away.
“I believe that whatever I had to give to the national team, I have probably already given.”
He explained his philosophy:
“I believe you have to know when to stop. It’s good to give space to the young players, the new generation. Through failures, they will build character for future success.”
“I want all three titles”
As for his goals this season, Sloukas is not hiding his ambition.
Asked what would make him satisfied at the end of the season, his answer was simple:
“All three titles.”
His EuroLeague ambitions are equally clear: finish as high as possible in the regular season, then focus on the playoffs and, above all, reaching the Final Four.
“In terms of the roster and the quality we have as a team, we are the best. If not the best, we are among the two or three best teams. We need to become a team. We need to raise the bar game by game, month by month.”
Sloukas’ message to the fans
Finally, Sloukas thanked Panathinaikos fans for the support and affection they have shown him.
“First of all, I want to thank them very much. The way they have treated me and the love I have received from the very first second here means a lot to me.”
His message ahead of the new season is straightforward:
“Patience, support for the team and, of course, love for the team.”
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