In a recent EuroLeague match, Panathinaikos Athens coach Ergin Ataman found himself deeply dissatisfied with his team's performance against Partizan Belgrade. The 91 - 73 loss marked the heaviest EuroLeague defeat for Ataman since he took charge of Panathinaikos. The team trailed by as much as 21 points in the fourth quarter, dropping to 8 - 6 with their third loss in the last four games.

Coach's Frustration and Solution

In the post-game flash interview with EuroLeague TV, Ataman expressed his disappointment with his players' effort. He jokingly announced the start of boxing practices for the entire squad, stating, "Starting tomorrow, we change the practice system. We start boxing practices. We need to have boxing training. Because basketball isn't just scoring or sharing the ball. It's also a fight. Congratulation to Partizan because they fought. We didn't answer to their aggressiveness." This decision shows his determination to instill a fighting spirit in his team.During the post-game presser, Ataman further emphasized the need to change the practice system. He said, "At this moment, with this basketball we're playing we can't think for the Final Four. We think about qualification for the playoffs. Sometimes it's better to lose games like this to let the frustration out. If we lost the game by 6-7 points we wouldn't have a sense [of what's going on].. Now I think we have a sense of what we need to improve."The team's performance in this game was a wake-up call for Ataman. He realizes that they need to work on more than just scoring and ball-sharing. Boxing practices, as he proposed, are a way to build physical and mental toughness.In the early stages of the game, Panathinaikos was clearly outmatched. They struggled to keep up with Partizan's aggression and intensity. However, Ataman's decision to introduce boxing practices shows his willingness to take bold steps to turn things around.It will be interesting to see how the team responds to this new training approach. Will it help them regain their form and competitiveness in the EuroLeague? Only time will tell.