Maljkovic backs Galatasaray fans to keep the momentum going
ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women) – Serbian play-caller Marina Maljkovic has revealed the backing of Galatasaray supporters can be a difference-maker as the Istanbul juggernauts return to EuroLeague Women.
When Maljkovic took the helm of the club last summer, it was a testing time. A well-publicized drop in the player budget was accompanied by a rare season competing in EuroCup Women.
Fast forward 12 months later and the clouds have lifted. So much so, many are predicting that after an impressive recruitment campaign, Galatasaray can make an impact on their return to the elite level.
Maljkovic, who will have the legendary Nevriye Yilmaz alongside her as an Assistant Coach, is adamant that the club’s passionate supporters can add some extra sparkle to the growing momentum of the 2014 champions.
Especially as they have signed the likes of French ace Olivia Epoupa, as well as former favorites Jelena Dubljevic and Gintare Petronytye, who will link up with quality returnees such as Turkey national team leader, Isil Alben.
She stated: "The reason I have stayed in my second season here is the harmony the team has caught with the fans.
"Now it is time for us to show these fans good quality basketball. So, I invite them all to now come to the matches.
"We had a rough time last year and yet despite this, we were able to get into the first four of EuroCup Women. More importantly, we now have the right to participate in EuroLeague Women again. Galatasaray's basketball future lies here.
"The success of the team last season stemmed from working together and the team was in union. This was one of the greatest causes of our success and they also adapted very quickly to my work ethic and conditions.
"Now we have a very respectable team for EuroLeague Women," continued Maljkovic, who has seen a lot of changes to her roster.
"I would like to thank our management for this, because they reacted very quickly during the summer and I chose the players because it was my second season here as coach.
"It will not be easy because the success of the team last year and now the new players have to show the same again.
"But, I am sure that all of them will pick up this burden successfully, because I know I am working with the right people."
With the team having spent time in Belgrade at a camp, there was also a positive endorsement for both Maljkovic and the fans from Isil Alben.
She added: "Our fans gave us a very special support last season and especially in the last game, which was one of those moments that I will not forget for the rest of my career.
"We are also now working with a very valuable coach and we have many valuable players, so I hope we will continue to push on from what we did last season."
Galatasaray will complete their eagerly anticipated return to EuroLeague Women on October 08 at Sopron Basket.
FIBA
