Ergin Ataman spoke to the media shortly before Panathinaikos BC AKTOR’s departure for Istanbul, where the team will face Anadolu Efes Istanbul (17/10, 20:30) for Round 5 of the EuroLeague Regular Season.

Speaking about the upcoming matchup with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, coach Ataman stated: “There are no easy games in EuroLeague. More important than the opponent is how our own team performs in this game. We are the power, so we can play against anyone. Of course, with all due respect to Anadolu Efes Istanbul, they’re a good team and just got an important win against Olympiacos. Now it’s our turn to go there and try to win the game.”

When asked whether his team is ready, Ergin Ataman replied: “The team is ready. We want to improve in every game, because we have new players who need to adjust to playing together. We don’t have much time for practice, but I hope that in every game everyone understands our strategy better.

Grant: “We’ll be ready”

From the players’ side, Jerian Grant spoke ahead of the matchup with Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

“We’re playing against a team that made the Playoffs last year — a very tough team that’s getting better and better. We’ll be ready.”

As for the keys to victory, the Panathinaikos BC AKTOR guard said: “We have to stay in rhythm. Playing there is always tough — they have a strong home court. We need to keep our pressure high.”

Finally, regarding the home win over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne at the Telekom Center Athens, Grant noted: “We needed that win against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. We had lost the previous home game (against FC Barcelona) and didn’t want to drop another one.”