Will Fenerbahce continue its losing streak in Tel Aviv?
Will Fenerbahce continue its losing streak in Tel Aviv?
Everybody is asking what happened with Fenerbahce? In the last games, they are unrecognizable, losing as well in the Euroleague and in the domestic league. The most recent blow is coming from Galatasaray, who won it by almost 20 points (83-64), making the things even worse for their Turkish rivals.
Now a huge test will come for Fenerbahce against one of the most uncomfortable squads in Europe ever, Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israeli powerhouse proved already this season their offensive abilities and was almost beating Real in Madrid. But now at home, in front of their crowds of fans, I expect Maccabi to be even wilder. Every year, in Tel Aviv, they shocked many favourites. It’s time for them to surprise now Fenerbahce? It could be because I feel 2 types of energies issued by these 2 teams.
Maccabi has a new roster and a lot of enthusiasm in front of this new season when they aim for the Final 4 or at least for the playoffs. The mix of ex-NBA-ers and quality Euroleague experienced fellows is giving Maccabi Tel Aviv a unique face and I am sure they can beat any team.
On the other side, we have Fenerbahce, an excellent team who reached 5 Final 4 in a row but the injuries left their mark on the roster. Jan Vesely, Kostas Sloukas, Gigi Datome and Ali Muhammed were repeatedly sidelined the whole year. Now it’s Nikola Kalinic who got the same issue. And if you cannot rely on all the players at their best capacity is very hard to build the chemistry that Zeljko Obradovic is wanting for his team.
It seems that Fenerbahce entered to this path of losing ground. Not only games, because one or two games or not so important, but losing ground. I mean, leaving all the doors open for other teams to reach the so desirable Final4. At this moment they are far from being a true title contender.
Photo: Euroleague.net
Gratian Cormos
