Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Itoudis Loses Temper Over Player Questions

Hapoel Tel Aviv's coach, Dimitris Itoudis, became visibly frustrated during a post-game press conference following the team's third consecutive loss in the EuroLeague. The team suffered a defeat in the Tel Aviv derby, marking their second loss to their rivals in just three days. Itoudis expressed disappointment with his team's energy levels and turnovers, stating, "Our three-point percentages were low and in clutch moments we couldn't turn the game around." He declined to comment on a specific foul call, saying, "I won't get into that. Moving forward."

When questioned about player Tomer Ginat, Itoudis became defensive, emphasizing that the team has twelve players available as per EuroLeague rules. "The team has 12 players, not just him," Itoudis stated. "Hapoel had 12 players dressed today, as required by EuroLeague rules. What I did in the game was what I thought was right. I want to believe you consider me intelligent, not stupid, so if I did something it's because I thought it would help the team."

Itoudis clarified that he did not claim the players lacked the will to play, but rather that the required energy level was initially absent. He acknowledged that the players improved their energy during the game, but it ultimately proved insufficient for victory.