Dusan Alimpijevic after Fenerbahce: I’m proud of my players, regardless of the result

Coach’s reaction

Dusan Alimpijevic, Besiktas’ head coach, said the team paid for a few costly mistakes against a top-level opponent. After losing the Istanbul derby 101–87 to Fenerbahce in Round 14 of the Turkish Super League, he noted the third quarter changed the tone of the game and that there’s very little margin for error when you face an elite EuroLeague side. He praised his players’ effort and mentality, saying he’s proud of what they’ve done this season regardless of the final score.

Alimpijevic also reminded everyone the schedule doesn’t pause: Besiktas have important EuroCup games coming up in a couple of days, and he urged fans to turn out and support the team as they regroup.

Standings and what’s next

Despite the defeat, Besiktas still sit at the top of the Turkish Super League with a 13–1 record. Their next challenge is another Istanbul derby, this time away at Galatasaray.