Spanoulis Attributes Monaco Loss to Fenerbahçe’s Focus, Claims Distractions for His Team

ISTANBUL, Turkey – AS Monaco head coach Vassilis Spanoulis pointed to Fenerbahçe Beko’s singular focus as a key factor in their EuroLeague victory over his team on March 5, 2026. Spanoulis also suggested that Monaco was hampered by issues extending beyond the basketball court, contributing to their defeat and halting a promising run of form.

Fenerbahçe secured a hard-fought win against Monaco, extending their winning streak in the EuroLeague to nine games. The game, played in front of a passionate home crowd, saw Fenerbahçe overcome a strong start from Monaco to ultimately prevail. Following the contest, Spanoulis addressed the media, offering his assessment of the game and the factors that influenced the outcome.

“Solid evening to everyone, congratulations to Fenerbahçe for the win,” Spanoulis stated, as reported by Eurohoops. “They were much better and healthier than us, and unlike us, they didn’t have to deal with things outside of basketball. Of course, they have a very good coach, and they deserved to win today.”

Spanoulis’s comments allude to challenges within the Monaco organization that may have impacted the team’s preparation and performance. While he did not elaborate on the specific nature of these distractions, his remarks suggest they played a role in Monaco’s inability to maintain their early momentum. The veteran coach acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a team fully focused on the task at hand.

The game saw Monaco briefly lead by as many as nine points in the second quarter, but Fenerbahçe responded with a strong second-half performance, fueled by efficient shooting and a stifling defense. Turnovers and free throw shooting proved to be critical differences in the final result, according to Spanoulis.

Monaco’s bench contributed a minimal four points throughout the game, a factor that Spanoulis acknowledged. “We had several players out of form, but we fought hard because it was the final. We played a tournament above expectations, came close to the trophy, but that’s life. Sometimes you win the first time, sometimes it takes ten,” he said.

Spanoulis also addressed the disparity in fan support, noting Fenerbahçe’s large and vocal fanbase. “Fenerbahçe has a fanbase in the millions, we don’t, but thanks to the fans who came. That’s not something One can change. That’s how This proves,” he conceded.

The coach also touched upon the physicality of the game, suggesting that the officiating was inconsistent. “It was very physical. In many situations, we were called for fouls when playing physically, but when Fenerbahçe played that way, it was allowed. It was obvious. But that’s life. On our side, we needed to be better, take care of the ball, and have better ball movement against their switches,” Spanoulis explained.

When questioned about the performances of key players Mike James and Elie Okobo, Spanoulis offered a brief and supportive response: “I’m proud of them. That’s all.”

Vassilis Spanoulis, a decorated player and now rising coaching talent, has quickly made an impact in his role with AS Monaco. His playing career included three EuroLeague championships with Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, along with numerous individual accolades, including the 2013 EuroLeague MVP award. He transitioned to coaching in 2021, and after a stint with Peristeri Athens, he took the helm at AS Monaco in 2024. His experience and tactical acumen are highly regarded within European basketball circles.

Despite the loss, Spanoulis expressed pride in his team’s overall season and their run to the EuroLeague Final Four. Monaco’s performance exceeded expectations, and they demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the campaign.

Fenerbahçe’s victory solidifies their position among the top teams in the EuroLeague, while Monaco will look to regroup and continue their pursuit of success in future competitions. The next challenge for Fenerbahçe will be a matchup against [Opponent to be determined based on standings], while Monaco will focus on preparing for their upcoming games in the domestic league.

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