What happened in Turkish football today? 22.12

Trabzonspor coming back from 1:0 loss shows it takes cup seriously this season. 

Following 2 games at the group stage at the Turkish Cup, Trabzonspor has managed to win both of them including tonight win against Gaziantepspor: 2:1 scoreline. Despite of game being played at empty stadium due of punishment recieved by Trabzonspor earlier this season which game game  not watchable it was very important to analyse the game.

Trabzonspor is among clubs which could take this season Turkish Cup in serious manner as it did lose chances to get league title with the stage it is right now as a club. Turkish Cup for the teams which always aim at the European league could be an alternative way to get at least to the Europa League without focussing too much into the league positioning especially when things didnt go well at first part of the season. Trabzonspor has shown that it is serious in this year competition by doing 2 out of 2 with this game being behind.

As been mentioned by Trabzonspor head coach Sadi Tekelioglu, a goal by Muhammet Besir was very important for a club as it will provided motivation for the player. Trabzonspor during the game didnt have good 1st half but as game has progressed it had improved its game style and got deserved win today at the game.

Coming to Gaziantepspor it also showed that it wanted to get 3 points today but didnt manage to do during 90 minutes period. Gaziantepspor being 2nd club from Super League at the group has still strong chances to get 2nd place at the group.

Besiktas has some issues at the back

Besiktas game against Osmanlispor yesterday was one  of the hardest games at the Super League this season for the club as with the conditions of the field and good play by Osmanlispor the club had difficulties at controlling game especially at first half. The timely and great goals by Sosa has brought an important win for the team but this win was not as easy as some people expected to be.

As stated yesterday, game should be divided into two halves where at 1st half we hardly saw any
Besiktas players which could be either due of poor conditions of the field or more likely tiredness of players. The blog did state several times that Besiktas are feeling tired after having a very fast paced games for most of this season. After playing final game against Konyaspor at the Super League this Sunday club will go into winter break where it should and would regain its strength as it will be important for them for 2nd half of the season if it wants to lift title on May.

There are actually once again observed that back of the team, defence and goalkeeper conditions are not perfect at the team. There seems to be lack of control and mistakes which only provide advantage to the advantage. Teams good play at midfield and attack, especially at perfect time, reduces realisation of this mistake but forward are not having great game it became visible problems at the back. However, Besiktas is trying to solve this issue by looking  for goalkeeper and defence players and January transfer window.

Fact that final is in Antalya of Turkish Cup makes Antalyaspor favourite. 

As we are entering into mid-week period there is another week of games at the Turkish Cup games as Fenerbahce and Antalyaspor looks to be most interesting among big 4 teams in 2nd week. However, compare to Antalyaspor has stated that it aims to be at final of the Turkish Cup as it will be taken in Antalya while Fenerbahce has stated that cup is not priority for them.

This factor makes Antalyaspor to be strong favourite at the game tomorrow with club having probably best 11 apart of Samuel Eto'o who wont be playing. Fenerbahce obviously will not just allow Antalyaspor to win game, especially at its home ground, however it will not provide additional effort to get win either very likely. Aims of Fenerbahce is clear at the club, so it would be more interesting to watch Antalyaspor to judge if it will be strong to achieve its aim to be at final in May.

Antalyaspor has this season very difficult times with big 4 teams with its performances against them, without winning any games but as been mentioned Fenerbahce game would give strong opportunity to achieve that tomorrow. There is high chance that Antalyaspor will focus more into Turkish Cup than to league with its position right now.

Results
Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group B, 2nd week
Boluspor 3:1 Tepecikspor

Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group D, 2nd week
Mersin IdmanYurdu 2:2 Rizespor

Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group G, 2nd week
Etismesgut Belediyespor 0:1 Konyaspor

Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group F, 2nd week
Trabzonspor 2:1 Gaziantepspor

Schedule
Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group A
13:00 Amed Sportif - Basaksehirspor
14:00 Sanliurfaspor - Bandirmaspor

Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group D
16:00 Bucaspor-Aydinspor 1923

Turkish Cup, Group Stage, Group E
13:45 Kastamonuspor - Galatasaray
20:30 Akhisar Belediyespor - Karsiyaka

Turkish Cup, Group Stage , Group H
18:45 Fenerbahce-Antalyaspor

In other news: 

- Professional Football Disciplinary Committee has announced following referrals its recieved: 
- Bursaspor player Balasz Dzudzak was referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour at the game.
- Mersin Idman Yurdu was referred for behaviour at field and so is also club player Milan Mitrovic.
-Kayserispor and Eskisehirspor were referred for behaviour of fans
- Fenerbahce player Raul Meireles: Had a operation today on his leg after being injured.

- Galatasaray players Wesley Snejder and Lucas Podolski has become injured during training.

- Lokomotiv Moscow player Guilherme Marinato: I am glad to play against Fenerbahce. They have squad which aim for European achievement.

- Bursaspor are interested to transfer Hannover 96 player Ceyhun Gulselam.

- Feyenoord player Colin Kazim wants to leave the club.

- Besiktas: It is true that Beko had conversation with Barcelona about opening game at Vodafone Arena but there is no agreement yet.

- There is rumour that Galatasaray assistant coach will be Cevad Prekazi.

- EintrachtFrankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Augsburg are interested to transfer Schalke 04 Turkish player Kaan Ayhan.

- ManchesterUnited are interested to sign Galatasaray player Wesley Snejder.

- Sivasspor are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Sinan Gumus.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Eren Derdiyok

- Fenerbahce sports director Guiliano Terraneo has travelled to Brazil for transfer negotiations.

- Galatasaray has offered 1.5 million euro for 3 year contract to Kasimpasa player Ryan Donk.

- Lazio are interested to transfer Bursaspor player Isaac Cuenca.

- Bursaspor: Eskisehirspor and Mersin Idman Yurdu games will be played at Ataturk Stadium due of some formalities left with Timsah Arena.

- Unnamed Qatar club is willing to offer 7 million Euro for Galatasaray player Yasin Oztekin.

- ManchesterUnited are interested to sign Fenerbahce player Simon Kjaer.

- Trabzonspor plans to make number of transfer during winter transfer window.

- Antalyaspor player Samuel Eto'o will not be playing against Fenerbahce at Turkish Cup.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21.12

An important win for Besiktas at difficult conditions.

Besiktas has won very important game at the race for leadership at the Super League with very tough opponent at very tough conditions in the stadium with 3:2 scoreline with losing twice during the game. In fact, during the game Besiktas had similar problems as Fenerbahce did yesterday as both games were played in Ankara.

The poor conditions of the field which turned into ice and had broken areas as weather temperature during game has shown to -1 - -4 degrees it was naturally for field to become frozen but the poor conditions of the field cant be seen as excuse as under field heater could easily solve this issues. Coming to the game, with equalising and later scoring winning goal Besiktas player Jose Sosa has become hero of the game. With the two quality goals scoring at good sectionof the goal has shown importance of players like Sosa at any team in the world.

In fact performance of Besiktas can be divided into two halves as there was hardly any attacking gameplay usual obseved by the team at first half and with much better Besiktas at 2nd half creating dangerous attacks and converting them. Besiktas complaints regarding of the field makes sense as it was very difficult for players to stay on their feet and the way this game has finished without any injuries could be considered as luck for both teams.

Coming to Osmanlispor, it needs to solve the problem of home game as Mustafa Resit Akcay has stated that their play good games at home but still lose points. Osmanlispor as team is providing very watchable football but seems to have problems at end of the game. If their solve this issues their can fight for higher positions at the league.

Luis Nani needs to understand that opponents can ruthlessly hit legs to stop him.

Fenerbahce has got very important victory at the game against Genclerbirligi yesterday night for the fight of the leadership with Besiktas including taking account with conditions which been mentioned yesterday at the blog. Genclerbirligi has decided to use rough football to stop its stronger opponents especially focus towards Luis Nani.

Following the game, Luis Nani has complained that the opponents tried everything to break his feet. However, what happened at the game with defensive play by Genclerbirligi its nothing new in Turkey. Even through technically and possible football wise can be argued that Nani have good points, Turkish league has been known for its rough style of game with players not feeling sorry for hitting into legs  to stop opponent players. Luis Nani needs to realise this and now that you need especially fight for a ball if you want to getting into attacks and score goals.

Another aspect of Fenerbahce is that head coach Vitor Pereira still playing kind of football focusing into defence which leads to only scoring one goal without conceding any goals. Even through this system looks to be effective as club fights for leadership at the table in successful manner so much it is very risky system as one big mistake or unlucky day at attacking might lead to lose point/s. So far this defensive and minumum win system works but it could bring problems at upcoming weeks.

Galatasaray raised mood prior to last game until winter break.

Galatasaray was among the teams which was criticised heavily for most part of this season however back-to-back wins against Akhisar Belediyespor in one week, surprising package of the season so far, has shown there are some improvements at the club even through things are not in perfect condition yet for them.

As the team, players start showing more organised game-play especially in start of both games with getting into positions and converting them to the point that their start winning with 2:0 scoreline. However, what was noticed from two games is that it needs to improve its stamina and show that it can play in same level for 90 minutes. Towards end of the game Galatasaray showing sign of tiredness and hence providing dangerous positions to its opponents. The game where Galatasaray was winning 2:0 has ended with 3:2 win for them and with 15 minutes Galatasaray almost lost its lead.

Now Galatasaray needs to win its last game against Kayserispor prior to winter break, so it would be going into new year with higher motivation and belief to themselves that it can catch Besiktas and Fenerbahce, also with good transfers it could become stronger team, if bought players are good.

Results
Turkish Super League, 16th week
Osmanlispor 2:3 Besiktas

Schedule
Turkish Cup, Group Stage, 2nd week
Group B
15:30 Boluspor -  Tepecikspor

Group D
19:00 Mersin IdmanYurdu - Rizespor

Group F
20:45 Trabzonspor - Gaziantepspor

Group G
13:00 Etismesgut - Konyaspor

In other news: 

- Bursaspor opened today its new stadium Timsah Arena with 44,000 capacity.

- UEFA has requested information why Antalyaspor player Samuel Eto'o has been given tactics against Giresunspor without trainer document.

- Genclerbirligi are interested to appoint head coach Fuat Capa as club new coach.

- Turkish Football Trainers Union general secretary Alaadin Naganlu:Genclerbirligi CEO Ilhan Cavcav blames bad performance by club to trainers

- Besiktas player Tolgay Arslan has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Besiktas player Tolga Zengin will stay at the club after winter break.

- Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Mircea Lucescu has asked for 100 million $ budget and his son at technical staff from Trabzonspor.

- It became clear head coach Ersun Yanal would like to coach Trabzonspor and gave some suggestions to club CEO Muharrem Usta.

- West Ham United are interested to sign Besiktas player Atiba Hutchinson.

- Galatasaray are interested to sign Giresunspor player Vedat Muriqi.

- Galatasaray player Burak Yilmaz will be travelling to Italy for treatment of his injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20.12

Fenerbahce got important 3 points against rough opponents.

The race for the top spot between Fenerbahce and Besiktas is still taking place with Fenerbahce playing very important and difficult game against Genclerbirligi which it managed to win with minumum scoreline 1:0. The game was mainly focussed by rough games by both sides with high number of fouls during the game.

Despite of problems at Genclerbirligi at the league it was one of the most difficult games for Fenerbahce for this season so far. The reason was the game played by Genclerbirligi  where it tried stop its opponents with fouls and also with weather conditions with capital  city having - 1.5 degrees. It is true that Genclerbirligi has problems with attacks as was  observed with hardly any attacks taken by players at today game but with those aspects mentioned Fenerbahce had tough times during the game. One of the good things of the game was to win against Genclerbirligi with those conditions and carry on title race.

Another good news was for Fernandao to score his first away goal at the Super League in this season, as it will be important for club for him to score more goals in away games. Once again for Fenerbahce had won a game with 1:0 scoreline which is a minumum scoreline. Even through Turkish media does criticise this factor, currently the media even start admitting that as long club doesnt concede it means it does something good during its performance.

On the side of Genclerbirligi, the club needs to solve its attacking football problems and try to improve performance of foreign players and possible use more effectively its Turkish players. Genclerbirligi historically is known to be top half of the league and this performance of club does not suit them.

Galatasaray has got an important motivation with win against Akhisar.

During last days at the blog it was stated that Akhisar Belediyespor as a team is in stronger position and is more likely to win against Galatasaray, however Istanbul club has proven us wrong by winning both games against Akhisar at Turkish Cup and today at Turkish League, with today scoreline ending with 3:2. Galatasaray could be argued is not yet playing its best football as was expected but winning twice against Akhisar Belediyespor would be huge motivation boost for them before last game of first half.

However, what was noticed during the game that the ending for Galatasaray was a bit more nervous than the beginning as the club has started the way it wanted with finding two goals at first half but with last 15 minutes of game being at the risk of finishing game at the draw. Undoubetdly the fact that, Akhisar Belediyespor did not also give up after 3:1 and with motivation it had from its 2nd goal provided some pressure towards Galatasaray. Some movements by Galatasaray start improving at forward but it needs to fix them to some extend in defence if it wants to win games in comfortable manner.

Galatasaray players seems to be going through what Trabzonspor players were going through with raising of morale after difficult times. The way players performed and after match interviews players has shown  that motivation has been risen and now their focus at bringing results and start fighting for league title once again. Mustafa Denizli as known will try to make squad stronger in January winter transfer window and we might see new beginning of Galatasaray once again.

Meanwhile, Akhisar Belediyespor following loss should not affect its self-motivation as club is carrying on league in good way. It just needs to carry on getting important points and possibly get European spot at the end of the season.

Besiktas is at high morale prior to game against Osmanlispor.

With 1st half of the Turkish Super League coming to conclusion in next week, it would be easy to state that one of the teams at the form so far is being Besiktas with its leadership at the league. Besiktas plans to finish the year at the top of the spot and to achieve that it would aim to win an important game against Osmanlispor tomorrow evening.

Despite of being eliminated from Europa League at the last game of group stage, it has managed to win Galatasaray and Karabukspor both at league and club and hence it has regained its morale prior to Osmanlispor and will be coming out as strong favourite. Osmanlispor, meanwhile being surprised package at the first games of this season has went into big decline and is currently standing at 12th place at the league. Besiktas as usual is expected to provide an attacking game at the game tomorrow and would look for the goals during whole game, even after scoring.

Besiktas, as been shown by Akhisar Belediyespor, could be stopped and as been stated in previous blogs it has loss a bit of attacking football which it had earlier in this season however teams like Osmanlispor need to give something extra to beat Besiktas. It is possible task but needs lots of effort and believe and concentration by Besiktas opponents. Despite of Besiktas being strong favourite it is still will be good to watch game as race for league title is slowly starting to take place at the league.

Results
Turkish Super League,16th week
Sivasspor 0:0 Kayserispor
Galatasaray 3:2 Akhisar Belediyespor
Genclerbirligi 0:1 Fenerbahce
Basaksehirspor 2:1 Eskisehirspor

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 16th week
20:00 Osmanlispor - Besiktas

In other news:
- Besiktas player Alexander Milosevic: Besiktas will decide if their want to keep me.I want to play games as it is important prior to Euro 2016

- There are rumours that Galatasaray players and technical staff didnt want Felipo Melo to stay at the club.

- Fenerbahce are interested to sign Santos player Lucas Lima

- Qatar club are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Hamit Altintop.

- Galatasaray is willing to offer 3 million Euro+Sinan Gumus+Jem Karacan for Gaziantepspor player Muhammet Demir.

- Galatasaray player Aurelian Chedjou has asked for club to extend contract with him at the end of the season.

- Turkish newspaper Milliyet: Besiktas has agreed with Barcelona to play an opening game at Vodafone Arena.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19.12

Trabzonspor is start playing football which we used to see from them.

As been mentioned at our blog several times before Trabzonspor will eventually start playing good football with Muharrem Usta becoming CEO of the club as it will change an attitute of the players at the club. And with today 3:0 win against tough Antalyaspor and good game by the team it could be stated that the club has finally started getting into the level which it needed to  play.

To some extend today's game was best game since around October when club did start season in a good performance. Players during whole game has shown focus, motivation and desire to score goals and get into positions. As been stated after the game Trabzonspor players are happy at the team since long time and showing this at their performance at the game today. The goal scored by Oscar Cardozo even through needs to be seen by number of repeats is very quality goal, and Cardozo scoring quality goals is the factor which would be crucial for the team if it want to climb up at the league table.

Undoubtedly, with 2 official games at the year left for Trabzonspor, Turkish Cup and Super League game, club would aim to win both of the games and end 1st half at higher note and aim for having good 2nd half of the season. Surely, club is far away from league title but it can aim for European spots. Trabzonspor is finally is getting into way it wants to play with huge help by its CEO Muharrem Usta and head coach Sadi Tekelioglu.

Coming to Antalyaspor it had shown great football at the 1st half of the game however lost  tempo at 2nd half of the team. Antalyaspor has made lots of talks at the media especially in summer but so far it fails to surprise as much at the league. It needs find the way to get its best football from its players.

Galatasaray task at game against Akhisar wont be easy at all.

Galatasaray and Akhisar Belediyespor will meet once again tomorrow but this time at totally different platform, in the Turkish Super League where undoubedly surprised package of this season Akhisar will provide totally different performance compare to mid-week Turkish Cup game. As been mentioned numerous times at our blog, Akhisar Belediyespor will come as favourite at the game tomorrow despite playing in Istanbul.

Galatasaray performance even at the Turkish Cup where it won with 2:1 scoreline showed that the club is not ready for its opponent. Once again Akhisar Belediyespor didnt provide its best starting 11 and if their play like their did against Besiktas few weeks ago, Galatasaray will have very tough time. One of the aspects at the Galatasaray that noone is happy with how club is performing currently and this could be observed by players, fans and parts of administrators at the team.

In fact, another opponent for Galatasaray at tomorrow game among Akhisar Belediyespor will be its own supporters very likely at first providing passive protests by not coming to game and the one who to come showing active protest by booing at the players and adminsitrators as their did back when it was winning even at Cup game midweek. If Akhisar scores first, Galatasaray will have very tough moments during the game.

Fenerbahce is strong favourite against Genclerbirligi.

Fenerbahce at tomorrow Super League game will be playing against struggling Genclerbirligi which is at team is pretty unfairly located at the relegation zone with its great history as the club. But all this factors would only mean that Fenerbahce might have not very tough opponent as it will be playing very crucial game for the fight for the leadership. Taking acoount that Fenerbahce head coach Vitor Pereira had played mainly reserves at midweek Turkish Cup game, Fenerbahce players has regained strenght and got rest prior to this game.

The key for Fenerbahce is really to play its football which it had provided in last few weeks both in league and Europa League and with this performance winning game should not be very difficult task for them. And with only 2 weeks left until mid-week season break Fenerbahce could get 2 out of 2 and get its leadership as long as Besiktas loses points on the way.

Genclerbirligi only advantage only seems to be playing at home against Fenerbahce as its performance doesnt show any signs of giving suprise results, even through historically at the league there were numerous times when Genclerbirligi got results from Fenerbahce and other big 4 teams. However, as most Super League games this won't be easy one and will need full concentration by Fenerbahce.

Results
Turkish Super League, 16th week
Gaziantepspor 2:0 Rizespor
Konyaspor 1:0 Bursaspor
Trabzonspor 3:0 Antalyaspor
Mersin IdmanYurdu 1:2 Kasimpasa

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 16th week
13:00 Sivasspor - Kayserispor
16:00 Galatasaray - Akhisar Belediyespor
19:00 Genclerbirligi - Fenerbahce
19:00 Basaksehirspor - Eskisehirspor

In other news: 

- Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta: We are interested to appoint our head coach as Ersun Yanal.

- Galatasaray player Burak Yilmaz manager Ogan Tarhan: The transfer fee talked about Shanghai Shenhua are not true.Burak is happy in Istanbul

- Mersin Idman Yurdu has announced that it will have general meeting on 11th January.

- Fenerbahce player Sener Ozbayrakli has become injured during today training session.

- Fenerbahce player Raul Meireles will be treated by a doctor who would come to Istanbul from Switzealand.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Chelsea player Branislav Ivanovic.

- Kasimpasa requests Galatasaray player Umut Bulut + 1.5 million euro for its player Ryan Donk

- Besiktas will not sell its player Ersan Gulum during January transfer window.

- Besiktas has informed to West Ham United that it wont sell Gokhan Tore for less than 15 million euro.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Dinamo Zagreb player Goncaio Dos Santos.

- AtleticoMadrid is willing to offer 11 million euro for Besiktas player Gokhan Tore.

- Trabzonspor is thinking to tranfer ‪Kayserispor‬ player ‪HakanArikan

- Besiktas are interested to sign Antalyaspor player Emrah Bassan

What happened in Turkish football today? 18.12

Group stage of Turkish cup makes clubs not take tournament seriously.

Following  1st week of the Turkish Cup group stage, it would be more suitable to talk about problems of the format of the tournament rather than performances of the club regardless if its big 4 team, Super League or lower league teams. This is due that almost every team prior to game and after the game had stated that there not taking Turkish Cup in serious matter and showing that with providing its weak squads at the club and/or providing chances for reserve/substitute to get some playing time.

With the 6 games group stage which only will be played at duration of two months and simultaneously with league carrying on, it is normal for teams regardless which tier to focus more into league as more money would come from league, race to league title, survival and promotion to upper stage. So far, only two teams, which at least been observed by us, has stated that their taking Turkish Cup seriously this year. First club was Antalyaspor who stated that reason is for cup final to take place in Antalya and hence it aims to compete at final game, and second club being Basaksehirspor stating it is easiest way for them to compete in Europe next season.

To some extend, once clubs qualify to play-off stage things might change and some clubs would actually play its best football with best players. Most of clubs by saying that their not taking Turkish Cup seriously actually talk about group stage as winning Turkish Cup does provide lots of opportunities for mediocre teams. Group stage might be boring to follow but once play-off section starts we should have lots of watchable games.

Battle of two teams which are having new beginning and hopes.

Following win at the Turkish Cup at the midweek Trabzonspor against Nazilli Belediyespor would play an important league game against one of the most talked teams of the season Antalyaspor. Since Antalyaspor has also got win at the Turkish cup at the midweek against Giresunspor both clubs would be going to the game with high morale.

The blog has been stated numerous times about Trabzonspor that it has trouble at the clubs which are not at the bottom of the league and Antalyaspor could be very tough opponent for Trabzonspor but same case could be said for Antalyaspor. Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta undobedly has brought some relaxation towards player by recalling number of players back to squad and providing more calm and looking for solution view in his first weeks of presidency. This undoubedly would help players to keep calm down and become even more focussed as a team as week progress. Its hard to call Trabzonspor as favourite once again at game tomorrow but it wont be surprising if it gets win.

Meanwhile, Antalyaspor after firing Yusuf Simsek as head coach is having a period where Samuel Eto'o is becoming player-manager role which if according to Turkish cup game is showing some attitute and hunger for success. Experience and capability at this role could be questioned of Eto'o but he has desire to succeed and that could be good enough for morale of players at team.

Galatasaray needs to find ways to make its supporters happy again.

Despite of winning against one of the main surprises of the season Akhisar Belediyespor, Galatasaray performance at yesterday club still raises some questions and problems at the team. As stated yesterday and in preview, since Akhisar Belediyespor has changed 10 players from its regular starting 11, it is very hard to analyse game in strength of both clubs especially prior to Sunday game between both of them.

However, the main focus should be also given towards fans behaviour during games towards administrators and players. Even when scoring and winning the game, number of fans (which was low in game) has showed sign of unhappiness with how club is managed and effort given by players.
In the point when club losses its supporters it does go downside. This might sound bizarre, but I see sometimes football team being to some extend a country and supporters being its citizens. And if you make citizens of country unhappy than future of the government is managed to fail. Meanwhile, carrying on this analogy, I see administrators as government and players as workers to some extend.

Galatasaray has two options at its hand, one which is doable and will keep everyone happy and secondly which needs drastic changes. First option is change team a lot with transfering number of good players obviously inside its budget. This would improve game, bring results and make fans happy. However, this option is risky as it is hard to get good players at mid-season transfer window with guarentee their would perform best football. 2nd option is resignation of administrators, and surely this administrator wont make that step...at least now.

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 16th week
13:30 Gaziantepspor - Rizespor
16:00 Konyaspor - Bursaspor
19:00 Trabzonspor - Antalyaspor
19:00 Mersin IdmanYurdu-Kasimpasa

In other news: 

- Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko: We asked about seperating clubs from Turkey and Russia at UEFA but UEFA told us that due of diplomatic relations were not damaged there is no need

-Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are interested to transfer ex-Santos player Leandro Damiao

- Trabzonspor has been referred to PFDK for behaviour of fans at game against Nazilli Belediyespor.

- Fenerbahce player Diego Ribas would recieve 100 thousand Euro fine for red card against Celtic at Europa League.

- Besiktas player Atiba Hutchinson was selected as Canadian player of the year.

- Number of clubs are unhappy with 3 million 740 thoursand price money for Turkish Cup.

- Bursaspor head coach Hamza Hamzaoglu didnt include Tom De Sutter, Hosogai and Jorquira to 18-team squad in game against Eskisehirspor.

- Kasimpasa would sell its player Ryan Donk to Galatasaray with 2 million Euro price.

- Trabzonspor: Our club has appointed Yilmaz Buyukaydin as club's football coordinator.

- Bursaspor are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Bilal Kisa.

- MersinIdmanYurdu CEO Ali Kahramanli: After administration of club asked me not to resign I have decided to stay at the club as CEO.

- Galatasaray are interested transfer Bayer Leverkusen player Stefan Kiessling.

- Unnamed Chinese club are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Oscar Cardozo

- Shanghai Sipg has offered 70 million TL for Fenerbahce players Luis Nani and Robin van Persie.

- PSG and Chelsea are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Simon Kjaer.

- It became clear that Trabzonspor player Luis Cavanda has lied to team about having flu prior to game against Rizespor.

- Benfica are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Gokhan Gonul.

- Antalyaspor CEO Gultekin Gencer: Sometimes referees can make decisions and we are as club will not complain about decisions made by them.

- Bursaspor ex-coach Ersel Uzgur: I am willing to help the club whenever I been called. I didnt have any expectation to be at Hamza Hamzaoglu technical team.

- Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce are interested to sign Genclerbirligi player Muhammet Demir.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17.12

Galatasaray still has serious issues to solve despite of win against Akhisar at Cup. 

Game between Galatasaray and Akhisar Belediyespor at the Turkish Cup was seen as a training game prior to the Super League game between both sides which will take place this Sunday. The first part of duel between two clubs was won by Galatasaray with  2:1 scoreline but the scoreline should not trick our readers as the score doesnt provide true strength of  Galatasaray and Akhisar Belediyespor prior to game on Sunday.

During the game Galatasaray had numerous attacks especially during 1st half but it did not convert them into goals and still provided some weaknesses with a team play which was provided by players previously on the games at the Super League. Galatasaray as been mentioned previously is seriously lacking self-confidence and motivation. Only reason why Akhisar Belediyespor has lost game as it was playing way behind from its best football and hence not really providing idea about how game would be played on Sunday at the league.

Another important issue is the behaviour of fans during the game who once again showed their anger towards current administration and towards players. With low number of fans coming to game which also to some extend is sign of protest the ones who did bother to come used their chanting against players and administration. None of the fans seems to be satisfied with the results and sacking of Hamza Hamzaoglu.

As been mentioned above Akhisar Belediyespor did not provide best football at the game tonight and if it plays like it plays in the Super League, like it did against Besiktas, on Sunday than Galatasaray will have big troubles against Akhisar Belediyespor. It is understandable for Akhisar meanwhile to play poorly tonight as it will mainly focus into getting European spot at the Turkish league with its position currently.

Besiktas had recieved calm win against Karabukspor.

Even through Besiktas has started game with a players who have not enjoyed lots of playing time in this season it  still could be referred as a good squad which could fight for upper places at the Super League and with this taking account it was coming out as a strong favourite against Karabukspor at Turkish cup game.

Besiktas had some difficulties during first half with having trouble at creating attacks until last minute goal of the half by Cenk Tosun. With the strong wind and lack of support and also being Cup game the players had controlled ball but didnt show any strong attacks which are usually observed by the club generally this season. However, number of attacks at the second half by Karabukspor had made team even more active which led them at scoring two more goals by Frei and Tosun which has led pretty comfortable win at the first cup game.

Only downside of the game was a injury which was recieved by Cenk Tosun who has scored two goals at today game. Tosun is one of the main players of the squad among Turkish players and club will be hoping that the injury is not too serious as it might need him for 3 games left at the year of 2015. In overal, Senol Gunes should be glad by recieving 3 points at first game at Turkish Cup without giving much effort.

Meanwhile, other teams at the cup are being Trabzon 1461 and Sivas Belediyespor which shows that Karabuk has good chances at getting 2nd place however Trabzon 7:1 win earlier against Sivas Belediyespor has showed that it won't be easy.

Hamzaoglu appointment to Bursaspor is advantage for both parties.

The talks about Bursaspor aiming to appoint ex-Galatasaray head coach Hamza Hamzaoglu to the post of head coach was circulating at the media as soon as club has sacked Ertuglul Saglam from the post. In other side, Hamza Hamzaoglu unemployed period only lasted for about 1 month as he was fired from Galatasaray in a surprising manner.

Coming to the appointment, it could be argued that Hamzaoglu becoming head coach of Bursaspor is an advantage for both sides. Bursaspor is aiming for better results in administration side and so do as fans who have experienced league title 5 years ago. Meanwhile, Hamzaoglu will be at very demanding but in same time in calmer condition regarding of media attention where he could be able to reach his goals. Yes, obviously club fans are very demanding but he wont recieve much media pressure and might not make many fair about club but dangerous comments to the media.

The following appointment of course doesnt solve lack of quality of  players however the timing is good as Hamzaoglu will also able to focus into successfull (with budget) transfers after spending with a club for two weeks and playing 3  games (2 league and 1 cup game). There is no reasons why Bursaspor will not be strong but obviously he must be given chance and patience especially from fans in the club.

Results
Turkish Cup, Group C, 1st week
1461 Trabzon 7:1 Sanliurfaspor
Besiktas 2:1 Karabukspor

Turkish Cup, Group E, 1st week
Karsiyaka 2:1 Kastamanospor 1966
Galatasaray 2:1 Akhisar Belediyespor

In other news: 

- Fluminense player Wellington Rodrigues manager Jorge Moraes: We are waiting official offer for transfer from Besiktas.

- Trabzonspor: We had referred to CAS regarding of UEFA not going over match-fixing investigation.

- Besiktas player Cenk Tosun will get 2-day rest day but will be available to play against Osmanlispor.

- Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta: When I entered to election I knew situation at club was critical. Our club has 400 million TL debt. Our case is against match-fixing not against Fenerbahce. We would meet them if their come to Trabzon. The problem at the club is with system not with head coaches, we need to solve that.

- UEFA has given Fenerbahce player Diego Ribas 3 game ban following red card in game against Celtic at Europa League.

- Antalyaspor spokesman Hasan Ali Ceylan: Until winter break club's caretaker coach will be Mehmet Ugurlu and Samuel Eto'o.

- Trabzonspor player Deniz Af is expected to return to squad after administration decision.

- YusufSiringul at the case against swearing to Volkan Demirel in game against Turkey -Kazakhstan said that he didnt swear to Demirel.

- Altinordu has declined 1 million 750 thousand offer by Besiktas for its player Caglar Soyuncu.

- Fenerbahce players Robin van Persie and Volkan Sen has recovered from their injuries and ready to play games.

- Professional Football Disciplinary Committee has announced fines and bans, which as follows: 
- fine of 15,000 TL to Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Sivasspor due of behaviour of fans.
- Mersin IdmanYurdu recieved fine of 9,000 due of anti-spormanship behaviour
- Sivasspor fans will not be allowed for part of section at next game game due of fan behaviour
-Kayserispor has recieved 10,500 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour by club

- Schalke04 are interested to transfer Mainz Turkish player Yunus Malli.

- Roma plans to buy Fenerbahce player Salih Ucan for 11 million Euro.

-Galatasaray is willing to sell Umut Bulut to Kasimpasa in exchange to purchase Ryan Donk.

- Galatasaray players Lionel Carole and Jason Denayer has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Antalyaspor player Samuel Eto'o would personally try to convince Ronaldinho to join the club.

- Fenerbahce would travel to Moscow with passenger plane as Russian authorities dont allow club to arrive with private jet for Lokomotiv game

- Habei China Fortune are interested to transfer Besiktas player Ersan Gulum.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Hannover 96 player Mevlut Erdinc.

- Trabzonspor will have negotiations about purchasing Chelsea player Marko Marin during January transfer window. Marin is loaned to club.

- CentralRefereeCommittee president Kuddisi Muftuoglu: We would watch Super League games and review observer reports to make fairer decision.

- Kasimpasa are interested to transfer Mersin Idman Yurdu player Welliton.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16.11

For Fenerbahce Turkish Cup is opportunity for youth

As with the case of all of the big 4 teams, especially with Istanbul clubs, Fenerbahce has also used Turkish Cup as an opportunity to check its youth players and providing chance to the players who hardly recieve any playing time in this season. Fenerbahce head coach Vitor Pereira has started starting 11 totally with different players compare to previous game against Basaksehirspor, with most names not being in squad even before this season.

With such a squad Fenerbahce has got a moderate win against 2nd league team Tuzlaspor: 2:1. Due of lack of experience and practice which Fenerbahce players has led players to compete in same level as Tuzlaspor. The game most of the time  being in inactive state with playing at the midfield area but it was pretty understandable as Vitor Pereira has stated themselves that Turkish Cup will not be important for him and he only would use to allow players who dont play much to recieve game play, a tactic which been used by number of clubs in last years, especially from Super League.

Fenerbahce season is going pretty well both at the league and Europa League and taking this into account club should not be criticised too much for putting Turkish Cup too low as priority, but today game has shown that players, who hardly play will play its best football first to bring good result and secondly to get into eyes of Vitor Pereira.

Regarding of Tuzlaspor, in performance wise their did well but their also have Antalyaspor who are determined to get to final as it will be played in Antalya, so Tuzlaspor task is pretty hard but their will not give up that easily.

Dont expect best Besiktas at club but their will be determined at tournament.

If believing to Karabukspor head coach Elvir Balic, his club will not giving its best performance at the Turkish Cup and assuming that Besiktas will do same with playing also with youth and substitute squad tomorrow we might have a game which might end being very passive. Despite of all that, Besiktas will still be favourite as it has great results back to back and even with players who recieve enough time will try its best tomorrow.

Compare to Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, from next year Besiktas does not have European journey so it will provide some focus towards Turkish Cup however it is questionable if it would as it will focus towards Turkish league title. However, to get good results in league it will need to get good results at cup for also running its momentum. So, Besiktas will not provide its best football at Turkish Cup but still try to get results for morale and motivation.

Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes would try to have high morale at the players and with providing game play with youth he would still expect best performance by them against Karabukspor.

Time for clubs to  understand each other at cup prior to league game on Sunday.

Turkish Cup game between Akhisar Belediyespor and Galatasaray could be most interesting game at this round of cup ties, as it will also be training for Sunday crucial game between both clubs at the Super League with both clubs being at upper side of the league table. Most likely both teams will also as others not provide its best 11 for starting the game but it will provide both teams to understand each other.

Galatasaray might actually take Turkish Cup seriously with the situation of Super League in the future if it manages to get through group stage but with Europa League still at the table its uncertain how long it will go in tournament. Galatasaray head coach with cup game against Akhisar has a chance to also get some things straight with the club looking at the situation with a club is currently at the table.

The win tomorrow against Akhisar Belediyespor will obviously raise motivation to Galatasaray prior to league game against them on Sunday, and same effect for Akhisar. Meanwhile, it is hard to say about favourite for tomorrow game as it is unclear what kind of squad both teams will show tomorrow, but at the league Akhisar is favourite on Sunday Super League game, so morale recieved from tomorrow could be crucial for Galatasaray.

Results

Turkish Cup, Group A, 1st week

Bandirmaspor 1:2 Amed Sportif

Basaksehirspor 4:1 Sanliurfaspor

Turkish Cup, Group G, 1st week

Inegolspor 3:0 Etismesgut Belediyespor

Konyaspor 1:0 Kayserispor

Turkish Cup, Group H, 1st week

Tuzlaspor 1:2 Fenerbahce

Schedule

Turkish Cup, Group C, 1st week

13:45 1461 Trabzon - Sivas Belediyespor

18:30 Besiktas - Karabukspor

Turkish Cup , Group E, 1st week

16:00 Karsiyaka - Kastamonuspor 1966

20:45 Galatasaray - Akhisar Belediyespor 

- Fenerbahce will have general meeting on 8th January to discuss about economical issues.

- Dnipro sports director Andrej Stocenko: We have recieved an offer for Douglas from Besiktas but offer is to low to sell him.

- Bursaspor has appointed Ersel Uzgul as club's new head coach.

- Eskisehirspor has terminated contract with its player Ozgur Cek.

- Trabzonspor CEO Muhammer Usta has convinced number of players to reduce wages due of economical situation and managed to save 50 million TL

- Besiktas player Ersan Gulum to be captain while Tolga Zengin is injured.

- Fenerbahce started negotiations with Gokhan Gonul, Caner Erkin and Mehmet Topal regarding of extension of contract.

-Number of Galatasaray administrators want to bring back Duygun Yarsuvat as club CEO.

- Fenerbahce and Besiktas are interested to transfer Juventus player Martin Caceres.

- Fenerbahce player ‪‎Michal Kadlec‬: I want to leave Fenerbahce but club says their need me and there is 6 months until end of contract.

- Galatasaray plans to sell Sabri Sarioglu, Tarik Camdal, Koray Gunter, Emre Colak, Jem Paul Karacan, Hamit Altintop and Umut Bulut.

- German club Stuttgart are interested to appoint Murat Yakin as club head coach.

- Antalyaspor are interested to appoint Real Madrid youth coach Zinedine Zidane as club head coach.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Inter Milan player Samir Handanovic.

- Arabic press: Al Ahli player Moussa Sow wants to return to Fenerbahce

- It became clear that Kasimpasa player Scarione has told to PAOK that he will not have negotiations until he recieves offer from Besiktas

- Galatasaray are interested to sign Newcastle United player Cheick Tiote.