What happened in Turkish football today? 27.02.2017

Galatasaray loss against Besiktas has led them being 10 points behind their rivals.

Besiktas player Talisca goal from free-kick against Galatasaray during Super League 22nd week game, has brought his team one step closer to the league title during this season as it carries on its 4 point advantage over Basaksehirspor. Meanwhile, Galatasaray loss of 3 points has led them currently to be 10 points behind Besiktas and have chance to get league title is getting slimmer.

Prior to the game, it was seen that Besiktas would get into advantage at the league if it manages to get the win against Galatasaray but since it doesnt have much to risk it compare to their opponents due of big point difference between sides. Besiktas it needs to be stated has played smart tactical football without raising tempo of the game too high but in same time controlling game and preventing their opponents to go forward and get confidence during the game. As usual, the strong Besiktas defence has also played an important role as Atiba Hutchinson has played an important role for players like Bruma to go ahead. Besiktas goal was to some extend a lucky goal even through Anderson Talisca did  go free-kick goal was lucky one for them. However, if that ball didnt touch Bruma who was at the wall, it would been very likely that Muslera would have saved the shot.One of the reasons why Besiktas is currently most organised team is that its able to set style of game according to its opponent, and playing tactical against Galatasaray was key in today's game.

Galatasaray meanwhile has been expected to show much more fast paced game but it wasnt able to show such attacking focussed game. It needs to be stated that Galatasaray player did want to win today from their reactions and attempts to create chances. But it is clear that compare to Besiktas, Galatasaray has difficulty at playing fast-paced football which could be connected to the Jan Olde Riekerink style of training or intense training style by the new coach Igor Tudor. Prior, to the game there was focus into Igor Tudor winning against Besiktas with Karabukspor, but to some extend Galatasaray didnt play as more organised game as it was case with Tudor previous game. Igor Tudor of course is only two weeks at the team and he needs time to make his team to start playing an effective game which he seeks for with his team. It needs to be stated that Bruma also had some chances during game but with playing impatiently it has led him to provide shots too early which came back from Besiktas defence.

Besiktas has won today's game with smartly organised and tactical game while Galatasaray didnt provide fast-paced and attacking football which was expected and this factors of both sides has decided scoreline of the game.

Fenerbahce has huge internal problems which would affect rest of the season.

Fenerbahce poor performance at the Super League carries as it has drawn against another team which is at relegation zone, Gaziantepspor with 1:1 scoreline during Super League 22nd week and hence has drawn 3rd game back to back at the league.

With being 12 points behind league leaders Besiktas and 8 points behind 2nd placed Basaksehirspor and also also observing how team performs right now, it is reasonable to state that among losing its hope to get league title at the end of the season it also get further and further from getting Champions League spot right now. It is clear that this poor performance and low motivation of the players is not only lead for poor results within the team. Fenerbahce has bigger internal issue with loss of the support especially by fans towards players, head coach Dick Advocaat and CEO Aziz Yildirim among rest of the administration. Fenerbahce supporters has in fact wanted a change at the administration aspect of team for long time, but with such a poor results at the team right now the chants of resignation of the Aziz Yildirim is getting louder and louder after each game. Unfortunately, it comes to the point where season for Fenerbahce turns out to be aimless and this would affect negatively with result wise.

Fenerbahce needs some drastic changes both at the administrators and technical staff with Ali Koc , who more likely to become next CEO is capable to provide this changes and set of the mood.

Kasimpasa and Rizespor would start Turkish Cup quarter-final games. 

Turkish Cup is going to be restarted with the game between Kasimpasa and Rizespor during quarter-final 1st leg at the game where both teams at the equal strength would aim to get the title with the chance to get to the Europa League at the end of the competition, and have set eye for semi-final spot.

Both teams it needs to be stated are having unstable season at the Super League with occassionally recieving good results but generally suffering at the table. It needs to be stated thats it normal for both teams to struggle at league and are certainly are taking all their focus towards the Turkish Cup. This game even through might not have huge quality it might contain big fight for both sides to get an important win at the 1st leg with Kasimpasa playing at the home. It would be a good game tomorrow between both sides.

It is tough to call certain favourite for the game as both sides are more or less are in same level, but Kasimpasa are coming out with better focus and confidence due of recieving better results at the recent games.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
Galatasaray 0:1 Besiktas

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, Quarter-final, 1st leg:
20:00 Kasimpasa - Rizespor

In other news:

- 6 people were taken into custody following an attack towards Bursaspor players at the facilities on 24th February.

- UEFA has given fine of 60,000 Euro for actions by the Besiktas supporters during Champions League 6th week game against Dinamo Kiev.

- Greek Football Federation CEO Ionnis Drosos has gave visit to the Turkish Football Federation administrator Servet Yardimci.

- Antalyaspor CEO Ali Safak Ozturk is going to meet with Atalanta, Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus administrators.

- Trabzonspor player Oganyi Onazi: I have declined mega offers from Chinese clubs.

- Liverpool are interested to transfer Besiktas player Anderson Talisca.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26.02.2017

Fenerbahce both internally and in performance is in a mess.

Super League 22nd week game between Gaziantepspor and Fenerbahce has been a very important game for both sides as Fenerbahce was still hoping to get to the back of the title race and Gaziantepspor was fighting to stay at the Super League for next season, and the game has ended with 1:1 scoreline which wasnt helpful for both sides.

Fenerbahce still carries on providing very poor performance without much confident movement by the team and this game-play clearly shows that the team is going through very critical period of time both at the inside the team and outside factors. Fenerbahce is coming towards the area that the team is coming to the team without any aims with 12 weeks left to play and might even lose Europa League spot at the table. Following the game, Fenerbahce player Jeremain Lens has stated that the team is lacking confidence and only way is to get it back is by starting winning the game. Staying at the Jeremain Lens, he was only player at the field who was staying focus at the game and has done most of the effort for a win including scoring only goal by him. Most of the team has been walking around the field without providing much effort to the game. Fenerbahce is in big crises and winning even one game might not solve that issue.

It needs to be stated that Gaziantepspor has provided better football for most part of the game with creating good chances and almost winning with 100% chance at the last minute of the game. If it carries on perfoming like this among getting motivation from last 3 games with draws, it might have chance at staying at the league.

As been mentioned earlier when analysing Fenerbahce the situation is more critical than looking performance but more importantly to understand what is happening inside the team. And its not looking good inside the team.

Both Trabzonspor and Konyaspor wanted to win the game.

During Super League 22nd week game between Konyaspor and Trabzonspor, which has ended with 1:1 scoreline, both sides has shown their will to get 3 points with high number of dangerous chances. However, it does need to be stated that Konyaspor had wanted to win game even more.

Trabzonspor since start of this year has shown very positive and forward-seeking style game which has led them not to lose 6 games at the Super League, even through their recieve last 2 games as the draws. Even through this could be seen as reduction of quality play with them it still able to keep motivation high with confidence as it carries on playing positive football. However, as been stated above Konyaspor did provide a good football with an attacking football looking to find goals and was just unlucky to pass Trabzonspor player Onur Kivrak who has shown one of his best performance at this season more or less. Konyaspor does provide good performance and this could be for them new start for rest of the season as it can aim to raise at the table.

Trabzonspor as been stated improved a lot at the 2017 and as long as players would focus to win the games as the season progresses it could set into right mood and focus for next season.

Galatasaray must win against Besiktas for league title race.

Super League 22nd week game will be concluded with very important game between Galatasaray and Besiktas which could set up many aspects for the rest of the season and directly affect rest of the season of Galatasaray due of title race.

In fact, Galatasaray is currently 10 points behind league leaders Besiktas and hence for them this game is must win or otherwise it would get a big damage for league title race and without winning its direct opponents would need to wait for many results to go into their way. In fact, for Besiktas the game is not as much crucial for Galatasaray as if their lose their would lose big advantage but still will be able to fight for league title with Basaksehirspor more likely. As it is known by followers of league, on the days when Galatasaray head coach Igor Tudor earlier this season, he has won Besiktas twice this season which could provide him even more pressure as he would be accepted to repeat that success but case could be more difficult as he has come to his new team and motivation at the Besiktas will be difficult. But Igor Tudor does have advantage of knowing opponents strengths and weaknesses pretty good or otherwise he will not succeed beating them twice.

The game promises to be exciting but as been stated this game which Galatasaray must win so it would be awaiting for them to show much more attacking football at the game of the week.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
Karabukspor 1:0 Genclerbirligi
Osmanlispor 0:1 Basaksehirspor
Gaziantepspor 1:1 Fenerbahce

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
20:00 Galatasaray - Besiktas

In other news:
- Bursaspor football branch administrator Yuksel Colak has resigned from his post.

- Fortuna Dusseldorf player Kaan Ayhan has become injured during Bundesliga game against Heidenheim.

- Fenerbahce considers to sell its player Simon Kjaer, Fernandao, Emmanuel Emenike and Gregory van del Wiel in summer transfer window

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Rostov player Serdar Azmoun

- Galatasaray player Wesley Sneijder and Lukas Podolski is expected to start together during Super League 22nd week game against Besiktas.

- Besiktas has raised its derby bonus from 25,000 TL to 50,000 TL prior to Galatasaray game.

- Galatasaray player Bruma is expected to start during Super League 22nd week game against Besiktas.

- Besiktas player Demba Ba is expected to be ready to play for Super League 23rd week game against Rizespor.

- Bursaspor player Harun Tekin wants to leave team after events which happened at the facilitiy.

- Besiktas plans to offer 6 million euro to Porto to purchase its loaned player Vincent Aboubakar.

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What happened in Turkish football today? 25.02.2017

Trabzonspor and Konyaspor has drawn 1:1 despite of having numerous goal positions at the game.

Trabzonspor and Konyaspor game during Super League 22nd week game has ended with 1:1 scoreline from 2 goals which were scored at the start of the 2nd half but the game could have ended with bigger scoreline.

In similar manner as previous week against Alanyaspor, Trabzonspor has created high number of the chances during game against Konyspor but has only managed to score one goal from Hugo Rodallega. In fact, the possible part of today's game has been for Hugo Rodallega to find his 1st goal with his new team as he had joined just to do that. In similar manner as in the last week, Trabzonspor has shown passion against Konyaspor as it did against Alanyaspor but it was also unlucky with many chances. The only difference is that Konyaspor has shown also very attacking football. The first chance has happened at the game with Emmanuel Mas at 2nd minute and has carried on like that for most part of the game and still provides an image for Trabzonspor to still playing  for a win despite of getting its 2nd draw back to back. Trabzonspor once again needs to happy with how team but needs to be careful not to make getting draws as habit for them.

Konyaspor meanwhile has shown very positive football with finding high number of chances and has shown good improvement compare to previous game at the league. This game could once again led for Konyaspor to show good football for rest of the season.

As been stated above Trabzonspor has recieved 2 draws back to back and started losing points but it didnt yet lose at the league for 2017 right now at the Super League. This positive performance is good news for Trabzonspor for rest of the season.

Fenerbahce biggest opponent are themselves right now.

Following very poor performance of the Fenerbahce at the recent game in the Super League and also elimination from Europa League has provided loss of motivation and concentration within whole team. However, it would aim to get back into the winning aims against Gaziantepspor.

It does look with recent performances, statements and mood inside the team that right the biggest opponent for Fenerbahce are themselves as there seems to be conflict of finding blames and also focussing into the game. In normal circumstances, Fenerbahce should be coming out as favourite, with all respect to the Gaziantepspor, and to some extend there are still favourites at the paper but it became clear that Fenerbahce has trouble at getting wins and any team right now at the league can get point or points from them. It needs mostly important to get back into focussing at the league being aware that it still has chance and even slim chance to get league title, and if players does get that focus back game-wise their would improve.

To some extend, Fenerbahce squad is not much weaker than Besiktas but this loss of concentration and dark days has affected them negatively and possibly good win tomorrow could set their focus back on.

Bursaspor bus has been attacked and players beaten by club "supporters"

One of the shocking and most talked events of the Super League 22nd week games is certainly would be the behaviour of the Bursaspor supporters towards their own players after their had lost to Kasimpasa with 3:0 scoreline.

It is reported that when Bursaspor player has arrived to their facilties their been "welcomed" by their angry fans who has vandalised the bus and even attacked number of the players from squad following that loss. Bursaspor CEO Ali Ay in today press conference has stated that this actions might have done by the outsiders who are not even related to the club and aimed to start conflict between players and fans. It does need to be stated that this behaviour is certainly is not one which would been done by strong fans and certainly some different connections, having provacative actions. Bursaspor right now does need to focus into providing security to its players and start investigation of what took place in facility at that night.

Bursaspor is not having great days right now and is not performing as it did in start of season and certainly doesnt fulfill expectation of the fan but its not way to react to the team, and quite opposite it needs to give bigger support.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 22nd week
Alanyaspor 4:1 Adanaspor
Akhisar Belediyespor 3:0 Antalyaspor
Konyaspor 1:1 Trabzonspor

Schedule:
13:30 Karabukspor - Genclerbirligi
16:00 Osmanlispor - Basaksehirspor
19:00 Gaziantepspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Kayserispor CEO Kadir Bedir: Firstly we want to say that we would play Turkish Cup game on 5th March. But we like to notice that we have but we have 3 days break while our opponents Kasimpasa will have 5 days break.

- Fenerbahce players Robin van Persie and Simon Kjaer will not be able to play against Gaziantepspor due of injury.

- Besiktas player Necip Uysal has become injured during today's training session.

-  Konyaspor CEO Ahmet Sen: I would like to congratulate everyone with such important game .Its draw but we played good.Rumours about Aykut Kocaman leaving club to other team makes us uneasy as its not true.

- Besiktas administrator Yalcin Karadeniz: Besiktas has gave me punishment to me, but I am CEO of administrative board.Club has started movement against me. I am not going until court decision.

- Bursaspor CEO Ali Ay: Referee didnt see some positions being 3 metres away, even through everyone saw them.This things happen, what shouldnt happen is attacks into bus by supporters.What fault is it of our goalkeeper Tekin?

- Fenerbahce head coach Dick Advocaat according to reports has informed club CEO Aziz Yildirim that squad and scouts should be revised.

- In case if Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim will resign for his place Mahmut Uslu will take place until CEO election.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint head coach Roberto Mancini as club head coach.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Lokomotiv Zagreb player Luka Ivanusec

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Arsenal player David Ospina and Bursaspor player Harun Tekin.

- Fenerbahce player Moussa Sow who is loaned from Al Ahli wants to stay at the club.

- Besiktas player Demba Ba is expected to arrive from USA before2 27th February

- Fenerbahce are considering to make some transfers from European and South America countries.

- Trabzonspor player Oganyi Onazi is considering to move to China.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24.02.2016

Besiktas has been drawn with Olympiakos at the Europa League last 16 games.

Following getting through Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva during Europa League 2nd round game with comfortable aggregate scoreline of 5:2, Besiktas would meet against Olympiakos at the last 16 stage after Greek side has knocked out Osmanlispor.

To all respect to the Osmanlispor, it needs to be stated that Besiktas are stronger team than them and as been stated by the Olympiakos sports director Stephane Karembeu, Besiktas are coming out as stronger favourite reminding that their manage to get through Hapoel Beer-Sheva at the knockout stages of the Champions League earlier this season, while Besiktas didnt have much issue against them. It needs to be stated however, that Olympiakos will not be as easy as Hapoel Beer Sheva, as would been expected as tournament progresses, but in same time their not at their best which we tend to see them at the previous season at the Champions League hence Besiktas are coming out as favourite to the game. What is important here is of course for Besiktas to play their best football which their show both at the Super League and at the European stage this season (apart of course Dinamo Kiev game in Ukraine) and the team would be able to carry on at the tournament with brave steps until final at the Stockholm.

Besiktas did recieve a good opponent even through the only team at the draw which could provide some difficult time would been Manchester United from all 15 sides. Besiktas are coming out as favourite but their need to stay focus.

Osmanlispor should be proud of their European performance this season.

Osmanlispor has ended its incredible and memorable dream at the European journey as it has lost to the 2nd round 2nd leg game to the Olympiakos with 3:0 scoreline which has ended up being ties aggregate scoreline. Despite of that, Osmanlispor has shown great football at the European stage.

At the article above, it was stated that Besiktas should not have much problem at eliminating Olympiakos, and this should not put Osmanlispor failure to do so into criticism. The team firstly is not strong enough as their Istanbul counterparts and also it was their first ever experience at the European football.Starting from 2nd qualifying round of the competition Osmanlispor has played an impressive 14 games where it has shown good football as it would be too harsh to state that Osmanlispor performance at the game yesterday has been poor. This surely would been good experience for players, whole club and certainly will memorable parts for the supporters of the team.

It needs to be stated, that everyone who was involved at this memorable performance should be proud of them especially players and head coach Mustafa Resit Akcay and it made their mark also to European football followers this season.

Trabzonspor are aiming to start winning games at the Super League starting with Konyaspor game.

Trabzonspor would play against Konyaspor during Super League 22nd week where it would be aiming to restart its winning streak after drawing to the Alanyaspor at the last week, and more importantly carry its loseless performance at the league during 2017.

It needs to be stated despite of not winning against Alanyaspor at the last week, Trabzonspor technical staff and players are focussed to the Konyaspor game as their had provided very attacking football and hence has been stayed focussed for the win. Taking account that Konyaspor are not having their best days with their performance right now it is also good chance for them to regain its motivation for the upcoming games which are coming up at the league. Konyaspor meanwhile, which has also felt unfair for the last week ban of the fans and fine, would also aim to get a positive result of the game and possibly restart their season as head coach Aykut Kocaman would focus to regain positive performance of the team.

Trabzonspor still are coming as favourite for the game and would aim to carry on their loseless performance of the 2017 but Konyaspor are expected to give them some tough time.

Results
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
Rizespor 2:4 Kayserispor
Kasimpasa 4:0 Bursaspor

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
15:00 Alanyaspor - Adanaspor
16:00 Akhisar Belediyespor - Antalyaspor
19:00 Konyaspor - Trabzonspor

In other news:

- Basaksehirspor has extended contract with its player Mossoro for 2 years and Stefano Napoleoni for 1 year.

- Besiktas player Vincent Aboubakar has been selected to the best 11 squad of Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg games.

- UEFA: 1st leg between Besiktas and Olympiakos will take place in Athens at 23:05 on 09/03 while 2nd leg will kick-off at 21:00 on 16/03

- Advocate Abdurrahman Erol: Their made decisions at the midway of case. There was questioning of one suspect and their acquitted him.There are other two suspects who didnt give their defence. Its decision would be made after their defence.

- Matchfixing case judges has accepted complaint of being suffered from this duration from Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim and administrator.Court didnt accept that Fenerbahce has been suffered. Case will continue of 22nd May.

- Romanian media: Galatasaray will attend to friendly tournament with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Steaua Bucharest in pre-season.

- Olympiakos sports director Christian Karembeu: We try to win this tie, but Besiktas is stronger than us.We played early with Hapoel Beer Sheva and had harder time than Besiktas. Their favourite

- Fenerbahce administrators are considering to keep its head coach Dick Advocaat until end of the season.

- Fenerbahce administrators are considering to make decision about CEO election after season is over.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Juventus player Mario Mandzukic.

- Number of Fenerbahce administrators considering to appoint coach Yilmaz Vural as club head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23.02.2017

Osmanlispor has lost to Olympiakos but had historical Europa League performance this season.

Olympiakos has ended the dream of Osmanlispor at the Europa League as it has scored 3 goals against them during 2nd half of the Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game which has set the final results of the game.

It needs to be stated that Osmanlispor has started game at the positive manner and has played 1st half in the way it was aiming at without allowing Greek opponents to create much of the dangerous chances during the game and in fact has created dangerous chance during 11th minute of the game by Pierre Webo. The game has been played in controlled manner with both sides showing respect to each other. However, with Olympiakos raising tempo and showing more attacking football and aiming to get last 16 ticket without an extra time has led for Osmanlispor not to provide to respond to the game during 2nd half. As this draw has been announced, it has been stated that biggest problem from Osmanlispor would be an experience and as has been visible this has been case during 2nd half as it wasnt able to respond to the Olympiakos attacking football. However, Osmanlispor still needs to be happy with how it performed at its first Europa League  journey as it has experienced play-off round.

Olympiakos has shown lots of respect towards Osmanlispor until 2nd half but has turned game into its advantage by showing more agressive football which led them to find 3 goals. An experience played a crucial role with the result of the game.

Osmanlispor has got a very good performance at its Europa League debut and has certainly made it mark at this European season and has raised lots of praise from European football followers. Rather than getting sad of the result it should see as good experience at the tournament.

Besiktas gets to the Europa League last 16 with good organised football.

Besiktas has managed to get to the last 16 stage of the Europa League at the tie which it was to get through after 3:1 scoreline after 1st leg game, it has managed also to win 2nd leg game with 2:1 scoreline with the squad mainly present of players which tend not to recieve main time at recent games.

It needs to be mentioned that Besiktas due of experience factor has managed to get the game as their didnt play as effective as their did at the 1st half but always has been able to control the game and even through allowed Hapoel Beer Sheva to create number of the chances it has always been at control. Hapoel Beer Sheva did show some attacking football which was mentioned by the Senol Gunes as it could be seen from Israeli team performance during most of 1st half and start of the 2nd half as it tried its best to at least force game to get to the extra-time. However, some changes of head coach Senol Gunes during 2nd half has allowed Besiktas to get an upper hand of the game again and get a win from Cenk Tosun goal at the 87th minute.  This win of course has also brought 2 wins at this tie for Besiktas and hence extra points for Besiktas and Turkey coefficient, as Fenerbahce and Osmanlispor has failed to do so.

Hapoel Beer-Sheva needs to be stated has come to the game at the positive mood and has shown some good football as it was seen from 1st game that its brave team but lacks some quality especially next to the Besiktas. But it did give good fight despite of aggregate scoreline of 4:2.

Besiktas carries on its journey at the Europa League and will wait an opponent during last 16 draw tomorrow at the 15:00 and would come out to the Galatasaray game with high mood and confidence.

Dick Advocaat also needs to take responsibility among throwing blames into others. 

Fenerbahce has drawn with Krasnodar at the Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game with 1:1 scoreline and has been eliminated from the tournament with total aggregate of the 2:1. However, the main problem at the team is the chaos situation at the club between administrators, head coach Dick Advocaat, players and supporters which has raised to its highest point after the game.

The main focus of the case is which is at the Fenerbahce is unfortunately for them is even bigger than yesterday's poor performance and lies even more deeper with being out of the Europa League has made this subject of team not being organised well enough even more obvious. In fact, it needs to be stated Fenerbahce players did try their best during the game with creating chances and had an huger to turn the game from 1st leg and from conceding earlier yesterday but this belief has lasted around until 60th minute. The problem mainly lies at the system where head coach Dick Advocaat doesnt seem to be willing to take responsibility or when he does it is taken lightly. Statements like its not his team, ask players why their had performed badly lately only provides problems between supporters and within players, even when its true. This statements only raises tensions and for certain head coach supports to be one at control and take responsibility of bad results.

With still being at the Turkish Cup as it would meet with Kayserispor next week at the 1st leg of the quarter-final it looks like that its only aim for them. Even through Fenerbahce is 10 points behind league leaders Besiktas and has other 3 teams ahead of them the main aim, unfortunately for them and fans, is try to stay at top 4 and dont lose its European spot for next season to Antalyaspor and Trabzonspor.

Results
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
Osmanlispor 0:3 Olympiakos (agg: 0:3)
Besiktas 2:1 Hapoel Beer Sheva (agg: 4:2)

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 22nd week:
19:00 Rizespor - Kayserispor
20:00 Kasimpasa - Bursaspor

In other news:

- Professional Football Disciplinary Committee has announced fines and bans, which are:
- Basaksehirspor has recieved 15,000 TL fine for not watering stadium prior to game 
- Adanaspor has recieved 30,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans
- Bursaspor player Deniz Yilmaz has recieved 2-game ban for for the faul at the previous game.

- Galatasaray has signed professional contract with its youth player Hasan Basri Unal.

- Besiktas has send an request to be involved and attend at the hearings of the match fixing plot case.

- Bursaspor head coach Mutlu Topcu: We are as club has decided to forgive Deniz Yilmaz and Sercan Yildirim. Their got their lessons.We need union right now at the club, and those players showed it.Its important news before Kasimpasa.We are not happy yet with Bursaspor performance right now. We still can improve.

- Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel will not be able to play for 1.5 months due of injury recieved against Krasnodar at Europa League.

- Kayserispor player Varela will not be able to play against Rizespor game during Super League 22nd week due of injury.

- Fenerbahce plans to offer high salary and house in Istanbul to Trabzonspor player Mehmet Ekici when their transfer him in summer transfer.

- Fenerbahce will wait into latest development at the Konyaspor with head coach Aykut Kocaman before making him offer to the team.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22.02.2017

Fenerbahce did provide some attacking football against Krasnodar but it wasnt enough.

Following Europa League 2nd leg 2nd round game against Krasnodar, Fenerbahce didnt manage to use its home advantage as it needed to win the game after losing its 1st leg game in Russia with 1:0 scoreline.

It needs to be stated that Fenerbahce did provide an attacking football from start of the game with creating good chances especially with Robin van Persie and Moussa Sow and if it managed to score a goal at the 1st 6 minutes after creating around 3 chances the game could been going into different perspective. However, prior to conceding and after conceding goal from Smolov, which has affected to the outcome of rest of the game due of unforgiven mistake by Martin Skrtel, Fenerbahce did try to provide an attacking football but it was always done into spontaneity rather than organised way. This factor has certainly affected their performance and with Krasnodar even through not having an upper hand during the game has provided good organised football with using mistakes of Fenerbahce during passes, which it was observed to be a lot, with able to control game and being careful at the game. Fenerbahce as stated did show an attacking football and did approach in good manner and focus but conceding goal so early had affected negatively even through it managed to draw before half-time.

Krasnodar in level of strength might not be as strong as Fenerbahce as also with experience, but the way their had performed in 2 legs, and especially 1st, it did deserve to get to the last 16 stage. Their might not have controlled game very well but their stayed focussed and didnt allow Fenerbahce to turn their attacks into dangerous chances.

After being eliminated from Europa League, it looks like only aim left for the Fenerbahce is the Turkish Cup as it is 10 points behind league leaders Besiktas at the Super League. This season it needs to be stated is turning out to be as nightmare for them and some serious changes needs to be done in all aspects of the team.

Osmanlispor has realistic chance to get to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Osmanlispor would be aiming to provide another pleasant surprise result at its campaign of the Europa League as it would meet with Olympiakos during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game in Ankara after ending 1st leg game with 0:0 scoreline.

Even though it is certain that if Osmanlispor has managed to win its Greek opponents would been better scoreline but taking account that it was playing against one of the teams which is hard to beat at the away game it needs to be stated that it has recieved a great scoreline. One of the main reasons why Osmanlispor has managed to get so far at this year competition was by providing a very good result at the home field and hence, and as long their dont concede goal their would have a good chance to get to the next stage of the tournament at its own stadium. Referring to the statements prior to game, it is visible that players are believing that it can make big surprise at the game tomorrow which is very important due of the set mind prior to the game and as long as it would bravely go ahead without forgetting defence their can make a historical result and get to the last 16 stage of the tournament.

Osmanlispor once again due of experience factor is not coming out as favourite, however its performance so far at the tournament does show that their team which should not taken lightly by opponents, and the result in Greece proves that at the 1st leg.

Besiktas needs to stay focussed if it doesnt want to have needless problems against Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Following 3:1 scoreline win against Hapoel Beer-Sheva in Israel last week, Besiktas has got a very good chance at getting to the last 16 especially taking account that it would be playing at its home ground where so far it has only lost to Fenerbahce.

One of the key factors of the game is for Besiktas to stay focussed to the game and dont play from start of the game like it has arleady qualified to the last 16 stage as this game could provide much danger in early minutes of the game. With looking at the recent performance of the team, it became visible that apart of playing good and positive football the players are able to stay focussed during the game with only exception possibly being Karabukspor game during 20th week game. The team would also play against Galatasaray at the Super League on 27th February so it is important mentally not to get distracted by that game.

Besiktas taking account from all the factors stated above still will come out as favourite to the game however as stated its important to stay all focussed to the game if it wants to get a great result at the end of the day.

Results
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
Fenerbahce 1:1 Krasnodar (agg: 1:2)

Schedule
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
19:00 Osmanlispor - Olympiakos (agg: 0:0)
21:00 Besiktas - Hapoel Beer-Sheva (3:1)

In other news:

- Galatasaray and club CEO Dursun Ozbek has been referred to Professional Football Discpilinary Committee for anti-sportmanship statements at club website. 

- TFF administrator Servet Yardimci has announced his candidacy for UEFA Executive Board place for 5th April election

- Konyaspor head coach Aykut Kocaman: I was surprised also about our administration statements. Some were heartbreaking. We need patience.This statement was wrong from beginning.I will not comment about it, or it would put more fire in water

- Antalyaspor player Deniz Kadeh and Ahmet Ozden had car crash. Both players dont have serious injury.

- Galatasaray administrator Levent Nazifoglu: For us Besiktas game is 6 point game. We must win the game to stay in league title race.With Igor Tudor the team became more agressive and energitic. Trainings are going well.

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman: Our administration board needs to go for CEO election. Their either do that or go to court to complain. Their need to make election on Saturday meeting but their will have normal meeting. We will not attend it.

- Besiktas player Atiba Hutchinson will not be playing against Hapoel Beer Sheva during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game due of havingrest

- Galatasaray plans to include bonus if team manages to win Besiktas during Super League 22nd week.

- Besiktas has agreed to extend loan period for 1 year of Benfica player Talisca.

- Galatasaray player Bruma could leave club at summer transfer window without transfer free due of Bosman rule.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21.02.2017

Trabzonspor are showing good attacking football.

Trabzonspor didnt manage to get its 5th win back-to-back against Alanyaspor during Super League 21st week game even through it was aiming to win the game and has done everything to find crucial goal at the first half an hour.

It needs to be stated that despite of not winning the game after goalless draw Trabzonspor still continues its 2017 Super League journey without losing any single game and has certainly has focussed into aiming for 4th place which would bring them to the Europa League. Trabzonspor has provided very attacking football especially at the 1st half and has done everything to find the goal and hence their cant be not much conversation about their anger for winning right now. Taking account how Trabzonspor was performing during last year, this is crucial change for them which could play an important role for their aim for next season. This blog has stated beforehand that with how team started this season, it could been hardly  could be referred as transition season for them but recent performance now shows that it turns out to be like that for the team.

As been stated, Trabzonspor could now realistically aim for the Europa League spot at the end of the season as Antalyaspor is above them with 3 points and also Fenerbahce and Galatasaray which are having incosistent season and hence their can provide great push towards end of the season for Europa League spot.

Fenerbahce needs to show much brave football if it wants to get to last 16 of Europa League.

Fenerbahce would be coming out to very crucial game against Krasnodar during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game after losing 1st leg with 1:0 scoreline and would aim to use advantage of playing home to get to the last 16 stage.

However, it needs to be stated that Fenerbahce are carries on having a very poor performance at the recent games with only winning Besiktas at the Turkish Cup this month. One of the issues seems to be lack of focus into attacks and have some fear to go forward either set by head coach Dick Advocaat or from players, or both. Inclusion of the Robin van Persie at the game tomorrow could help team to focus even more at the attack but bigger problem seem to be pleasant with the wingers who show some lack of providing an attacking football and crossing the ball into dangerous area which hence lets those attackers not getting balls which their want and hence not able to create chances which is serious issue right now for a team. Fenerbahce needs to play more brave football tomorrow against Krasnodar.

Fenerbahce was lucky to some extend taking with circumstances to only lose game with 1:0 scoreline in Russia and hence this could lead to the team to turn game into its own advantage. However, as been stated above its need to provide much more brave football for that.

Galatasaray has announced 65 million euro fine to  Bruma.

Galatasaray newly-appointed head coach Igor Tudor first crises at his new team has been certainly being Bruma who has refused to be going to Rize for Super League 21st week game and this led for Galatasaray administration to provide 65 million fine to the player.

It is reported at the media that Bruma was mainly unhappy for not being selected to the starting 11 game against Rizespor as he found out before travelling that he will not start and hence has decided not to travel to the Rize. Later, it became clear that Tudor still wanted to take him to the game but Bruma has stated that he is not at the mood. This behaviour is certainly is sign of not showing an respect to the head coach of team, and shows that Bruma is showing high ego. Quite naturally, Galatasaray has seen this behaviour without discipline and hence provided him 65 million euro and an option to announce worser fine if this action will be repeated by him. This is right decision to Galatasaray which would send strong message both to the Bruma and other players.

It is important for Bruma to get an important lesson for this actions as he needs team and team needs him for rest of the season especially if their both still aim for league title. Igor Tudor has also send good message to the Bruma by showing that this behaviour is not acceptable.

Schedule:
UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:
20:00 Fenerbahce - Krasnodar (agg: 0:1)

In other news:

- Turkish Football Federation has announced referrals to the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee: 
- Bursaspor player Deniz Yilmaz has been referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour.
- Basaksehirspor has been referredfor not following guidelines during the game.
- Adanaspor has been referred for events at the field and behaviour of the fans.

- UEFA has announced that Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Osmanlispor and Olympiakos will be Istvan Vad.

- UEFA has announced that Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Besiktas and Hapoel Beer Sheva will be Matej Jug

- Turkish referee Mete Kalkavan has been appointed to referee Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg between CSKA Moscow and Rosenborg.

- Turkish referee Huseyin Gocek has been appointed to referee Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg between Sparta Prague and Rostov.

- Trabzonspor player Jan Durica will not be able to play for 4 weeks due of injury.

- Lech Poznan has made an agreement with Karabukspor player Elvis Kokalovic until end of the season with 3 year option.

- Galatasaray: We are start believing that some decisions has been made on purpose against us. Some statements should be made about it.We start realising that some decisions like in Karabukspor decisions start creating chances to forgive themselves.We are as club want correct and honest decisions not being affected by anyone outside.

- Konyaspor spokesman Erhan Gokmen: We dont have problem with coach Aykut Kocaman. He has 1.5 year contact, we plan to extend 2 more years.We are having bad days right now with results. But now we need to give energy into winning Trabzonspor.

- Turkish National Team head coach Fatih Terim has won Honor Award at "5th January" local Adana newspaper 18 year anniversary event.

- Galatasaray player Wesley Sneijder is reported to give assistance about team to head coach Igor Tudor.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint club Konyaspor head coach Aykut Kocaman and head coach Laurent Blanc.

- Karabukspor head coach Zoran Barisic had his 1st training session with his new team.

- Konyaspor head coach Aykut Kocaman didnt attend to today's training session as he recieved permission from administrators.

- Besiktas player Caner Erkin is expected to resume training session within 2 weeks time.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint head coach Hamza Hamzaoglu as club's head coach.

- Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma is expecting to have rest during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Hapoel Beer Sheva.

- Fenerbahce are considering to end contract of its player Volkan Demirel at the end of the season.

- Besiktas plans to offer an long-term extension contract to its head coach Senol Gunes after Super League 22ndweek game against Galatasaray

What happened in Turkish football today? 20.02.2017

Trabzonspor tried everything to find goal against Alanyaspor but couldnt score at the end.

Trabzonspor wasnt able to get its 5th win back-to-back at the Super League after having goalless draw against Alanyaspor during 21st week despite of doing everything to win today's crucial game and carry on its great performance at the league during 2017 year.

It needs to be stated that Trabzonspor tried everything to win today's game, especially during 1st half of the game, as the game has been played at one goal and has provided great statistics of having 8 dangerous attacks during first 30 minutes. Therefore, the scoreline should not provide a view that the game has been played dull as most of the chances has been indeed being very dangerous and Trabzonspor is basically being either unlucky in chance or could not pass Alanyaspor player Haydar Yilmaz who has shown incredible performance with high number of saves tonight. Meanwhile, Trabzonspor midseason transfer Hugo Rodallega has come out 1st time at the starting 11 and has created great 3 chances during today's game and has played an important role at today's forward seeking game.

Alanyaspor has played its first game with its new head coach Saffet Susic and taking account that it was playing against team which has been at the great form since midseason break it has provided great defence and goalkeeper. Their could be criticised for focussing too much into draw but taking out circumstances it was good result for them undoubetedly.

It needs to be stated that Trabzonspor performance during the game has been great and their been only unlucky to find a goal. If team carries on like that it could become reality for them to fight for Europa League as their are currently 6 points behind 4th placed Fenerbahce.

Besiktas does play like champions but there is long time until end of the season.

Besiktas has got an important advantage following 3:1 win against Akhisar Belediyespor during Super League 21st week with its road for league title at the end of the season as it has gained 4 point advantage over Basaksehirspor, and 7 points from 3rd placed Galatasaray.

At the week when all of their direct opponents, including Fenerbahce, has drawn their own game it was important to win the game and get into more comfortable position at the league table, which it has managed to do. This was achieved with full concentration by the players during the game and having set this task to be achieved. Apart of getting into point difference, referring to the recent performance of all of the league contenders it becomes visible that Besiktas are showing best and most organised football and if it carries on like that it could get the league title. However, there is still 13 weeks which is long period as there is 33 points at stake and 4-10 point difference can be closed but it all depends how Besiktas perfoms in upcoming weeks. It is also important for Ricardo Quaresma and Cenk Tosun performance this season and those two players can play an important role for rest of the season.

Besiktas would be coming out to the important week right now where it would focus to defend its 3:1 1st leg win against Hapoel Beer-Sheva at the Europa League and later get a chance to make point difference from its direct opponent Galatasaray to 10 points.

Fenerbahce shows fear at attacking football even when controlling game. 

Fenerbahce performance against Kasimpasa during Super League 21st week has once again shown that the team is having serious issues at the performance level which could be higher deeper thant into wills and focus of the players.

In fact, Fenerbahce players did give their best during the game with controlling ball and having high possession but somehow there is seems to strange fear among players, and hence with the head coach Dick Advocaat, to go forward against opponent Kasimpasa which to all respect to them is lower than them as could be realised from tactics used by Kasimpasa at this season. Following Besiktas Turkish Cup game against Besiktas, which it has only won with providing nerves and pressure, Fenerbahce didnt win 3 games and were not able to able to show an attacking football which was promised by the Dick Advocaat earlier this season. Dick Advocaat is right that it is not his team and he is working in conditions which he was aiming, but following 21st weeks and plus playing other games in other competitions he could have found solutions how to use this team at its maximum level.

Fenerbahce needs to win against Krasnodar on 22nd February if it wants to carry on Europa League but so far the team performance doesnt provide much hope for a team and unfortunately Krasnodar will be coming as favourites to the game.

Results
Turkish Super League, 21st week:
Trabzonspor 0:0 Alanyaspor

In other news:

- UEFA has announced that referee of the Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Fenerbahce and Krasnodar will be Pawel Raczkowski.

- Fenerbahce vice-CEO Sekip Mosturoglu: Right now there is ID checking and in 5 days will be questioning. There is no decision to be made now

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim: We are here until end of this matchfixing plot case. Some people dont want to give testimony. Their scared.Why noone from Besiktas is here. Either you make complaint here or you will stay quiet.

- Konyaspor: Every club has up and downs in season, we have it now. We hope this will not be permanently. Technical staff need to act now.Our aim is to fight for up the table and win Turkish Cup for this season.

- Trabzonspor player Esteban Alvarado: I didnt recieve much playing time this season. Right now we have extension talks with team.

- Rizespor CEO Metin Kalkavan: We are having full trust with Hikmet Karaman. We dont plan to sack him for long time.

- Galatasaray has decided to give fine to its player Bruma for acting disrespectfully to head coach Igor Tudor.

- Trabzonspor player Jan Durica has become injured during Super League 21st week game against Alanyaspor.

- Fenerbahce players Robin van Persie and Martin Skrtel are expected to play against Krasnodar during Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game.

- Galatasaray players Wesley Sneijder, Eren Derdiyok, Lionel Carole and Hakan Balta are expected to ready for Super League 22nd week game against Besiktas

- Twente player Enes Unal: I am really happy in Holland. But Manchester City has my contract. Their will decide my future.I am running a lot during game but I dont get ball. I need to focus on that more.

- Dalian Yifang are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Samuel Eto'o.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19.02.2016

Besiktas has got 4 point advantage at the top with high quality football.

At the week when all of the league title contenders has drawn their games, Besiktas has got an important win against Akhisar Belediyespor with 3:1 scoreline during Super League 21st week and has got 4 point difference from its closest opponents of Basaksehirspor.

Being aware of the importance of today's game as it would help to get its leadership more stable, Besiktas players has provided full focus towards the game which has reflected with control of the game and getting scoreline which it was seeking for. Despite of not scoring a goal at today's game, Ricardo Quaresma has shown a very good performance with high number of crosses into penalty zone including Cenk Tosun goal. Ricardo Quaresma carries on good season with providing most assists of this season. Meanwhile, Cenk Tosun carries on scoring and has reached already 16 goals following 21st weeks at the Super League and slowly moves towards becoming best goal scorer of the season and aiming to end season with 25+ goals at the end of the season. Apart of this two players its important to note that whole team has shown top football at today's game.

Akhisar Belediyespor did show high concentration during the game and needs to be stated did provide good performance however it wasnt able to respond to game of the Besiktas which didnt have any mistakes. In fact, the fact that team has been prepared in good manner during last minutes of the game which also brought them goal in 81st minute by Olcan Adin.

Besiktas as been stated 2 weeks ago at our blog is the team to beat and its getting even more confident to the last 13 weeks with 4 point advantage at the table and are coming as strong favourites against Hapoel Beer-Sheva at Europa League and Galatasaray Super League game.

Fenerbahce are not being very creative attacking wise. 

Fenerbahce carries on providing pretty dissapointing football without providing much fighting spirit at the front as it has concluded Super League 21st week game against Kasimpasa with goalless draw.

Fenerbahce it needs to be noted has provided much better and to some extend organised football compare to Kasimpasa which has focussed mainly into defence and counter-attacks. Despite of having control of the ball in duration of the whole game, Fenerbahce had lacked number of high chances which has led forward players, firstly Moussa Sow and after substitute Fernandao to create any chances not for providing poor performance but mainly due of the factor of not recieving good balls from wingers or other players. Fenerbahce has certainly loss its passion to perform fast-paced football taking account that today's win could at least put them closer to the fight for 2nd place Champions League at least as Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor are not getting top result. Fenerbahce players seems to be lacking motivation and concentration which mainly needs to be solved by head coach Dick Advocaat.

Meanwhile, Kasimpasa as been stated has been mainly focussed into defensive and counter-attacks and didnt provide show much risky football where it has mainly focussed not to concede. Still its important point for them taking account that their have lost to Fenerbahce in last 8 games.

Fenerbahce is not providing good view especially before 2nd leg game against Krasnodar on the 23rd February especially taking account that it needs to come back from 1:0 scoreline from 1st leg.

Galatasaray didnt get good result but tactical there is hope for future.

Galatasaray performance at the Super League 21st week game against Rizespor with its new head coach Igor Tudor didnt provide huge difference compare to Jan Olde Riekerink however its incorrect to criticise him as he joined only this week.

Stating that it became visible from the game that Igor Tudor will be mainly focussing into attacking style of play which was seen at the 1st 60 minutes of the game until Galatasaray has become tired from unusual high speed game it had compare to previous games. It needs to be stated that players did provide good performance but 1:0 scoreline against team like Rizespor which can provide good counter attacks and raise its tempo when needed the scoreline will not be enough. Regardless of the result, performance by the team as Tudor has stated himself does provide some positive manners as players has shown some good response to what he wants. But this is critical weeks for them and their would come out to get must-win game against Besiktas next week where such performance is likely not to be enough, however Igor Tudor does have  a week to get prepared to this game.

Overall, for perspective of Galatasaray the result is not satisfying at all but performance and tactical changes does provide some hope for the fans but as again Besiktas game might not come at the best time for them taking circumstances.

Results
Turkish Super League, 21st week:
Genclerbirligi 2:0 Konyaspor
Fenerbahce 0:0 Kasimpasa
Adanaspor 1:5 Osmanlispor
Besiktas 3:1 Akhisar Belediyespor

Schedule
Turkish Super League, 21st week:
20:00 Trabzonspor - Alanyaspor

In other news:

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim: If right actions were made following matchfixing against FETO their will not be failed coupdetat.Their were listening to me illegally since 2016. Their tried to connect me to Ergenekon case but couldnt.

- Besiktas player Ricardo Quaresma has become injured following Super League 21st week game against Akhisar Belediyespor.

- Abdurrahim Albayrak has stated that he will be running for Galatasaray CEO position in next election whenever it happens.

- Sao Paulo are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Robin van Persie.