What happened in Turkish football today? 30/03/2018

Besiktas would be aiming to start its winning streak against Alanyaspor.

Intense title race at the Super League would be resumed once again following international friendly games with 27th week game between Besiktas and Alanyaspor as Istanbul side would be coming out to the game with an aim to start its winning streak while Alanyaspor would look to get win 3 points to stay at Super League next season.

As it is known, lost towards Basaksehirspor during last week of the league has not been into calculation for its aim for league title but with being 4 points behind league leaders Galatasaray it would be still aiming for title to be quite possible as long as it manages to win all games including against Alanyaspor. Besiktas would be providing all its focus towards providing once again an attacking game and now allowing Alanyaspor to get into the game and hence Senol Gunes quite clearly would demand from his players to provide all-round great performance. Besiktas would be coming as favourite but Alanyaspor will be expected to be ready for game and provide mainly strong defence which after Cenk Tosun has created an issue for Besiktas to solve intense defensive games from opponents.

Besiktas hence would be coming as favourite for game but in attacking wise it would need try its best as even 1 point would be very crucial for opponents and hence it would be playing like that.

Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim has announced his candidacy for June election.

Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim has announced as expected his CEO candidacy for an election which would be taking place on 3rd June and hence officially started his campaign at what would be expected one of the most heated Fenerbahce election to take place in his reign.

Without doubt Yildirim strongest point to be successful candidate will be given into his past successes including number of the league title, building stadiums having other achievements and also at other branches at the club including men's basketball team winning most prestigious tournament Euroleague last season (and having chance to defend title this May).  However, as would been expected his strongest area in campaign would be match-fixing case and also role of FETO during this process and how Fenerbahce has managed to defend itself and what good its done to Turkish society as Yildirim has stated this since match-fixing case and continued more actively especially after failed coup d'etat on 15th July 2016 led by FETO leader Fethullah Gulen. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce administrator stating that club would have number of projects which would be announced has stated that there is mega project which Aziz Yildirim has.

This would be 1st time when Yildirim would have strong opponent during his reign and it would be one of the most exciting election to take place. Hence, it would be reasonable to be aware that campaigning would also be going into this track.

Besiktas would aim to move its academy forward. 

Besiktas administrator Metin Albayrak has announced today that there is extensive work towards its academy as it aims to improve it in drastic manner and make it a factory for new players which it could be able to use in future and hence would help team to push its average age.

With using Altinordu as an example, which is without doubt currently best academy in Turkey, Albayrak has stated into importance of good structured and organised academy which every club needs to have for its bright future not only to clubs but also whole country. It is known that Albayrak has done and will be doing some research around Europe, including England and Germany to study how academies are been organised in those countries and would use this example to make his academy. As Albayrak has stated himself the main aim is to make Besiktas academy best one in country and hence set an example for rest of the teams in country and move them forward into this field. During this week, our blog has occassionally has opened this issue of academy which especially would done help to national team and hence this decision from Besiktas will not only move team forward but also whole country.

But as been stated previously, among having great structure of academy its important for clubs to be patient, develop and give chance to young players. If this would be done in good manner among structure than Turkey would develop without doubt develop great football stars.

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 27th week:
Sivasspor 1:0 Karabukspor

Results:
Turkish Super League, 27th week:
13:30 Malatyaspor - Genclerbirligi
16:00 Antalyaspor - Bursaspor
19:00 Besiktas - Alanyaspor

In other news:

- TFF has announced that total amount of payment done to managers during Super League 2017-18 season until end of February has been 11,147,640 Euro.

- Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz: During our defence to UEFA has stated us that those promises were made before but debt raises. But their were happy with our 4-year plan. We made them understand Turkey is football nation. Garry Rodriguez recieved offers, but we would sell with higher salary.

- Galatasaray has paid salaries for club workers for March and April and has no debt to them from now on.


- Fenerbahce players Mehmet Ekici and Soldado are expected to start against Kayserispor during Super League 27th week game.

- Roma player Cengiz Under has become injured during training sessions.

- Fenerbahce administration has referred to club discipline committee - administrators Hulusi Belgu, Baris Ertul and Murat Asik.

- Fenerbahce CEO candidate Ali Koc: For being candidate, I been attacked for dividing club but I used democratic right. We never shown disrespect to current administration and will not allow it. We will defend our club regarding match-fixing.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Mainz player Suat Serdar.

- Arsenal are interested to transfer Freiburg player Caglar Soyuncu.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Porto player Brahimi.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Mainz player Suat Serdar.

What happened in Turkish football today? 29/03/2018

Ahmet Agaoglu has announced his Trabzonspor CEO candidacy.

Turkish Golf Federation CEO, Ali Agaoglu has become 1st and what looks to be only CEO candidate for Trabzonspor as it became clear that an election would take place 7-8 April as it didnt manage to obrain majority to make election legitimate.

Ahmet Agaolgu during his statements to the media has stated that he decided to become CEO candidate for Trabzonspor at the last minute of deadline day as noone has called for an election. Even through this kind of statement does put some worries from outside view regarding his seriousness and possibility to get that position, it is known that he has enough information regarding of club including economical and academy positions as he made it clear during his statements. He also showed realistic view for situation at the club, stating that club is uncapable to get high level results and would need time and patience from administration and fans for glory days to be back. Being CEO of Golf Federation Agaoglu does give hope for being legimitate and strong candidate to move team forward.

It is known that number of people who are involved at the team has wanted for Agaoglu to become CEO candidate during previous elections but this is 1st time when he decided to run for post which looks like he would be sole candidate.

Cuneyt Cakir and his assistants has been selected among referees for World Cup 2018.

FIFA has announced today that one of the most experienced and known Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir with assistants Bahattin Duran and Tarik Camdal will be included among referees at the World Cup 2018.

Even through it could be criticised into level of performance of Cakir during this season he is still been approved for important and crucial games at Champions League and Europa League and in fact could be appointed in upcoming games this season as quarter-final stages of both tournament is going to start next week. But it needs to be stated, in all fairness, that Cuneyt Cakir is not going at the best form to World Cup compare to previous times and might get some pressure for this factor, even through without doubt he is in level to cope with it and everyone surely would hope he would be appointed at knockout stage of the World Cup. Sadly, Cuneyt Cakir and his team would be only representatives from Turkey in Russia during this World Cup and hopefully would do great job making everyone proud of him.

Cuneyt Cakir selection to World Cup regardless of some criticisms does show that he is among best referees around world and has high aims to carry on this badge during his job at World Cup 2018.

Fenerbahce wants for league titles between 1923-1959 to be counted. 

Argument regarding of including cups which have been won prior to 1st Super League season (then 1.League) of 1959 but after formation of TFF in 1923 to include all of the cups to the list has been going for long time, with Fenerbahce planning to open case against TFF.

There has been many talks if titles prior to 1959 inagural season should be included including tournaments which has been similar to Super League however their has been lots of talks stating that some of this tournament has been organised more like Turkish Cup and hence should not be counted as league title. In here, its need to be reminded that Besiktas has managed to add 2 titles from 1957 and 1958 from tournament which has been similar to league. If Fenerbahce manages to include those tournaments than it would raise its league title tally from 19 to 28, Besiktas from 15 to 20 while Galatasaray would only add 1 title with making totally rally 21. In some league, which includes Germany, prior league system titles has been included while some countries make it clear that it is different tournaments. This case has been taken place for long time and chances for Fenerbahce to get what it wants are once again slim even when it open case.

It is unsurpursing that Fenerbahce has demanded most for this inclusion as it becomes main gainer of the status and would like to acknowlege its league titles prior to league system as it wants to be seen as best team at club and feels uneasy for previous glories to be ignored.

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 27th week:
20:00 Sivasspor - Karabukspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Sarajevo player Elvis Saric

- Fenerbahce considers to sell Ozan Tufan and Mathieu Valbuena during summer transfer window.

- Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur is expected to be able to play against Galatasaray during Super League 27th week game while Okay Yokuslu situation is unclear.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Newcastle United player Tim Barlaser.

- Trabzonspor player Okay Yokuslu is expected to start against Galatasaray during Super League 27th week game.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/03/2018

Turkish National Team shows great hopes for future and gets to be more organised side.

Turkish National Team has ended another its international friendly game period with getting 1 win and 1 draw and was actually pretty close to get also win against Montenegro yesterday but due of poor performance and also change of squad during 2nd half didnt manage to keep its 2:0 advantage which it got.

Stating that, the scoreline should not be main focus as those are friendly games where Mircea Lucescu has specifically called younger players to build future team which could be heroes for team which would qualify to Euro 2020 or even provide great performance at the tournament. Taking account that this team is getting used to each other right now and also general level of the performance at the team level there is some hopes for future. This blog did criticise Turkish National Team both during Ireland and Montenegro games but there were some good signs and areas which it wasnt able to show are solveable. It also needs to be reminded that some of the key players of current squad were not called and hence this team would been better at those circumstances. Still, there was some moments of great organisation and with Mircea Lucescu solving those issues it could lead to some hope for future games.

Therefore, it is case that national team is still not at the level which would be accepted by them but it has some good chances to become stronger side and shows great potential in its performance.

Valencia are interested to transfer Besiktas player Oguzhan Ozyakup 

European clubs interest towards Turkish players keeps taking place as it became clear that Valencia has also joined among teams who has interest to transfer Besiktas player Oguzhan Ozyakup during summer transfer window.

It is known that for player main priority right now being is to stay at Besiktas and the team wants to keep him at the side and one of the reasons why deal has not been made is for 30% share of fee which it needs to be paid to Arsenal according to contract which both player and club plan to find solution. However, without official extension contract made between side there would be news and rumours coming out from other teams in Turkey and around Europe for Oguzhan Ozyakup with Valencia being new side. Looking at things realistically, taking account interest of Besiktas and player, it is unlikely that he would leave but it does matter how talks with Arsenal would carry on as English side might show, rightly, show resistance for change of 30% share of salary not showing interest due of economical conditions pleasant at club and Turkey.

Therefore, chances of Oguzhan Ozyakup to leave Besiktas during summer transfer window is pretty pleasant but highly likely chance is for him to stay at his current side with pretty long extension.

Mustafa Cengiz focus into respect towards other teams could done good for Turkish football in future. 

Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz has tried to show himself as more gentleman CEO leader compare to previous CEO at the team and clubs, especially among big "4" teams, which has been pretty unusual aspect since match-fixing scandal.

Mustafa Cengiz did state several times that he would be celebrate the team which would get league title race but did underline as would be expected that he is hoping it would be his club lifting title at the end of the season. What is more crucial has been also his defence towards UEFA for possible fine or ban regarding of FFP to also provide defensive and supportive speech regarding of other clubs in Turkey. Among showing himself in positive image he also does great for Turkish football as realising that keeping support for all teams would move forward Turkish football in general, level of Super League and national team. This behaviour hopefully would also move other clubs to show similar stance. For now, this stance also seems allows club to stay out of high polemics between sides also.

Of course, as it is known tension at Turkish football is known to be very high between clubs, fans and sometimes media raising some issues so its not easy to show that stance in this league and country but if Cengiz manages to carry on like that tension outside of football fields could be over.

In other news:

- AhmetAgaoglu has announced his CEO candidacy for Trabzonspor CEO election.

- Fenerbahce player Martin Skrtel has attended today's training session.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint Serkan Recber as club's sports director.

- Unnamed Bursaspor player has been spotted during drift driving at the club facilities.

- TFF administrator Ahmet Gokcek: Savior of the condition in football should to not allow for clubs to have more 5% of debt from last season. This system would allow clubs to focus more into game and not focus too much into places where money goes away more than it should.

- Galatasaray doctor Yener Ince has stated that team players Selcuk Inan and Serdar Aziz are not too serious and players expected to be ready for Super League 27th week game against Trabzonspor.

- Trabzonspor player Okay Yokuslu has become injured during international friendly game against Montenegro.

- Arsenal are interested to transfer Freiburg player Caglar Soyuncu.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Genk player Siebe Schrijvers.

- Galatasaray has paid 10 million euro to its players prior to Super League 27th week game against Trabzonspor.

- Fenerbahce CEO candidate Ali Koc considers to appoint Peter Kenyon as responsible for football section and football director Mattias Sammer.

- ArdaCakmak has announced Genclerbirligi CEO candidacy.

- Vasco de Gama are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Mathieu Valbuena.

- Galatasaray plans to extend contract with its player Sinan Gumus.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer River Plate player Gonzalo Martinez.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Braunschwig player Ahmet Canbaz.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Altinordu player Erce Kardesler.

- Besiktas player Gokhan Tore has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/03/2018

Turkish National Team wasnt able to get win as it was winning with 2:0 scoreline. 

Turkish National Team didnt manage to win international friendly game against Montenegro as game ended with 2:2 scoreline as it didnt manage to keep its winning scoreline as it was winning with 2:0 after 25th minute but has lost upper hand of the game as game progressed in 2nd half.

Even through Turkish National Team has provided much more attacking game during 1st half which it has shown good game and has controlled game during that period creating some good chances and has found 2 goals back to back. Coming to the game, it was played at pretty average tempo as it would been expected from friendly games and Turkish National Team during this international frienlies did provide some improvement in recent periods but it needs to be stated that those opponents not in the level to get to the World Cup even through could be seen as good opponents for Nations League. Their were two different halves during Turkish National Team as it was been too relaxed during 2nd half and Montenegro has shown much more brave football and hence has managed to turn around game and has provided much faster game. Turkish National Team did show provide good football against Ireland and Montenegro during 1st half but 2nd half of today game did provide some issues.

Montenegro has also fit into tempo of the game which was set from both sides and despite of losing 2 early goals didnt lose its concentration of the game and has managed to stay focus which proves why their had found 2 goals towards end of the half and could be satisfied from today's game.

Turkish National Team did provide some good performances in this friendly games but still need to solve some issues but main focus was to make young players to get adapted to the game and it had achieved that with help of Mircea Lucescu.

Top clubs would view Yusuf Yazici performance against Trabzonspor.

An interest which is been showen towards Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici from top teams from top European leagues is been carried in total of 8 scouts would be present at the Super League 27th week game between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor to view him.

Scouts decision to view Trabzonspor player especially at this game is not surprise as side would be playing among its most difficult game during this season and his performance on the day would therefore show him at the best side and hence if he manages to provide great performance it would also automatically affect his chances to be selected for transfer at this sides as clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, Monaco and Sevilla are among clubs to be interested. Coming to Yazici himself, he is pretty capable to show top level performance at those teams as he has this quality but he needs to be able to impress on the game which would be played on 1st April at Super League if he wants to carry on high level performance and join among other European players during upcoming season.

Therefore, its all connected to his performance during game against Galatasaray if he wants to open door towards Europe for next season.

Besiktas would be aiming for 100% record for last 8 games. 

During past two days, both Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman and administrator Ahmet Nur Cebi are talking actively for getting league 3rd season back to back but even through it is very realistic aim its not as simple to win it as it looks.

Foremost, its not enough for Besiktas to win all of the games during rest of the 8 games as it has lost this opportunity after losing to Basaksehirspor prior to national team break. However, with other clubs above them keep losing points as this season shows us it still can get league title if it aims to win all of the games and also with Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor game ending with possibly draw hence could lead them to get title. But worrying part here is that it might not get 100% record as it also not showing very good performance with also taking that it would be meeting with Galatasaray at their ground and with Galatasaray performance at home ground it would be tough game for Besiktas. It is clear also that this statement by Orman and Cebi has been given to media and fans, it was also strong message towards players to focus into last 8 games and end season with 100% record and then other results would show what would happen.

Besiktas does have unstable performance compare to last 2 seasons and hence its hard to state that their would get league title for sure but their are capable in strength to achieve that in end of the day.

Results:
International Friendly Games:
Montenegro 2:2 Turkey

In other news:
- CentralRefereeCommittee CEO Yusuf Namoglu has stated that aim is to introduce slowly VAR system during next season.

- Diyarbakir Stadium has been observed by TFF workers prior to Turkish Cup final which will take place on 9th May.

- Benfica player Anderson Talisca manager Carlos Leite has stated that he didnt have transfer talks with Roma sports director Monchi.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Porto player Yacine Brahimi.

- Sevilla are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Okay Yokuslu.

- Besiktas has informed its player Oguzhan Ozyakup to have talks with Arsenal regarding of reducing or taking away section of contract of paying 30% of his salary to team.

- Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel is expected to start all of the games at Super League until end of the season.

- Galatasaray player Selcuk Inan has stated to club doctors that he should be recoverred from injury for Super League 27th week game against Trabzonspor.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/03/2018

Turkey needs to provide more attacking game against Montenegro compare to game against Ireland. 

Turkish National Team would play its 2nd and last international friendly game during this break  as it would meet Montenegro, as it would be playing against slightly difficult opponent to all respect to the Ireland and would aim to carry on similar performance with controlling ball but would seek ways to improve at attacks.

Turkish National Team as been stated at previous blogs, has provided great defensive and organised game against Ireland controlling ball for most amount of time at the Irish half. Despite of that, it did show pretty poor performance at creating chances and hardly entered to penalty area. Therefore, and to provide confidence towards forward players it would be helpful if national team would be more active at the attack without forgetting disciplined performance their showed against Ireland. Montenegro is a good opponent as it would be able to provide good test for a team which are in similar strength as their are and to some extend more stronger side. Therefore, it is important to also provide a view at players and viewers of the game that Turkey is also capable to create high number of dangerous chance and can be hungry for goals with dominating game for most amount of time.

Therefore, it is crucial here for them to show much more attacking game which seems to be absence point during game against Ireland and also what kept some viewers and critics unsatisfied.

BK Hacken has loaned Antalyaspor player Moustapha El-Kabir.

Swedish side BK Hacken has loaned Antalyaspor Moustapha El-Kabir until end of the season which could be also show sign that club considers to sell player during summer transfer window.

With Antalyaspor not being able to show similar performance during this season and also crucial games coming up at the team it could be seen as natural that when team has recieved good loan offer for a player which it is unhappy at it would use this opportunity. El Kabir could this period to show Antalyaspor, if he wants to stay there, that he is still at great condition and can move team forward with his performance at BK Hacken as Antalyaspor technical staff would certainly follow his performance at the side.Taking account at condition which Antalyaspor is currently right now and also important 8 games coming up at the game, decision to loan to Sweden could actually show even more into performance which player has shown in this recent period and with team deciding to loan him.

This loan of course could also mean that BK Hacken would transfer for longer period during summer transfer window and could be main reason for this loan to be made.

Fenerbahce wants to keep Janssen for other year as loan player.

Despite of long-term injury of Vincent Janssen, who is loaned to Fenerbahce from Tottenham Hotspur, Turkish team has decided to extend loan deal with player for another summer and plans to have direct negotiations with Tottenham.

Even through of injury, it is reported that Fenerbahce has been very happy how he has performed during training session and always taken full seriousness during training session and also at different areas has shown professionalism. It needs to be stated that he also managed to show good performance while being played at the games as he has found 4 goals during 11 game period and had shown great performance with moving team forward during this game. Therefore, this decision could be highly understood. It needs to be stated still that decision by Tottenham would be given into condition of Kane as it is unclear if he would stay at team or not.

Therefore, transfer works of Tottenham Hotspur does seem to play direct role about Janssen staying at Fenerbahce or not, and time would show how this story develop.

Schedule:
International Friendly Game:
20:10 Montenegro - Turkey

In other news:

- Bursaspor has made professional deal with its academy players Burak Kapacak, Ismail Coksalis and Cagatay Yilmaz.

- Bursaspor player Moussa Sow has recovered from his injury.

- Bursaspor players Baris Yardimci, Yusuf Erdogan, Emre Tasdemir and Kubilay Kanatsizkus has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- TFF administrator Ali Durust has stated that federation has all of the trust towards head coach Mircea Lucescu.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Chievo player Samuel Bastien.

- Roma are interested to transfer Benfica player Anderson Talisca.

- Galatasaray player Selcuk Inan recovery process from injury has been started at club.

- Cemal Ozgorkey considers to become Galatasaray CEO candidate for May election.

- Besiktas has made 5-year extension deal with its player Fabri.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer PSG player Metehan Guclu.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Goztepe player Demba Ba.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/03/2018

Elmander is responsible for Scandinavian scouts for Galatasaray

Galatasaray ex-player Johan Elmander has stated that he is working for club as scout for Scandinavian region and arleady start offering some names to the club which does show that club has some interest towards region.

However, it needs to be stated that Elmander is doing this aspect as part time as he actually more into developing his skill towards coaching levels and also to get into more useful position at the team stating that he has good connection with team head coach Fatih Terim. As been mentioned this work would be more or less as part-time for Elmander, but he arleady has provided some suggestions of names to the team which it needs to be stated does provide some interest also from club. It would been expected that his role would become even more important in upcoming month and very likely he would carry on providing some more important names towards Galatasaray. If team would be satisfied it would high chances for club to have many scandinavian young players in next season.

This role actually is good will and trust shown from Fatih Terim towards his previous player and this connection could grow into something more with Elmander getting even more important position at the technical stuff.

Besiktas will extend contract with Atiba Hutchinson for 1+1 years.

Besiktas player Atiba Hutchinson has been among most loyal foreign players towards his team as he has been at the club since Besiktas has been starting to develop into best team at the country and has also taken place at all of the successes at the Europe. Therefore, it is no big surprise that club has offered him 1+1 extension contract.

Due of Hutchinson age, Besiktas is reluctant to provide longer period of contract but it believes that he is capable to provide high level performance for the team in upcoming years and there is opportunity that he would end his career at the team. It is been reported that Galatasaray has also interest with a player but even that is case it is very unlikely that club would sell him, especially to their rivals at the Super League. Hutchinson is also known to be very happy at the side and therefore would also have strong interest to provide this extension with a team. There are rumours that contract has been even made but there is still no official statements.

It is no doubt that Hutchinson would be staying at the team and its only matter of offical announcement and also how long contract would be extended.

Yasin Oztekin has been offered to Fenerbahce.

Among most interesting transfer rumours been stated at this quite day during national team break, has been possibility for Galatasaray player Yasin Oztekin joining Fenerbahce during summer transfer window.

It is reported that Yasin Oztekin manager has provided such an offer to Fenerbahce stating that with current CEO it is unclear stance which would be taken by his current team and he could be free player. To which Fenerbahce, according to rumour, has stated that their would talk about in June as their would also have CEO elections but did keep doors open for such case to be taken place. Yasin Oztekin being high level player could be able to provide Fenerbahce into stronger side as he has strong potential as showing top level performance at top team so it could be good deal for them but again this too early to talk as case could move into different direction as transfer will be open especially when this news is only being rumour and it is unclear if this talks did take place.

Therefore, it could be also good news for Yasin Oztekin as he can get more playing time but time would show how this story would develop.

In other news:

- Trabzonspor has won training game against its under-21 side with 5:2 scoreline.

- TurkishNationalTeam player Selcuk Inan has been taken from squad due of injury.

- Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur injury is reported to be not too serious

- Bursaspor has stated that it would be openning criminal case against Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim for implying that their have won title in 2009-10 season with help of FETO.

- Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has send "get better"messages to Fenerbahce player Martin Skrtel who has lost conscience during international friendly game between Slovakia and Thailand.

- Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz is having negotiations with Fatih Gokcen, Sukru Ergun, Celal Gurcen, Engin Akcagoca, Ali Gursoy and Ahmet Dedehayir for an administration for May election.

- Fenerbahce will not extend its contract with its player Neto in summer.

- Besiktas has offered 1 million euro for Nijmegen player Ferdi Kadioglu.

- Liverpool are interested to transfer Benfica player Anderson Talisca.

- Besiktas player Fabri has requested 5-year extension contract with 2.5 million euro yearly salary.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Midjylland player Mikkel Duelend.

- Galatasaray has raised its offer to Inter Milan for Yuto Nagatomo from 2 million euro to 2.5 million euro.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/03/2018

Turkish National Team has improved with discipline but lacked with attacking game.

Turkish National Team has shown some signs of hope during international friendly game against Republic of Ireland especially at defensive side but showed that it does need to improve at attacking front as it lacked to create chances.

As Turkish National Team head coach Mircea Lucescu has stated following game, the players has shown much more disciplined game and also understanding with each other due of high number of the passes which were given during the game and general control of the game at the midfield area. However, it was observed that team had serious issues with creating dangerous chances at the front of the field as it even failed to enter to penalty zone and only hope to find goal was either outside penalty area or from set pieces. Hence, only goal during game did come from set piece which came from corner kick in well organised manner and nice shot from Mehmet Topal. Still, it was important to see that players has provided better understanding at the front of the field and had shown good passing game.

Therefore, this performance did show some signs of hope for future but it needs to improve this performance against Macedonia and be more brave at the attacking side of the game.

Muharrem Usta calls to reduce club debt once again. 

Trabzonspor CEO Muharrem Usta who has also asked for an early election to be taking place where he doesnt plan to run as candidate that all of the recent previous CEO should take their role to reduce debt amount at the team.

Muharrem Usta has stated that when he became CEO of the team, team had 150 million TL debt and at the end of the year it would raise to 158 million TL. Usta did in fact admitted that he had played an important role for this debt and would play role to reduce it but has asked everyone before him to also put their hand in this idea. Unfortunately, ex-CEO's has been unhappy with statement and to some extend even read this call as an admission that he did poor job as CEO. However, in this kind of things in this blog view would become how this personalities does take responsbility. If those CEO have some place to be blamed for this high amount of debt than their should play their role to reduce it. Muharrem Usta who has been pretty calm CEO, compare to his predecessor Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, has made pretty reasonable call to solve this issue but time would show how much it would be able to solve the issue.

Meanwhile, there has been not any candidate named for CEO election which does put into question into how this election would take next month and who would be taking role of moving club forward.

Galatasaray are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Trezeguet.

It has been reported at the transfer rumours front at Turkish sports media that club is interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Trezeguet in case if it does sell its player Garry Rodrigues.

As it is known, Trezeguet has been among key players at the Kasimpasa who also takes good share of goals for the team especially in the start of the season. With high possibility that Garry Rodrigues would be sold during summer for European clubs, it is time for Galatasaray to consider for his replacement at the team and Trezeguet seems to be good option. It also reported that Trezeguet would be interested to join team and show himself at the club which would be fighting for league title. Trezeguet has also shown great adaptation to the Super League with his performance with Kasimpasa which is also good news for Galatasaray. As always time would show if this transfer deal would be made but it is good alternative for Galatasaray.

There is still time until start of the summer transfer window but clubs start making some studies for possible players and even through Galatasaray is not being very actively due of title race and also awaiting UEFA FFP decision it also start doing some research.

In other news:

- Alanyaspor has drawn during friendly game against Tosno with 2:2 scoreline.

- Galatasaray has won training game against clubs under-21 team with 5:4 scoreline.

- Konyaspor has won friendly game against Adanaspor with 2:0 scoreline.

- TurkishNationalTeam player Abdulkadir Omur has been taken from squad due of injury.

- Galatasaray player Serdar Aziz manager Haluk Canatar has stated that club didnt request any cash from court for his player.

- TurkishNationalTeam players Cengiz Under and Mahmut Tekdemir has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- Galatasaray administrator Burak Elmas: We have provided very good presentation to UEFA regarding FFP. It went very well and we shown best presentation we could. I dont think our fine will be harsh. We are working to solve traffic issue near our stadium. Our coach Fatih Terim has big aims and long-term projects for our team. He doesnt think for short-term period.

- Galatasaray players Ryan Donk and Mariano are expected to start against Trabzonspor during Super League 27th week game.

- Basaksehirspor player Arda Turan has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

- Goztepe has started tranfer negotiations with Gunay and Tanju.

- Besiktas has set transfer fee of its player Oguzhan Ozyakup between 15-20 million euro.

- Galatasaray would extend contract of its player Sinan Gumus and raise his salary from 600,000 euro to 1 million euro.

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim would keep club head coach Aykut Kocaman for next season if he would be selected as club CEO.

- Goztepe player Beto has extended his contract with his club until June 2019

- Besiktas would be having transfer negotiations regarding its player Ricardo Quaresma following World Cup 2018

- Besiktas has got share of 25% transfer fee of Benfica player Anderson Talisca.

- Fenerbahce considers to start with Mehmet Ekici, Mathieu Valbuena and Soldado at starting 11 during last 8 games at the league.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/03/2018

Turkey has shown good control of game but has lacked to create chances during game.

With single goal scored from Mehmet Topal through set piece has led Turkish National Team to win international friendly game against Republic of Ireland at the game where team has controlled whole game but had trouble to create dangerous chances.

There are really two perspectives which could be watched at the Turkish National Team performance which is from positive and negative views. One of the factors which would keep also future for this team hopefully is that Turkey has managed to control ball and not allowing Ireland to get much chances. Taking account, in all fairness, that both sides strength are more or less are exactly same it was important to see that Turkey has controlled ball, was more in other half compare to Ireland who had once chance at the game. But the problem with Turkish National Team has been for not creating chances and has trouble at not only creating but also show some activity at the penalty area where all this control has mainly been outside of penalty zone. In fact, the factor that goal has come from corner kick, set piece, has provided some worrying of not being able which would mean that it had trouble. Without doubt this should be an issue which needs to be solved for friendly game against Montenegro on 27th March.

On other hand, Ireland wasnt able to provide a lot of difficulty against Turkey as it had only very dangerous chances and apart of that has been playing side which was defending. Their could see only conceding goal as positive sign but it had trouble to control game.

Turkish National Team has now got a win which would keep them highly motivated as Mircea Lucescu has won his 2nd game as he became coach of the team. Right now team would aim to improve this performance against Montenegro.

Igor Tudor would demand 900,000 euro bonus if Galatasaray gets league title.

There are some strong rumours that Galatasaray ex-coach Igor Tudor considering to open compensation case against his old team due of not recieving payment until of the season. Yesterday their was also news circulated at Turkish media that ex-coach would request 900,000 euro if team would get title.

Igor Tudor would be asking for this money in an argument that he has also played a role for this league title if it would be recieved during his performance during 1st half of the season. Even through this argument does make some valuable it needs to be remembered that team did lose lots of points during his last games of the season and also its totally unclear how team would have performed with him staying at the team. Therefore, this action would be seen as unprofessional and unethical and he would only recieve if administration decides to acknowledge as his role but demanding it from side would be entirely wrong. When Igor Tudor did join Galatasaray with leaving Karabukspor in total unclear manner it was some signs that he would be able to create some issues towards team. As he has lived those aspects has come into visibility.

It needs to be stated that this are also rumours and might not be case but sadly it could be stated that Igor Tudor is someone who might provide such request at the end of the season.

Fabri demands raise of his salary from Besiktas. 

Among other news which was going around Turkish media, is reports that Besiktas player Fabri has requested raise of his salaries from administration or otherwise he would be considering to leave team during summer transfer window.

Fabri is recieving least amount of salary at the team among foreign players and has shown strong loyalty to the team. Player and manager rightfully argue that as player he has provided lots of effort and role for success of the team in domestic and European level and hence wants to be provided with respective salary. Besiktas as all of the teams in Turkey, even through might not have as serious others, is also at high debt and hence would not happy with such development but if it wants to keep player at the side and make sure he provides good performance would need to reconsider his salary to keep him happy at the team. This blog expects for this issue to be solved in mutual deal as both sides seem to be satisfied but time would be showing.

This news does make sense, but as usual Turkish sports media might overexerate this event and it might not be as stressful as it is but time would show if both sides would make deal about this salary issue.

Results:
International Friendly Game:
Turkey 1:0 Republic of Ireland

In other news:

- Fenerbahce has lost friendly game against Boluspor with 6:2 scoreline.

- Turkish referees during international friendly games:
23rd March: Finland-Macedonia - Mete Kalkavan
26th March: Finland-Malta - Huseyin Gocek
27th March: Azerbaijan - Macedonia - Halis Ozkahya.

- Capital Market Board has approved to raise capital provided from 432,000,000 TL to 540,000,000 TL to Galatasaray

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund player Mario Gotze

- Fenerbahce CEO Aziz Yildirim has criticised CEO candidate Ali Koc campaign slogan "missed Fenerbahce" stating that all of the successes at club has come from his reign.

- ManchesterCity are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Oguz Kaan Guctekin.

- Besiktas player Ryan Babel will try to convince Bayern Munich player Arjen Robben to be transferred to his club.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bayern Munich player Juan Bernat.

- Fenerbahce player Mathieu Valbuena is considering to leave team during summer transfer window.

- Galatasaray would be playing 1 million euro transfer fee installment of Maicon to Sao Paulo in April.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/03/2018

Turkey would be playing against Republic of Ireland for Lucescu to check current condition of players.

Turkish National Team would be starting with Republic of Ireland game during this period of international friendly games as its head coach Mircea Lucescu has set an aim to make new team and also develop Turkish youth and general Turkish football with long-term process.

Since Turkey didnt qualify to World Cup 2018 due of poor performance in qualifiers it did get at least good opportunity to get long term plan and preparation for Nations League tournament and to study all of the weaknesses team has during this friendlies game. With Republic of Ireland being one of the teams which has been improved in recent years, their would be able to provide great test for the team as Turkey could be argued could do same vice versa. One of the interesting aspects of the team could be stated that their are 3 Istanbulspor players at the squad but this mainly been done to focus into youth players as Lucescu likely to see some potentiality in them and players have good opportunity to show everyone why Lucescu has this belief to them during this friendly games.

Meanwhile, this title race should have kept number of players at great form but those friendly games would be able to show how much are those players able to provide top level performance at national level without foreign stars.

Galatasaray highly likely to get transfer of Inter loaned player Yuto Nagatomo.

Without doubt as it was been at news updates at our Twitter and Facebook accounts clear, Galatasaray main transfer focus has been Yuto Nagatomo as team focusses into transferring him using an advantage that player wants to stay at the team.

With Galatasaray administration has been focussed to transfer Kwadwo Asamoah in recent transfer periods, the alternative of Yuto Nagatomo has been ending up being very effective for a team as his adaptation after few games has shown him high level performance. Without doubt also recieving lots of game time and also having an opportunity to be selected to Japanese National Team for World Cup 2018 has allowed Nagatomo to be successful. Factor of being to be selected at starting 11 compare to Inter Milan and also showing good performance has moved him to wanting to stay at the team. Galatasaray right now focusses to make this transfer deal with him for 2 million euro and factors right now including possibility of Asamoah joining Inter could turn into his advantage.

Since their is still long-term until summer transfer window it is hard to state anything but speaking from today it does look Galatasaray to make deal with Inter Milan in summer.

Turkish clubs would focus to reduce average age during summer transfer window. 

As been mentioned above it is still long-time until start of the transfer window, but it does look like that the main focus would be given towards its academy and also getting young players from abroad.

Super League is been recorded as 2nd most oldest team in Europe and this without doubt provides huge issues at the team future investment and also performances at the Europe. It was stated at the blog that Galatasaray would be focussing to making average age much lower and it would be expected to be case in all Turkish clubs. The main way to find solution is to focus on its youth academy by at 1st moving some players to main squad and continue them develop this time in senior level in short term and longer term focus into whole system of academy at making , regardless how much I dont like to refer as such, into factory of players and at least make strong players for level of Super League and also to bring successes to national team. There is willingness at least for club administration to focus on that as it is very crucial but how it would turn into reality depends on actions rather than statements from clubs.

It is crucial for team administrations at the league to be aware that this is long term project and if its done right would bring great pluses in future and should not focus into present gains. Leaving today is advantage, but not in things when investment for future is crucial.

Schedule:
International Friendly Games:
20:30 Turkey - Republic of Ireland

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Kasimpasa has recieved warning and blockage of section of the stand for behaviour of fans.
- Basaksehirspor has recieved blockage of section at stand for behaviour of fans
- Besikas has recieved 170,000 TL fine and blockage of section of stands for behaviour of fans.
- Konyaspor head coach Sergen Yalcin has recieved 1-game ban and 26,000 TL for anti-sportmanship statements.
- Fenerbahce has recieved 300,000 TL fine for 7th time behaviour per season, 45,000 TL fine for actions at the field and blockage of stands.
- Fenerbahce and Galatasaray has recieved 35,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs at stands empty
- Fenerbahce head coach Aykut Kocaman and CEO Aziz Yildirim has recieved warning for anti-sportmanship statements
- Galatasaray has recieved 20,000 TL fine for 2nd time behaviour per season, 15,000 TL fine for actions at the field and blockage of stands.
- TurkishNationalTeam players Abdulkadir Omur and Mehmet Zeki Celik has been included to Turkish National Team Under-21 side for U21 Euro 2019 qualifier against Sweden.

- Besiktas player Pepe is expected to be able to play against Alanyaspor during Super League 27th week game.

- Fenerbahce player Vincent Janssen expects to recover from injury until Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game against Besiktas.

- Trabzonspor player Filip Novak wants to start against Galatasaray during Super League 27th week game.

- Manchester City, Arsenal and Barcelona are interested to transfer Roma player Cengiz Under.

- Goztepe plans to make extension contract with its player Demba Ba for 2 years.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Valladolid player Jaime Mata.

- Schalke has offered 12 million euro for Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Olympiakos player Konstantinos Fourtosis.

- Everton are interested to transfer Besiktas player Oguzhan Ozyakup.

- Besiktas aims to have pre-season training camp this summer in Singapour.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/03/2018

Karabukspor has appointed Unal Karaman as club's new head coach.

Karabukspor has announced in unexpected manner that Unal Karaman will be appointed as club's new head coach with moving its previous coach Levent Acikgoz as general manager of the team as club plans to end season at head high and more importantly prepare for next season.

Karabukspor so far has gathered only 12 points during season with 8 games and being 15 points behind safe zone of the league. Even through mathematically Karabukspor does have chance to stay at Super League next season it is clear with previous statements from club and overall situation at the club that it would be relegated with high opportunity for this to be case in April. With this taking into account it could be seen that following aim of appointmet of Karaman is focussing to make plans for upcoming season and to look solutions to solve problems at the team and make side which would be fighting to return to Super League as it wouldnt be happy to be in similar which Gaziantepspor is at which has been dropped to 2nd league recently. Unal Karaman would see his chance to provide some confidence and motivation for last weeks of this season and aim to provide some good performances and also study issues at the team which he would be aiming to solve this summer.

This could be seen as new beginning for Karabukspor with having plans to end this season at good way as possible and find ways to get back to Super League after next season, if of course it doesnt manage surprisingly to stay at league at this end of this season.

Anderson Talisca has asked for raise in contract from Besiktas.

Situation of Besiktas-loaned player Anderson Talisca and his future at the team after summer still is being unclear as even through he does state that he wants to stay at the team, doesnt manage to provide type of negotiations which is suitable for Besiktas.

For instance, it has become clear that Anderson Talisca has requested raise at his salary from 2.2 million euro to 3 million euro next season if he stays at the team. With taking account that Besiktas is currently negotiating his transfer fee from 21 million euro and taking account of strong interest towards him around Europe, would make club to be unhappy with such statements of the team right now. It needs also to be noted that team would likely to have direct negotiations with manager and Talisca doesnt seem to be interested to be involved directly at negotiations regarding his future at the team. This factors does put Besiktas to be questioning about if it should follow this transfer negotiations and extend contract.

Therefore, it does look this issue would be among most interesting subjects at the transfer front with Besiktas start questioning if it should keep him for next season.

Galatasaray would focus into its youth players during summer period.

Galatasaray main focus during upcoming summer transfer window would be focussing into youth players from its academy and also from foreign nations to reduce teams average age.

Last time the player has been taking from academy at the Galatasaray has been during last reign of Fatih Terim and without doubt being coach which gives focus into this area, he would be giving strong focus during summer period which includes taking number of players to pre-season training camp in summer and focussing which players could be adapted. This would be an important role as during recent period not much working with academies at the team has been criticisised heavily especially after Turkey didnt manage to qualify to the World Cup 2018. It is known meanwhile that Galatasaray does have strong enough squad to work with its youth players and hence at least those players would get high number of experience which could lead them to be playing at main team possibly at Champions League and have window opened to outside Turkey in similar way as it was opened for Enes Unal and Cengiz Under.

This focus towards youth is very important but we would see how effective it would be done in practice during pre-season training camps.

In other news:

- TFF has announced Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg fixture:

18th April 20:30 Galatasaray- Akhisarspor
19th April 20:30 Fenerbahce - Besiktas

- Konyaspor will be playing friendly game against Adanaspor on 24th March.

- Kayserispor has extended contract with its player Oleksandr Kucher for 1+1 years.

- Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz: Igor Tudor has opened 7.5 million euro compensation case against us. We aim to solve this issue. This been pretty strong defence to UEFA, we had defended all teams in country. I would be going as candidate for May election.

- Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim is impressed with academy players Celil Yuksel, Atalay Babacan and Ali Ulgen.

- Borussia Dortmund are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Nantes player Adrian Tomasson.

- Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel considers to extend contract with his club for 4 years.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Shakhtar Donetsk player Facundo Ferreyra.

- Fenerbahce player Vincent Janssen expects to be ready to play during Super League 27th week game against Kayserispor.

- Galatasaray has offered 2 million euro for Inter Milan player Yuto Nagatomo who is currently loaned to team.

- Besiktas player Oguzhan Ozyakup has requested 3 million euro + 2.5 million euro signature money for extension contract at the end of the season.