What happened in Turkish football today? 29/04/2019

Galatasaray didnt provide strong attacking game against Konyaspor.

Galatasaray has lost golden opportunity to end Super League 30th week as leaders as it didnt manage to beat Konyaspor as game has ended with goalless draw as Istanbul side didnt provide any shots at the target.

Even through Galatasaray did control for most amount of the game and didnt provide some actions close to goal line, it has lacked an important creative performance during game and with Konyaspor providing strong defensive game, it has lost an important opportunity to get an upper hand at the title race without doubt. It needs to be noted meanwhile that if Galatasaray still manages to win all of the 4 games left during this season, which are against other opponents for league title it would still win title. However, it needs to be stated with performance which Galatasaray is showing especially struggling when coming to an away performance, it does provide some worries if it can provide similar performance in upcoming games. One of the worrying aspects of Galatasaray during today's game that it didnt provide much of performance of going forward and hungrily looking for a goal, with some moments looking like Galatasaray was playing for a draw which isnt acceptable taking account that Konyaspor didnt also show much difficult towards Galatasaray goal.

Looking at the game, it was obvious that Konyaspor main focus for today's game was to not concede goal rather than scoring as it has focussed heavily into defense game which it did show in good organised manner. Even through Galatasaray as been mentioned didnt provide strong creative game, Konyaspor has shown strong defence which prevented Galatasaray to feel comfortable at attack.

Galatasaray right now has lost 2 points against Konyaspor and even through winning rest of 4 games would make them champions, this loss would affect negatively to morale especially before crucial derby game against Besiktas.

Besiktas has got right into title race with win against Ankaragucu.

Despite of not providing a great performance especially during 1st half of Super League 30th week game against Ankaragucu, Besiktas has got an important win with 4:1 scoreline and currently are located 3 points behind Basaksehirspor.

As Besiktas has become closer for title race, its performance has been changed into more tactical game and more careful performance quite naturally compare to only previous game and with Ankaragucu providing more or less an open game, it had trouble to get an upper hand. However, goal from Burak Yilmaz has helped side to get leading scoreline of the game and during 2nd half of Domadoj Vida has helped side to get dominance for rest of the game. Besiktas as a team hence has shown confident performance and has got confident win and most importantly has recieved high motivation for derby game against Galatasaray taking place on 5th May which could become game which could decide who would win title at the end of the season. Meanwhile, it needs to be stated that Burak Yilmaz has once again ahoqn why he is important player for a side as he become main reason for side to find winning goal. Besiktas right now has real chances at winning league title at the end of the season as it has won 6 games back-to-back and would now need to continue this form for next 4 games.

Besiktas does come out to the last 4 games with best form but it still has disadvantage of being behind at points, but beating Galatasaray next week could also turn around this also.

Josef Sural has passed away due of traffic accident. 

Turkish football community has been strongly affected this morning from news that Alanyaspor player Josef Sural has been passed away following traffic incident when privately owned minibus has experienced crash.

The incident happened when 7 players has called seperately minibus and were travelling to Alanya from Kayserispor game of Super League 30th week game and around 2 am it has got into bus crash where Sural has been thrown out from bus due of impact and has recieved high amount of wounds both internal and external. Despite of all attempts by hospital to save his life with operations, it wasnt able to do anything. It also become clear that bus drivers which were both at the minibus have fallen to sleep when accident took place which means that all responsibility has been taken from their unprofessional action which has sadly cost their life. This loss surely has affected to Turkish football community when taking account that this death could been prevented. It also needed to be stated that all other 6 players who were wonded due of accident, dont have serious injuries and are expected to show fast recovery and be discharged from hospital.

Turkish Football News Update sends all condolences to family of Josef Sural, Alanyaspor team and whole Turkish Football community. RIP Josef Sural.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
Yeni Malatyaspor 2:1 Kasimpasa
Konyaspor 0:0 Galatasaray

In other news:

- TFF has announced that it would have minute of silence on all football games between 29th April-6th May to commemorate passing away of Alanyaspor player Josef Sural.

- Alanyaspor has organised funeral of Josef Sural who has passed away after traffic accident at its facilities. Afterwards, his body has been send to Czech Republic.

- Alanyaspor CEO Hasan Cavusoglu has stated that driver of VIP minibus which has carried team players following Super League 30th week game against Kayserispor and ended with tragic death of Josef Sural, Esat Altintas has been taken into custody.

- Fenerbahce will be attending to Audi Cup 2019 which would take place in Berlin, Germany on 30th-31st July. Other teams taking place are Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

- Galatasaray has announced its Super League title and Turkish Cup title double as 20,000,000 TL.

- Fenerbahce expects to start with Roman Neustadtner and Mehmet Topal during Super League 31st week game against Kasimpasa.

- IndependienteSantaFe are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Hugo Rodallega.

- Besiktas considers to keep its player Lorius Karius at the club for next season.

- Trabzonspor would send complaint to TFF towards Super League 30th week game against Fenerbahce observer who didnt include in his post-game rapport fact that Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel has attended post-game interview. Demirel didnt play during that game.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/04/2019

Besiktas has reduced point difference to 3 points with leaders despite of poor performance in 1st half. 

With Basaksehirspor losing 3 points earlier during this week, Besiktas has got an important chance to drop point difference to 3 points and also raise high amount of motivation prior to one of the most important games against Galatasaray taking place next week.

With Besiktas coming out to the game which it needed to win with 4:1 scoreline against Ankaragucu, it needs to be stated that it had some difficult game especially during 1st half as Ankaragucu has been side which has been creating chances and looking for a goal. But it needs to be stated that class of Burak Yilmaz, which are among main players to bring back this side back towards title race has scored with pure class. With ending 1st half with winning game but providing poor performance still provided an additional motivation for 2nd half which it did convert into action. One of the players who has played an important role for Besiktas to end game in such a way has been Lorius Karius who for 2nd half has provided high level performance and would certainly become one of the main players if side gets league title. Besiktas are now highly focussed for last 4 games and would highly focussed for league title with beating Galatasaray during next week would make its aim for title even more closer.

Ankaragucu meanwhile carries on providing positive football and with its positive game during 1st half looking for chances and not being too much scared of Besiktas has shown that it can provided strong performance at league. With Ankaragucu right now need to focus to get 4 points if Goztepe and Bursaspor would win all games to stay at league.

Besiktas has found itself right now to title race and are 3 points behind leaders Basaksehirspor and also same points to Galatasaray with opponents having one more game. Besiktas doesnt control situation right now but results could turn into their own hand during next 270 minutes.

Trabzonspor has become too relaxed as game has developed.

Trabzonspor didnt manage to get win against Fenerbahce during Super League 30th week game despite of showing an attacking and good game in Istanbul but has been pretty unlucky from conceding goal from Mathieu Valbuena free-kick at last moment.

It needs to be stated that with this result Trabzonspor is very likely to end season at 4th place as Galatasaray and Besiktas are showing good performance and point difference with Basaksehirspor is 9 points. It needs to be stated that Trabzonspor has shown strong and dominating game with focus into attack during 1st half but when Fenerbahce player Sadik Ciftpinar has got 2nd yellow card, it start playing more weaker game in surprising manner and hence has lost an opportunity to win game at Kadikoy after 22 years. Trabzonspor main issue was to relax a lot possibly getting affected from atmosphere as Fenerbahce supporters has gave strong supporter to players as game has been going. Right now for Trabzonspor it would be crucial to focus into last 4 games and end season at strong point as it still has chance for 3rd spot.

Trabzonspor has shown good performance but it wasnt able to provide similar performance until end of the game and has lost concentration after having an extra player and hence has lost 2 points.

Valbuena could keep Fenerbahce at Super League.

Fenerbahce has once again turned around big game during this season as Mathieu Valbuena at last minute possibly has scored a goal which would keep side at Super League for next season.

It needs to be admitted that players did stay and provided focus and effort to turn around this game but when comes to tactically it was still showing bad performance. In fact, statistically Fenerbahce has an upper hand in most areas but didnt provide many shots which was mainly due of lack of quality attackers which seems to be among main reasons for Fenerbahce to be so below at the table. Fenerbahce are still at danger zone in the standings but this goal from Valbuena could become keu for a team to stay at league. Even if Fenerbahce would draw all of the single game it would raise its points to 38 which could be enough to stay at the league but it cant afford to lose games if it doesnt want to have last minute stress and worst of all actual relegation. Fenerbahce needs to focus into those 4 games and at least end season at high note but its hard task for them. Another point that Fenerbahce has played its last big game at home during this season which could mean supporters might not show similar reaction to stadiums in upcoming games.

Fenerbahce are still showing not great performance and still raises worry for last 4 games and needs hence to improve and focus more.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
Kayserispor 1:1 Alanyaspor
Bursaspor 0:0 Akhisarspor
Besiktas 4:1 Ankaragucu

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
20:00 Konyaspor - Galatasaray
20:00 Yeni Malatyaspor - Kasimpasa

In other news:

- AtleticoNacional are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Hugo Rodallega.

- MirceaLucescu has stated that he didnt make any deals with Besiktas for head coach position.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/04/2019

Fenerbahce has got an important point with help to Valbuena while Trabzonspor lost crucial 2 points.

Mathieu Valbuena last minute goal from hat-trick has possibly kept Fenerbahce at Super League as it is at point, when looking overall sadly is crucial point, but it was still important to find goal with having 1 less player as Sadik Ciftpinar has recieved red card earlier during game.

When looking at the game overall it could be stated that Fenerbahce did provide much better performance compare to Trabzonspor and does give some hope for last 4 games, but still team didnt provide great performance as even through it has controlled game for most amount of the game, it is hard to state that it has created lots of dangerous chances especially during 1st half. It needs to be noted that even through Fenerbahce could be criticised for not providing perfect performance, it was still important for them to create high amount of the chances after having 10-men and has shown strong focus towards game which has played an important role for this crucial point of the team. What is crucial after today's result is still to be remembered that Fenerbahce i still not showing perfect performance and dont be relaxed for last 4 games as it has only 4 points difference which could be reduced to Bursaspor manages to win tomorrow. Therefore its important to take positives from this game but more importantly to improve its weaknesses.

Trabzonspor has started game at perfect manner which it was dominating tempo of the game and has created very good chances with one of them turning into goal from Yusuf Yazici at 16th minute and did show signs that it needs to win game as this win would be very important for them for the fight of the 3rd place at least. But it didnt show at similar performance during 2nd half and has become too relaxed which is at very interesting scoreline of 1:0 scoreline and having less player. For interesting point, Trabzonspor has become another team which has shown calm reaction after winning 1st half and has been very relaxed and has been become another big team to lose 2 points with belief that job is done. Still, it needs to be stated that one of the main reasons for Trabzonspor possibly not losing all 3 points has been done at goalkeeper great performance as he prevented high amount of chances from the opponent. With Besiktas also being at focussing at top 2 spot, Trabzonspor is very likely from now on would end season at 4th place which is at, but of course it cant give up for this aim.

Fenerbahce has got an important goal with Valbuena at the end of the game and would be one to be satisfied while opponent would be unsatisfied as it does look it would end season at 4th place.

Basaksehirspor loses points at the time when it matters.

With Basaksehirspor losing to Goztepe during Super League 30th week game with 2:0 scoreline, it has put it has lost chance to get league title even through winning all of the games at the season could be enough for them.

To discuss about Basaksehirspor game against Goztepe, could be only done at similar manner which was mentioned for number of recent weeks regarding of the team, which is that Basaksehirspor is unable to provide results at most important stage of the season as it did during last 2 seasons. Basaksehirspor apart of Galatasaray game during 33rd week not very hard on paper, but it did come out to the Goztepe game as strong favourite also but has lost game. Basaksehirspor most importantly had shown lack of creative game against Goztepe, and compare to game which it has played against
Kayserispor didnt provide much of the threat to Goztepe. It is now important for Basaksehirspor to forget this game and aim to find ways to get 3 points during all of the rest games if it wants to get league title at the end of the season especially do this without support from its fans.

Basaksehirspor has an issue at ending season in similar manner as it played prior to crucial weeks and its need to find ways how to find important points when it matters.

Besiktas would only focus to reduce point difference to 3 points from Basaksehirspor

With Basaksehirspor losing to Goztepe, Super League 30th week game between Besiktas and
Ankaragucu has become even more important as Besiktas has got an important chance point difference with Basaksehirspor to 3 points and aim for league title even if prior to end of the season it was even uncertain if it would get top 2 place at the league.

Besiktas hence would be expected to show strong performance against Ankaragucu and would be aiming to create high amount of the chances with help of its supporters, with Ljajic, Burak Yilmaz would be aiming to motivate players to push teams ahead as much it can. Ankaragucu of course would be coming to the game with good performance at recent weeks and also close at staying at the league for recent weeks which would provide confidence and motivation but in same time it is aware of form of Besiktas and hence would likely to provide defensive performance which would be expected from team. Roel of defenders of Besiktas still would be playing an important role during the game as an attacking Besiktas, could mean that Ankaragucu occassionally could get counter-attack chances which could affect negatively to Istanbul giant.

Besiktas has got very important chance to get closer to Basaksehirspor at its title race and with a win would be looking forward for last 4 weeks and hence it would provide organised but in same attacking game against Ankaragucu.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
Rizespor 0:0 Sivasspor
Antalyaspor 1:1 Erzurumspor
Fenerbahce 1:1 Trabzonspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
16:00 Kayserispor - Alanyaspor
16:00 Bursaspor - Akhisarspor
19:00 Besiktas - Ankaragucu

In other news:

- Bursaspor would install sculpture for its ex-player Pablo Batalla next to the stadium.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Alanyaspor player Isaac Sackey

- Konyaspor CEO Hilmi Kulluk: We are calling for fair refereeing where they make decisions according to what their see. We are saying clearly we cant afford any mistakes from referee which could affect outcome of game.

- Galatasaray has made transfer deal with Fulham player Ryan Babel for 10 million euro transfer fee and 3-year contract.

- Besiktas player Guven Yalcin doesnt want to leave club during summer transfer window.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/04/2019

Basaksehirspor has lost crucial 3 points while Goztepe has got life-saving 3 points. 

Basaksehirspor has recieved unexpected loss to struggling Goztepe with 2:0 scoreline and with Istanbul side carrying on losing points during last weeks of this season, it has got into critical situation at its aim when taking out that Galatasaray would win on 29th April, it would lose advantage in race.

Among losing such a crucial game, Basaksehirspor didnt provide much fighting and creative game and apart of some parts of the game it needs to be admitted that it wasnt close to get a win. Taking account that it was playing against side which needed to win game today for its survival race at the Super League and interestingly recieving high support from their fans even if it was away game has provided high amount of stress to Basaksehirspor. This blog for long time and also last season did state several times that one of the main barrier for getting league title is not having any strong support behind themselves as fans as during critical weeks those fans would push forward when things are not going as planned. It does look like Basaksehirspor needs to figure out how to solve its issue of having lack of fans at such critical games which is mainly could be achieved with psychological push of its players from technical staff. Basaksehirspor has been poor at creative game and didnt show much reaction to conceded goal, even if its two goals has been disallowed. With this kind of game as today it would lose lots of points during those last 4 games.

Goztepe meanwhile has got very important win and has found themselves outside of relegation zone with 1 point more than Bursaspor who has game in hand. More importantly Goztepe has provided high focus to thte game and both tactically did play to win game so it has got a deserved win and without doubt has recieved high motivation boost for deciding games in upcoming weeks.

Basaksehirspor carries on putting their title possibilities into difficulty as it has lost against Goztepe and cant really afford to lose points during this next 4 games including against Galatasaray on 33rd week.

Yeni Malatyaspor head coach Erol Bulut has resigned from his post next day after Galatasaray loss.

Yeni Malatyaspor has recieved pretty unexpected 5:1 loss to Galatasaray during Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game even through their did come out as underdogs in overall. With this result and recent poor performance of Yeni Malatyaspor during 2nd half of the season has led for Erol Bulut to resign from his position.

With Yeni Malatyaspor good start of the season, team in pretty realistic aspects has set its aim for season to reach to Europa League either through league or winning cup route and at one point of the league it was close to achieve that however with recent performance of the team, it has found itself further. Yeni Malatyaspor when focussing into specifically Turkish Cup did provide good performance until yesterday game as it did provide good defensive performance but was below its level during 2nd leg. It was seen pretty normal that Erol Bulut has called for resignation as he was seen that he could provide damage when Yeni Malatyaspor still has chance to end season at 5th spot which could be route to Europa League qualifiers if Galatasaray wins Turkish Cup. What is important now for Yeni Malatyaspor is to found replacement for him at short period of span as all teams are entering to critical last 5 games of the season.

As been mentioned Yeni Malatyaspor has shown good performance in general this season and Erol Bulut didnt want to prevent side to have bad end of this season.

Galatasaray has got an opportunity to end season with double. 

With Galatasaray being 3 points behind of league leaders Basaksehirspor as last 5 games are left during this season and also winning all games would be enough, it also got into final of Turkish Cup and having good chances to get double.

Galatasaray in fact has shown its best performance so far during this season Turkish Cup as players has been focussed into winning game from start of the game and this focus has been obvious as game has been continued as it carried on finding goals and was at good focus and has also gained an important motivation for rest of the season. It would now meet with Akhisarspor which is remembered has relegated side from Turkish Cup at semi-final stage and hence Istanbul giant has an opportunity to get payback from that game and also get its 18th title and carry on being most successful side at Turkish Cup. Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim following game has stated that current aim of the team is to get double for this season which by itself does show how much is focussed to achieve this aim and has all chances to achieve that.

Even through Galatasaray did have some bad periods during this season taking account of its performance level, it has got chance to end season with double as long as it wins all of the games left this season.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
Basaksehirspor 0:2 Goztepe

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
16:00 Rizespor - Sivasspor
16:00 Antalyaspor - Erzurumspor
19:00 Fenerbahce - Trabzonspor

In other news:

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman will include Adem Akcay and Serkan Yazicioglu into his administrative team for CEO election taking place on May

- Galatasaray has started recovery process of its player Marcao.

- YeniMalatyaspor has been referred to PFDK for events at the field.

- Kayserispor player Atilla Turan is expected to start at starting 11 during Super League 30th week game against Alanyaspor.

- Galatasaray considers to provide request to move Turkish Cup final game against Akhisarspor from 16th May to further date.

- Erzurumspor player Gabriel Obertan has become injured during today's training session.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer CSKA Sofia player Edwin Gyasi

- Everton considers to sell its player Cenk Tosun during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan, currently loaned to Alanyaspor, is expected to join his team during summer training camp.

- Barcelona has send number of scouts to view training performance of Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur.

- Besiktas considers to sell its players Orkan Cinar and Roco after season.

- TFF and Clubs Union are currently discussing about 8+4+2 foreign rule for next season.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Huddersfield player Erik Durm.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/04/2019

Galatasaray has reached to final with comfortable win against Yeni Malatyaspor. 

Galatasaray has managed to get to the Turkish Cup final game with comfortable 2nd leg game at semi-final with 5:1 scoreline which has also become an aggregate scoreline due of goalless draw. With this result Galatasaray would meet with Akhisarspor at the final game.

It needs to be noted that  semi-final 2nd leg game between two sides, it was expected that Yeni Malatyaspor was expected to provide some difficult time but it needs to be stated that Galatasaray has been entirely focussed into game and has given all signs that it wants to get into final game and also go after double for this season. It needs to be stated that main player of the game has been Henri Onyekuru as among scoring two goals he has also created some chances and has controlled game for most amount of the time. With taking account that Yeni Malatyaspor has also been focussed and aimed to provide high level performance, but Galatasaray being highly focussed and adding to that quality of the side has led for an important win and has got well-deserved victory and has entered to Turkish Cup final for 23rd time which is record in country and would aim for 18th title. Galatasaray it needs to be stated has deserved this win due of all focus and want to get victory today.

Yeni Malatyaspor in fact also did provide good performance at the start of the game and tried to show its usual controllable game but as it has conceded goals it has quite naturally lost focus and has helped Galatasaray to get a win. Still, getting until semi-final should be seen as good achievement for them.

Galatasaray as been mentioned would now play with Akhisarspor at the Turkish Cup final which promises to be an exciting game between both sides where both teams would aim to get a win.

Akhisarspor has become cup team during this season.

Despite of having poor season at the Super League and located at the last place, Akhisarspor has found itself at the final of the Turkish Cup for 2nd season and would be aiming to defend its title as it has beaten at aggregate against Umraniyespor with 2:0 scoreline.

Even through during 2nd leg game Akhisarspor didnt manage to score more than one goal against Umraniyespor, it was visible for the team that it was highly focussed and concentrated and has controlled game. With Umraniyespor also do some extend not showing their similar high level performance which was visible during previous games during Turkish Cup but also seeing this competition as saviour of such poor season for Akhisarspor has also provided an additional motivation and focus for Turkish Cup which has led team to possibly even perform better particularly against Umraniyespor and also at Turkish Cup in general. Meanwhile, Akhisarspor has also shown good performances against big clubs even during this season which would by itself push team at showing its best performance and would provide difficult game against Galatasaray.

Still, Akhisarspor has more or less become cup team during this season and would now aim to defend its title and show best game both at final and also rest of the season.

Umraniyespor has shown great performance during this season at Turkish Cup.

Even if Umraniyespor didnt manage to get to the Turkish Cup during this season, it has become surprising side of the season at the competition without doubt as it has reached to semi-final with also passing Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor on its way.

In addition, Umraniyespor until semi-final and do some extend has also provided an impressive performance during previous stages and should be stated without doubt that it has deserved to reach to its level and should be satisfied. In fact, with Umraniyespor still located at 6th place at lower league and being at zone of play-off for promotion to Super League there is possibility that we could see this team at Super League during next season where it has shown signs that it can show good performance at the top league if it gets there. Even through it didnt manage to show great game against Akhisarspor, Umraniyespor has shown great and impressive performance during Turkish Cup and has got some likeness from football fans.

Umraniyespor has shown memorable performance and should gain lots of experiences from this game for its race to reach to Super League and if it manages to transform those experiences into Super League for sure.

Results:
Turkish Cup, semi-final 2nd leg:
Yeni Malatyaspor 1:5 Galatasaray (agg: 1:5)

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 30th week:
20:30 Basaksehirspor - Goztepe

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:
- Rizespor has recieved 140,000 TL (6th time) fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans
-Bursaspor has recieved 110,000 TL (5th time) fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans
- Sivasspor has recieved 200,000 TL (6th time) fine and blockage of for behaviour of fans and events at field
- Rizespor has recieved 2600,000 TL (10th time) fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans

- Konyaspor has signed professional contract with Ali Karakaya.

- Basaksehirspor has made statement stating that its player Arda Turan would go through operation while Alexandru Eperaunu had went through successful operation in Barcelona.

- Besiktas considers to offer TFF to allow its head coach Senol Gunes to coach both Turkish National Team and Besiktas after this season.

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman has gathered 900 votes to be eligible to rerun for CEO position during election taking place in May. Meanwhile, Serdar Adali, Ahmet Kavalci, Ahmet Urkmezgil, Erdal Karacan, Umut Guner and Safak Mahmutyazicioglu to be included at administrative team.

- Galatasaray player Marcao has become injured during Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game against Yeni Malatyaspor

- Goztepe players Halil Akbunar and Alpaslan Ozturk has made apology statement and promised that their would give their best during rest of the season.

- Liverpool and Manchester United are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Berke Ozer.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Waasland Beveren player Nana Ampomah.

- Barcelona considers to sell its player Arda Turan during summer transfer window, player currently loaned to Basaksehirspor.

- Galatasaray administration has announced bonus for winning both Super League and Turkish Cup as 20,000,000 TL.

- Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are interested to transfer Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Dogukan Silik.

- Galatasaray has offered 2.5 million euro salary to Fulham player Ryan Babel with 2 million euro signing money.

- Everton player Oumar Niasse would consider to join Besiktas during summer transfer window.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/04/2019

Akhisarspor is one step to defend its Turkish Cup title back-to-back.

Turkish Super League last-placed Akhisarspor has reached into Turkish Cup finals as it has beat surprised side of this season competition with 2:0 aggregate scoreline as it has reached to the final game where it would be waiting for winners of Yeni Malatyaspor - Galatasaray.

Even through it could been stated that Akhisarspor is having bad season, it did show its class of football during today's game as it has shown good controllable game against lower division side Umraniyespor and showed that it is still good quality team. To some extend, having poor season at the Super League and also winning last season Turkish Cup could also provide an additional motivation for this season competition and also this tie. It needs to be stated that Akhisarspor did find goal from simple mistake from Umraniyespor and as their opponents from 37th minute needed to score 2 goals to get through, Akhisarspor has shown better controllable game and hence has got well-deserved win. Umraniyespor meanwhile has shown its lack of high level performance mainly due of level of performance of Super League with lower division which has become visible at the control and tempo of the game. Still, without doubt Akhisarspor needs to praised for this performance and has shown memorable performance to reach semi-final.

Akhisarspor did show better performance during 2-leg game game and with an aggregate scoreline of 2:0 has deserved to get into final game and aim to defend its title and end such a poor position of the Super League.

Galatasaray aims to get to Turkish Cup final at away game against Yeni Malatyaspor.

Galatasaray carries on its aims to end season with double as it would be coming out to the Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game against Yeni Malatyaspor but its task would be harder after 1st leg as home game has ended with 0:0 scoreline.

Galatasaray main focus without doubt for this reason has been to win league title but with coming to the semi-final stages and showing in overall good performance does prove that club is also highly focussed for Turkish Cup and would be aiming without doubt to get through Yeni Malatyaspor. However, it needs to be remembered that Galatasaray in recent games does have some difficulties at Yeni Malatyaspor stadium and this could have also provide an additional press with also opponents stating several times that its main aim right now is to get Turkish Cup. In addition, Galatasaray also showing poor performance at away games which it has during recent seasons. Best way for Galatasaray to stay focus towards game it is to believe in their own strength and also getting to the Turkish Cup final and fight for getting this season competition. What is crucial for players to be highly focussed to the game.

Galatasaray does come out as favourite but it wont be any easy task without doubt but Yeni Malatyaspor would be coming with strong focus so it wont be an easy game for them.

Yeni Malatyaspor believes it can get into final.

Yeni Malatyaspor has stated for several times during recent games of the Turkish Cup that its priority to Turkish Cup is much higher than their focus to get into high place at Super League as their also see shortest track for Europa League.

With looking how also has performed during Turkish Cup during this season has also become pleasant with its performance at the competition and has deserved to get to semi-final and also end 1st leg with 0:0 scoreline. It would be highly expected that Yeni Malatyaspor would be also focussing into providing strong defensive game as it did during 1st leg but also likely with playing at home looking for strong chances at counter-attacks and certainly would provide high difficulty to its road towards Galatasaray. Yeni Malatyaspor as been mentioned has provided pretty good performance during whole season and hence it shouldnt not be surprise that side has got into semi-final and are close to get to the final should not be seen as surprise. Therefore, Yeni Malatyaspor does have some good chances to get into but it needs to show good organised game and not panicking against Galatasaray.

Yeni Malatyaspor would be coming out to the game with strong belief that it could get into final of the competition and this is good advantage as long as their provide and react similar to Galatasaray during game.

Results:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 2nd leg
Akhisarspor 1:0 Umraniyespor (agg: 2:0)

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 2nd leg:
20:00 Yeni Malatyaspor - Galtasaray (agg: 0:0)

In other news:

- Goztepe players Halil Akbunar and Alpaslan Ozturk has been forgiven and has joined today's training session.

- Besiktas players Ricardo Quaresma and Adriano has recovered from their injuries.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Alanyaspor player Efecan Karacan.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint Basaksehirspor head coach Abdullah Avci as club's head coach.

- Galatasaray is willing to pay 5 million euro for transfer fee of loaned player Cristian Luyindama.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Crystal Palace player Jairo Riedewald.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer New York Red Bulls player Michael Murillo.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Hugo Rodallega.

- TottenhamHotspur come to conclusion that Fenerbahce player Eljif Elmas will not be able to provide top performance at Premier League.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/04/2019

Besiktas finds itself back into title race with a win against Rizespor.

Besiktas has got itself back into title race as it has beat Sivasspor with 2:1 scoreline while Basaksehirspor day before has drawn to Rizespor with 1:1 scoreline and are right now 6 points behind leaders.

As importance of the game has been raised dramatically due of all this circumstances, Besiktas has been noticed to provide much more controllable game rather than open game which was observed on previous weeks. With today's win being even more crucial due of this circumstances it was normal reaction, with taking account also that its not easy to beat Sivasspor during away game. Still, even if Besiktas did lack high number of the chances during game, it needs to be admitted that Besiktas did want to win game as it look ways how to create chance but with good defence of opponents,there was an observation that goal would eventually come from set piece. With great and cheeky goal from Burak Yilmaz Besiktas did get an important win and could now seek its aim to get league title even through it would be hard task as both Basaksehirspor and Galatasaray are not only closer but also focussed in same way to get this title in understandable manner.

Besiktas would be playing against Galatasaray after next week, to keep an importance of that game still arrive its need to beat Ankaragucu during upcoming week as it wont be an easy game also for them.

Akhisarspor needs to use its advantage over Umraniyespor.

Akhisarspor would be coming out to the Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game with an advantage of an away goal as it aims to get to the final of the competition during this very poor season which it experiences right now as club.

With also aiming to defend its league title, it would have difficult 2nd leg game between Umraniyespor which is located at lower division. As been stated prior to 1st leg, Akhisarspor could look as favourite but with Super League going not as well as planned, their form in fact is worser than Umraniyespor which could affect to motivation of the side. Stating that Akhisarspor does have better squad with much more experienced players at high performance which could have without doubt positive impact for the side during this game. Akhisarspor still needs to show good quality game and prevent their opponents to feel to comfortable and use its home advantage at this tie. This game in fact could be played in much openned manner but in same time could lead for Akhisarspor to play with defending its scoreline.

Therefore, Akhisarspor are having an advantage at this tie but it needs to stay focus into their own task as Umraniyespor does have potentiality to turn around this tie.

Umraniyespor needs to show much more braver game against Akhisarspor.

With Umraniyespor getting until semi-final of Turkish Cup is by itself is great result for them without doubt but meeting with Akhisarspor did raise a bit more chance to get even until final compare to other opponents.

Stating that it needs to be remembered Akhisarspor are current Turkish Cup holders and hence this in same time would provide some difficulties. To some extend, Umraniyespor has provided too much controllable game against Akhisarspor during 1st leg game which did prevent them to get wanted result at the end of the day but still it has good chance as long as their find goal in early moments of the game and dont let Akhisarspor much to get into focus of the game. Umraniyespor arleady has went through Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor earlier in this competition and hence as side it is capable to get surprising result at the end of the day but it needs to show better performance compare to 1st leg.

Surely, Umraniyespor didnt give up yet for the chances for Turkish Cup but their need to raise their performance if their want to get historical result for them.

Schedule:
Turkish Cup, semi-final, 2nd leg:
20:00 Akhisarspor - Umraniyespor (agg: 1:0)

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:
- Bursaspor, Rizespor, Sivasspor and Besiktas has been referred for events at field.
- Sivasspor has been referred for events at field.

- TFF has announced referees of Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg games:
24/04: Akhisarspor - Umraniyespor: Zorbay Kucuk
25/04: Yeni Malatyaspor- Galatasaray: Alper Ulusoy

- YeniMalatyaspor player Arturo Mina has recovered from his injury.

- Trabzonspor considers to revise its player Hugo Rodallega salary from 1.6 million euro to 800,000 euro.

- RoyalAntwerp player Sinan Bolat has stated that La Liga and Super League clubs are interested to transfer him.

- Besiktas player Gary Medel has become injured until end of the season.

- Torino are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Eljif Elmas.

- Fenerbahce players Miha Zajc and Jailson has stated to technical staff that their want to recieve more playing time.

- Bundesliga and Chinese clubs are interested to transfer Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu.

- Fenerbahce would terminate contract with its head coach Ersun Yanal at the end of the season if team carries on providing poor performance.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/04/2019

Besiktas has found itself back into title race with 2:1 win against Sivasspor.

Besiktas has got an important win against difficult an away game against Sivasspor with Burak Yilmaz free-kick goal towards end of the game and winning game with 2:1 scoreline which helped them to be at the middle of title race once again.

With Basaksehirspor drawing against Rizespor, Besiktas has got an important opportunity to reduce point difference to 6 points against league leaders which to some extend has led for a team to be providing much more controllable game compare to previous games. Even through it needs to be admitted on other hand that Sivasspor has also shown good defensive game which prevented their opponents to feel comfortable at the field. As Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes has stated following game, Besiktas did lose concentration of the game towards end of half which led Diabate to find very great goal with great sprint run. As Sivasspor quite understanably has become showing much more defensive game against which could mean that Besiktas could have found with set pieces which has come from great free kick goal with very beautiful goal. Due of this without doubt Besiktas has found right in the middle of title race as it had reduced point difference with leaders 6 points and Galatasaray to 3 points.

Sivasspor meanwhile has provided great game against one of the most form team at the league looking at recent games and has prevented Besiktas to control game from start to an end. As a team, it has provided a positive view for last games of the league.

Besiktas has got very important win as it has used advantage from loss of Basaksehirspor during this week and would now aim to get all wins for rest of the season.

Basaksehirspor has lost important 2 points to Rizespor

Basaksehirspor has got an unexpected but in same time not very surprised result during Super League 29th week game against Rizespor as it has drawn game and only has won 1 game during last 4 games.

As it is known, our blog did provide that Basaksehirspor could have some problems at the last games of the season and it does provide this habit right now as it doesnt have foundation to win crucial games when it matters both as team and also lack of supporters. It was also observed during game that Basaksehirspor has lost that organising game which it tend to be main reason for getting points during this season. Basaksehirspor player Edin Visca also carried on providing to be preferring to look for shots during game as he did during last games rather than providing an assists which could be much option at finding goals and it is even reported that his teammate Emre Belozoglu had an argument with him about this issue. In fact, Basaksehirspor has been lucky for recieving penalty kick towards end of hte game which by itself does raise some questions if it was actually right decision by referee. Basaksehirspor is not getting results which it seeks for and might not get title once again this season so it needs to be careful

Basaksehirspor would be playing crucial games right now and would need to keep 3 points advantage at least until Galatasaray game until 33rd week and improve performance.

Fenerbahce is currently is playing with fire.

Fenerbahce danger at being relegated from Super League stays alive as among losing to Alanyaspor with 1:0 scoreline, it has also provided very poor performance during game and has provided worst performance of the league among teams at least for this week.

In fact, Fenerbahce could even lose game with higher scoreline if it wasnt for in-form performance of Harun Tekin who was only good player at Fenerbahce during game. At the weeks when it is crucial for Fenerbahce to show high level performance both at the morale and more importantly to raise on standings, it has provided its worst performance of season which could be tolerated by anyone involved with team. It needs to come into senses if it wasnt to have scare of being relagated right at the end of the season and mentally focus at staying at the league as not winning last 3 weeks and only being save from relegation for 5 points is not enough for certain and Fenerbahce as been mentioned does play with fire which if it doesnt start to stop on time could become too late. Main role lays into Ersun Yanal to focus more into team to provide its maximum performance as it also very hard games coming up.

Fenerbahce is playing fire as been mentioned and it needs to start getting points for last 5 games if it doesnt want to have scariest end of the season.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Sivasspor 1:2 Besiktas

In other news:

- Fenerbahce didnt recieve yet 4 million euro section of transfer fee for Josef de Souza from Al Ahli and 5 million euro for Giuliano from Al Nassr.

- Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc had a meeting with head coach Ersun Yanal and players prior to training session.

- Fenerbahce player Serdar Aziz will not be able to play for 2-3 weeks due of injury recieved during Super League 29th week game against Alanyaspor.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bursaspor player Furkan Soyalp

- Genoa has offered 750,000 euro yearly salary to Galatasaray player Sinan Gumus.

- Galatasaray considers to offer 2.5 million euro salary to Fulham player Ryan Donk.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Sepsi player Ibrahima Tandia.

- Sassuolo are interested to transfer Besiktas player Dorukhan Tokoz.

- Basaksehirspor players Emre Belozoglu and Edin Visca had a heated argument at changing room following Super League 29th week game against Rizespor.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/04/2019

Basaksehirspor has lost crucial 2 points even if it found last minute goal with penalty.

Even through in one view it could been stated that Basaksehirspor has saved an important point from goal of Edin Visca, in same time it has lost an important 2 points during its league title race and has lost an advantage in of its hand.

This blog during number of the weeks has stated that Basaksehirspor could feel some pressure towards end of the season and it has been visible from today's performance as it didnt show high level of performance during whole game. Basaksehirspor even through did look it was controlling game, it didnt manage to get upper hand of Rizespor which did control whole game until last minute of the penalty chance. Basaksehirspor also has lost points during last 3 games, with drawing two games and losing against Besiktas during last weeks. It always important for Basaksehirspor from now on to focus into their own games and also raise its performance as controllable game at the weeks which most of the clubs are aiming to end season at high note will not focus anymore into defensive game until end of the season. More importantly Rizespor after winning goal has got control of game rather than Basaksehirspor which provided some issues at the team and this an area which team needs to go through in upcoming weeks.

Rizespor meanwhile has aimed to provide its high level performance but same time mainly focussing into controllable game for this game as Basaksehirspor would been likely to show an attacking game. It has shown high level performance but has been pretty unlucky with penalty decision as it was close for a win.

With point difference reduced to 3 points with 5 weeks to go, it does look like key for upcoming games to win all of them and hence would would be seeing pretty exciting games with Galatasaray and Basaksehirspor would be key game.

Fenerbahce carries on providing very poor performance as it has lost to Alanyaspor.

Fenerbahce carries on providing very poor performance as it has lost Super League 29th week game against Alanyaspor without providing any performance to get a win and in fact has been very lucky to only lose with 1 goal thanks to its goalkeeper Harun Tekin.

It needs to be noted that Fenerbahce which has provided very poor performance during this season as it is known from everyone who is following Turkish football but today's performance has been let team to another low and does provide that team continues to have any lack of concentration and focus to game. With only player who could be stated which could be stated has provided good performance has been Harun Tekin who has provided high amount of good chances by Alanyaspor and has prevented their opponents. At the time to get relaxed from being drop from league in the table, Fenerbahce without has provided very poor performance in this critical weeks and currently is finding its only 5 points from drop zone from Erzurumspor who meanwhile is at very good form in recent weeks. Fenerbahce needs to wake up so it wont enter to very critical weeks at the Super League and wont enter into real scare of being relegated.

Alanyaspor meanwhile has shown very good performance during Fenerbahce game and has shown very attacking game which could lead for Istanbul giants to be unexpected and without doubt as a team has deserved to get a win with higher gap for sure.

Fenerbahce carries on providing very worrying performance as we entering to last 5 weeks and need to get into senses if it doesnt want to find itself relegated at the end of the season urgently.

Galatasaray has got an important win with help from referee. 

Galatasaray has got an important win against Kayserispor with 3:1 scoreline during Super League 29th week game and carries on its title race, but its hard to state that it is showing great performance on the game.

In fact, it could be stated sadly that referee of the game Arda Kardesler has helped Galatasaray with a win as it didnt provide red card to Galatasaray player Emre Akbaba who has raised dangerously his leg towards Kayserispor player. With later on Kayserispor player Tiago recieving 2nd yellow card due of hand ball has provided upper hand to Galatasaray. In fact, it needs to be noted that prior to that 42nd minute penalty kick Kayserispor has been one who has shown good game and have created high number of the dangerous chances and has scored during 1st goal. Sadly, referees carry on providing worrying performances in this week also and this has led to high criticism to the level that Kayserispor CEO Erol Bedir has asked for referee to also greet and celebrate with Galatasaray players, fans and coach at the end of the game. With such a win, Galatasaray still doesnt have control for league title but it stayed at the race and now would wait for loss from Basaksehirspor.

Galatasaray did show right reaction after losing to Fenerbahce last week but it needs to carry on like that and even improve performance if it wants league title at the end of the season.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
Ankaragucu 0:0 Konyaspor
Basaksehirspor 1:1 Rizespor
Alanyaspor 1:0 Fenerbahce

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
20:30 Sivasspor - Besiktas

In other news:
- MLS has provided ban from any players from league to be transferred to Super League due of ongoing case going around with payment of Besiktas to Orlando City for Cyle Larin.

- Kayserispor player Umut Bulut had an operation due of injury he got during Super League 29th week game against Galatasaray

- Trabzonspor player Huseyin Turkmen had experienced car crash but is reported to be now at stable conditions.

- Fenerbahce player Volkan Demirel could be moving to Belgian team during summer transfer window.

- BocaJuniors sports director Nicolas Burdisso has stated that club are not interested to transfer Besiktas player Gary Medel.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Manchester United player Marcos Rojo

- Besiktas considers to offer 1-year extension contract to its player Atiba Hutchinson.

- Besiktas considers to start with Shinji Kagawa and Adem Ljajic during Super League 29th week game against Sivasspor.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Mainz player Erkan Eyibil and BAK Spor player Ahmet Sun.

- Getafe and Porto are interested to appoint coach Serkan Erdogan as club's head coach.

- Fenerbahce considers to offer 2 million euro for Fulham player Ryan Babel.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/04/2019

Galatasaray has got calm and crucial win against Kayserispor

Galatasaray has got an important win against Kayserispor and has carried on its title race with reducing point difference with Basaksehirspor to 2 points, even through their opponents have game in hand as it has won Kayserispor with 3:1 scoreline.

It needs to be reminded that Galatasaray has been one who has conceded at the start of the game from Kayserispor but has shown fast reaciton with finding goal with Diagne who has shot to empty goal after 2 minutes. It needs to be noted during whole game Galatasaray has actually provided tempo at similar level not showing too much panicking football and mainly controlling ball in tactical manner. Stating that 2nd yellow card which was recieved from Kayserispor from penalty position, which in blog view has been a rush decision, even if it was penalty kick and goal which was scored by Diagne from penalty has provided an upper control of the game. Stating that Galatasaray needs to go through how it has performed at the game prior to make scoreline to 2:1 as Kayserispor did provide lots of pressure towards team and it did look in some parts that it was still affected from aftermath of Fenerbahce game. Still, Galatasaray has got an important win and also with Diagne scoring 2 goals would mean that player has got higher motivation.

Kayserispor did provide good performance with way it has performed prior to 2nd yellow card and also has created some good chance but after penalty position has lost control of game. Kayserispor could only be calmed down that its chances to stay at league are pretty high and right now would aim to 5th spot which could lead them Europa League.

Galatasaray has got an important win and still carries on its title race as it would aim to carry on this performance and hope for Basaksehirspor losing at least one game apart of their game against them.

Trabzonspor has won 5 games back-to-back this time winning Yeni Malatyaspor.

Trabzonspor carries on providing high level performance as it has beat Yeni Malatyaspor with 5:1 scoreline and has won 5 games back-to-back and has led its aim to end season at least 3rd spot as it has reduced with Besiktas to 1 point.

Despite of getting behind against Yeni Malatyaspor in similar manner as it did against Bursaspor during last week game, it has shown comeback with goals from Nwakaeme and Rodallega as during this game it has found goals with its key foreign players and has shown high focus to the game. Right now, Trabzonspor without doubt is aiming to carry on its high level performance and would be coming to Fenerbahce at high motivation and focus. It needs to be noted that Trabzonspor has once again shown great level performance and aiming to provide an attacking game but with Yeni Malatyaspor which is known for good defensive game, it has managed to pass them especially taking account that it has from behind. This high positivity and strong motivation from Trabzonspor does show how in good form team is and would come to Fenerbahce game with high motivation and confidence which could have direct impact to the result. Trabzonspor did deserve to win last 5 games for sure.

Yeni Malatyaspor in return has mainly focussed to show mainly defensive game but of course red card it has affected their control of the game and has led for Trabzonspor to create some chances. For now, side would certainly aim to regain confidence and motivation for Turkish Cup semi-final 2nd leg game against Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor did show good performance once again and would provide high attacking game and aiming to end season with this level of performance for sure.

Basaksehirspor needs to show high level attacking game against Rizespor.

Basaksehirspor would carry on its league title with pretty tough game against one of the most in-form teams during 2nd half of the season with Rizespor and would need to focus and game with preventing Rizespor to show too much attacking game.

Basaksehirspor as been mentioned during last week game, does have an issue with sides which provides mainly attacking game as it mainly aims for controllable game at the league. Basaksehirspor one of the highest upper side for game tomorrow is to have better players with higher experience at the high level football which could be an upper hand but still wont secure them title. For most of the weeks, Basaksehirspor could have scored 1 goal which could be enough for them to win game but with an opponent like Rizespor this could be not enough unless side really provides strong defensive game as Rizespor has capability to find goals. Therefore, its crucial for Basaksehirspor to keep looking for chances and be careful at defence if it wants to get win against opponents and continue its league title as it cant afford much to lose point.

Basaksehirspor also needs to get win to regain its motivational and confidence for rest of the season after loss during last week game for sure.

Results:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
Trabzonspor 2:1 Yeni Malatyaspor
Akhisarspor 1:2 Antalyaspor
Galatasaray 3:1 Kayserispor
Goztepe 0:1 Erzurumspor

Schedule:
Turkish Super League, 29th week:
13:30 Ankaragucu - Konyaspor
16:00 Basaksehirspor - Rizespor
19:00 Alanyaspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- AlIttihad CEO Louay Nazer has stated that club doesnt consider to sell its player Garry Rodrigues

- Besiktas CEO Fikret Orman has admitted that coach Mircea Lucescu is among head coach candidates for next season.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Santos player Danilo Avelar.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Viitorul player Ianis Hagi.

- Saudi Arabic clubs are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Mbiaye Diagne.

- Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon are interested to transfer Roma player Cengiz Under.

- Galatasaray has made transfer deal with Fulham player Ryan Babel for 2 years with 2.5 million euro but Babel agent has also requested an additional 2 million euro for transfer.

- Fenerbahce considers to sell its player Jailson during summer transfer window.