What happened in Turkish football in 2020? 30/12/2020

 Covid19 did affect to all football clubs.

Without doubt, Covid19 has dominated 2020 in all of areas and did it damages towards Turkish football also, mainly with financial aspects as Super League season been postponed for 3 months and after resuming in June still continues to be played without supporters.

Regardless how much Turkish clubs continue their financial activities outside of football games, its always been more or less bonuses for clubs such money which includes social media activities from users/supporters, online merchandise and so on but without doubt most important aspect of recieving cash has been from matchday which been reduced to minumum. Even through some clubs like Fenerbahce has been found ways how to maximise some flow with reducing loss to minumum, all of the sides did affect it. It needs to be noted that most clubs due of this uncertainty and loss of cash been affected dramatically as even Fenerbahce signings of 18 players been mostly of free agents or low transfer fees. This economical issues meanwhile would likely to be taking place in 2021 too for at least half year and its been tough year.

Therefore when analysing Turkish football development in 2020 or lack of it, Covid19 could not be ignored at all.

TFF had problems running Covid19 crises by itself.

One of the areas which our blog been criticising heavily during 2020 has been TFF treatment of Covid19 and how leagues would be continuing possibly not understanding seriousness of situation.

Turkish Football Federation during this seriouly uneasy period for whole world, didnt provide signs that it understands fully of risks and consequences could happen if not taken Covid19 seriously, especially from its CEO Nihat Ozdemir who keep saying that leagues would be continued in March and fans would be allowed in summer. Sadly, football clubs did provide similar statements hoping to get cash into its hands ignoring to some extend healthy risks this could lead. Turkish government, which in some areas could be praised and others criticised regarding its fight against virus, when coming to football did mainly provide right decisions with postponing and not allowing supporters, following what our page stated during that period that health comes first. As expected, football clubs didnt provide any response after government decisions.

Therefore, as been noted several times at our blog its been government who made right decision with TFF being lots of time incapable to make difficult decisions on time.

Basaksehirspor provided biggest surprise in Turkish football world.

In such unexpecting year for everyone, we also had unexpected league title winners, which been Basaksehirspor which even through did fight for title in recent years, always lost in last minute.

Even through Basaksehirspor did been affected by Covid as everyone, more major affects which other clubs had did make them extra advantage. Without doubt resuming football season without supporters did have direct impact as they do have low amount of supporters and were used to be playing without supporters. With also being one of the least affected from positive cases on previous season also helped them to run for league title. Its true that side that didnt have good new season with currently being 15 points against league leaders Galatasaray and despite of showing confident game at Champions League and likely got positive view from viewers, it didnt get good results from death group, But when looking how it played during previous season it could be seen as best side of the 2020.  

Chances for Basaksehirspor to get league title are very low but its performance has been memorable for sure.

In other news:

- Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has stated that his health condition is being stable as he has Covid 19.

- Kasimpasa has announced that its administrator Hilmi Oksoz has got positive Covid19 test result.

- PFDK decisions:

- Konyaspor administrator Bunyamin Saritas has recieved 4,500 TL for not wearing masks.

- Rizespor player Yasin Pehlivan has got 2-game ban for serious foul.

- Yeni Malatyaspor got 24,000 TL fine for accepting more people at protocol.

- Yeni Malatyaspor doctor MuhammedAyaz got 900 TL fine for not wearing masks.

- Erzurumspor got 900,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship action.

- TFF Arbitration Committee has reduced Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim ban from 5 to 4 games with reducing 55,500,000 TL fine to 42,500,000 TL.

- Denizlispor and Ankaragucu are interested to transfer Adana Demirspor player Volkan Sen.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Oumar Niasse

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Defensor Sporting player Ignacio Laquintana

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer PAOK player Michailidis.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Fatih Karagumruk player Fatih Kurucuk.

What happened in Turkish football today? 30/12/2020

 

Ahmet Nur Cebi got positive test result for Covid19.

Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has got positive test result for Covid19 for 2nd time, as he also got it back on May hence making it clear once again that it is possible to get this virus more than once.

It is reported, in similar manner as was his 1st period, that his condition is currently not being seriously which we hope would stay like this as Besiktas continues to be among most affected by this virus which even through is clear that anyone be effected from this virus anytime, it does raise question how precautions Besiktas is being as whole club as we see that some clubs been affected more than others. Stating that, Ahmet Nur Cebi does provide one of the most active workers which could lead for him to be infected rather than not following guidelines as he would be certainly be first person in club to take this issue seriously.

Our blog provides fast recovery and calm process of it from Covid19 to Nur Cebi and everyone else who is currently having this virus.

Turkish Super Cup will be taking place in Istanbul on 27th January.

TFF has announced that Turkish Super Cup between league winners Basaksehirspor and Turkish Cup winners Trabzonspor would be taking place on 27th January in Istanbul as Qatar plans wasnt fulfilled.

As it is known, TFF did openly state that it does plan for Turkish Super Cup to be taking place at Qatar with mini-tournament with host countries, but as always TFF been too positive somehow believing that virus would be over in this period of time, as it is clear that this change of location back to Turkey being to this Covid19 condition as it is unsafe to travel abroad especially with talks about Covid19 mutation spreading around. Therefore, this decision is being according to current situation with virus and this plan to be taking place would be likely taking place in upcoming years possibly next year.

Therefore, game would be taking place at Ataturk Olympic Stadum  which promises to be pretty exciting sides.

Alanyaspor has signed Hasan Huseyin Avcar for 3.5 years

Alanyaspor has signed Hasan Huseyin Avcar for 3.5 years as played did leave his previous club Kayserispor last week in surprising manner due of personnel reasons.

Another factor has been that there were reported news that Galatasaray are having intense transfer negotiations with Acar with deal being close to be made but in unexpected manner from media Alanyaspor has signed this player. It needs to be noted that Huseyin Avcar is play with good experience at Super League and being midfielder would certainly strength Alanyaspor in what tends to be seen recently as most crucial field in this league hence showing its intense for fighting for title until the end of this season. 

Therefore, this has been transfer for Alanyaspor where player would be able to provide top performance in such developing and ambitious side. 

In other news:

- Antalyaspor has been referred to PFDK for 6 players getting yellow and 1 player getting red card

- Alanyaspor has transferred Hasan Huseyin Acar for 3.5 years

- Gaziantep head coach Marius Sumudica has applied for Turkish citizenship.

- Denizlispor has terminated contract with Ismail Aissati.

- Trabzonspor player Caleb Ekuban has recovered from injury.

- Genclerbirligi player Omurcan Artan will not play for 2-3 weeks due of injury.

- Galatasaray has played total of 100,000,000 TL to its players

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Fatih Karagumruk players Biglia and Ndao.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Parmak, Huseyin Turkmen and Ruzespor player Loic Remy

- Goztepe CEO Mehmet Sepil announced that it made transfer deal Ankaraspor player Bahattin Simsek. He also adds that unless of last minute change, Guilherme made deal with Chinese club and not only leaving due of visa process.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bodo/Glimt player Kasper Juncker

- AEK player Marko Livaja agent Gokhan Demir: We did recieve offer from Trabzonspor and Basaksehirspor, we would have talks in January. Player wants to play in Turkey.

- InterMilan are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir.

- Galatasaray player Emre Akbaba considers to leave his club during mid-season transfer window.

- Besiktas player Jeremain Lens has travelled to Holland to have some transfer negotiations.

What happened in Turkish football today? 29/12/2020

 

Besiktas got tough win against Sivasspor where out controversy been dominated.

Besiktas has ended 2020 year with win against Sivasspor at home ground with 3:0 scoreline hence entering to 2021 at 2nd spot with 1 point behind Galatasaray at the game where controversy regarding out prior to 1st goal been highly discussed.

When looking in the game overall it needs to be noted that game did turn out to be pretty difficult for Besiktas as did provide strong resistance and did provide pretty confident attacking game towards them especially during prior to red card of Hakan Arslan but even taking this into account it did show strong confident game on 2nd half with reducing low opportunities for Besiktas which did find some low amount of opportunities find goals when those chances did come. Hence, Besiktas didnt provide too much attacking game having being struggling with Vincent Aboubakar but despite of that did get very important entering to 2021 at highest note without doubt with focussing into league title. One of the key players once again meanwhile been Rachid Ghezzal with his crosses.

Hence, Besiktas did get important win where out conterversy prior to 1st goal has dominated whole game. 

Person who gave phone to Hakan Arslan needs to be internally punished.

Red card towards Hakan Arslan, or more precise two yellow cards which did come from same position, without doubt does deserve high level of analysis at is highly discussed how player got phone on his hands.

When coming into position itself Hakan Arslan when viewing out position on his mobile phone when entering to half-time did see that its been out and been mistreated hence he wanted to show to referee which rightfully didnt provide reaction and provided him red card which led him to be more furious throwing away phone and hitting some barriers. Hence, it does look whoever gave him phone which is unknown right now did through bomb to Arslan hand as being heated from game and this position did provide such reaction and couldnt control his feelings. Therefore, it does look like club needs to make its own investigation to identify who provided him phone and provide some internal measures as this action led for Arslan and whole club into difficult situation.

Hakan Arslan as being human did provide right reaction unfortunately but person who gave him phone needed to foresee this to happen.

Besiktas player Rachid Ghezzal became injured.

Besiktas player Rachid Ghezzal has become injured following Super League 15th week game against Sivasspor, which would provide some difficulties for upcoming games since he is great crosses which either led for assist for difficult position.

It is not announced how long he would not be playing for but it is expected to be at least for 1 week which means Besiktas head coach Sergen Yalcin would need to find solution for this issue as he would need to provide either tactical changes or work into replacement player who would be able to provide such good assists which could be problematic as currently noone able to provide such long crosses effectively. Therefore, Yalcin likely to go into more short but effectively passes while Ghezal would be recovering from injury.

Hence, Yalcin for sure now would be looking to find alternatives for this issue in upcoming game to lead his side continue attacking game.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

Antalyaspor 0:6 Hatayspor (Game been postponed due of heavy rain on 29th December)

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Kayserispor has got 10,500 TL for teamwise anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Basaksehirspor got 150,000 TL for not attending post-game interview on time.

- Basaksehirspor head coach Okan Buruk got 21,500 TL fine and 3-game ban for anti-sportmanship behaviour to referee.

- Basaksehirspor player Rafael getting 13,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Basaksehirspor player Irfan Can Kahveci getting 1-game ban and 13,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour

- Galatasaray got 100,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statement

on internet.

-Galatasaray CEO Mustafa Cengiz got 50,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.

-PFDK referrals:

- Goztepe head coach Ilhan Palut, Alanyaspor head coach Cagdas Atan, Yeni Malatyaspor and its doctor Muhammed Ayaz, Erzurumspor trainer Abdullah Kilinc, Sivasspor administrator Faruk Tasseten, Konyaspor administrator Bunyemin Saritas been referred for not following guidelines.

- Erzurumspor been referred for 6 yellow and 1 red card.

- Rizespor player Yasin Pehlivan for breaking rules.

- Trabzonspor player Abdulkadir Omur has resumed training session following recovery from Covid19.

- Galatasaray player Sofiane Feghouli will not be able for 2-3 weeks due of injury.

- Gaziantep administrator Muslum Ozmen has stated that there would be transfers during mid-transfer window.

- Kasimpasa player Tarkan Serbest had an opeation.

- Goztepe has made transfer deal with Ankaraspor player Baris Simsek.

- Besiktas has started transfer negotiations with Sevilla player Joris Gnagnon

- Trabzonspor considers to sell its player Abdulkadir Parmak during summer transfer window.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Atletico Talleres player Tomas Pochettino, Genclerbirligi player Berat Ozdemir, Basaksehirspor player Mahmut Tekdemir, Metz player Mamodou Fofana, Celta Vigo player Okay Yokuslu, UNAS Puma player Juan Iturbe, Bodo Glimit player PhilipZickernegel and Kasper Juncker and Veton Berisha

- Al Ahly player Aliou Badji has arrived to Turkey for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Ankaragucu

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer PSG player Jese Rodrigues.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/12/2020

 

Besiktas has got important win from controversial Sivasspor game.

Besiktas has ended calendar year of 2020 with win against Sivasspor providing patient and not very fast tempo game but did control game with out position prior to 1st goal did become most discussed moment of game.

Besiktas did come to game in good form while Sivasspor even through did win previous 2 games in overall were not in same condition and hence Besiktas did come out with better mood and motivation as it fights for top position. It needs to be noted that both sides did start game with slow tempo without providing too much pressure to each other with Sivasspor only providing position which could be seen as goal position. However, decision not to count of out prior to Yalcin has been rightly been reacted by Sivasspor players as it did look like out, but it still needed to be focussed into such position and shouldnt lose such focus of the game. Meanwhile giving phone with video of position to Sivasspor player has been wrong decision as it led for heated reaction from player which led for red card which possibly prevented for Sivasspor to come back to game during 2nd half.

Without dobt that position did affect whole game for Sivasspor which led them to be lost concentration and playing with one less men even through Besiktas provided tempo could be helpful for them to get back to game on 2nd half.

Besiktas ended on 2020 with high note with good win against Sivasspor which been dominated from out position but it needs to be noted that their did provide in overall good focus with ecomomical play.

Ankaragucu did recieve transfer ban for 3rd time within year. 

Ankaragucu CEO Fatih Mert did announce that club did recieve 3 transfer ban within year since it didnt sort out payment issues with two players files from previous period and continues to be struggling with this issue.

Unfortunately for Ankaragacu, mainly due of mistakes from previous administrative it does get transfer ban prior to 2 previous transfer windows being oponned and hence does struggle to strengthen their squad which does arleady struggling. It needs to be admitted that Fatih Mert in overall does solve those issues taking account into difficult situation he is at with this club and does have potential to sort out this issue with 2 players. Positive note which could be noted for Mert, even through it is how it suppose to be to some extend is that he didnt have any other issue in this matter in recent period of time which pushing his side into forward and making pretty strong competitive squad which also started to get some good results during recent weeks. This is difficult situation but Mert does have potential to solve it as he did beforehand for sure.

Fatih Mert main focus right now would be lift this ban at shortest period he could and we would be following how much he would be achieving to do so.

Ibrahim Sissoko has terminated contract with Erzurumspor due of not recieving salary from club.

Erzurumspor has announced thats its player Ibrahim Sissoko has terminated contract with his club due of players view he didnt recieve his salary from his club while club has started working on its defence if case against would be open.

As it is known, most of the clubs at Super League does have economical issues currently which does have without doubt direct impact for paying salaries to its players with clubs finding solutions with discussing about reduction of salary or delay. It is important to note its unclear if Erzurumspor did go to Sissoko with discussing about finding solution of its issues but it is assumed very likely it did. If Erzurumspor doesnt fulfill its obligations which it made to Sissoko during that period then he does have right to ending contract with Erzurumspor and later open case against them to fight for sure his own rights in this matter however in other terms Erzurumspor could be defending rights with strong defence and will not have any serious circumstances for sure. Therefore, deals which been made between sides would surely decide who is right in this matter.

This story is expected to be developing more in near future and as page we would follow it and inform our followers.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week

Genclerbirligi 3:2 Kayserispor

Konyaspor 1:1 Rizespor

Besiktas 3:0 Sivasspor

Antalyaspor P-P Hatayspor (Game been postponed due of heavy rain)

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

19:00 Antalyaspor - Hatayspor(Postponed game due of heavy rain)

In other news:

- Ankaragucu has recieved transfer ban for 3rd time since it didnt solve files of 2 players regarding paying their salaries.

- Fenerbahce has announced that all of its players, technical and staff members Covid19 tests has turned out to be negative.

- Fenerbahce will be attending at Audi Cup 2021 among Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and UD Melilla

- Trabzonspor player Fousseini Diabete has left city without permission after being taken from squad on 17th December.

- Basaksehirspor player Martin Skrtel had operation.

- Trabzonspor player Vitor Hugo has become injured.

- Fenerbahce players Mbwanna Samatta, Enner Valencia, Mauricio Lemos and Tolga Cigerci.

- Galatasaray would be paying 1 million TL bonus to players for win against Trabzonspor during Super League 15th week game.

- Gaziantep CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi has stated that club would have extension talks with its head coach Marius Sumudica after new year

- Galatasaray considers to offer 2-year extension contract to its player Emre Akbaba with reducing salary from 1.750,000 euro to 1 million euro.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/12/2020

 Stronger attack played role for Galatasaray.

Galatasaray has got confident win against Trabzonspor with 2:0 scoreline as been expected from this blog to some extend as levels of attackers of both sides is being different and even through Trabzonspor is being focussed into defensive game, its performance wasnt as good as shown.

In all fairness, it could be noted that both sides did provide pretty forward seeking game but as been noted even with expectations of Radamel Falcao and Mbiaye Diagne, Galatasaray does have stronger players up front who are able to convert opportunities as been seen from performances both from Arda Turan and Ogulcan Caglayan who among scoring 2 goals did provide strong effective performance for 90 minutes at front. Especially, Caglayan did manage to show very good game even looking better then Diagne and Falcao, living trust to supporters. Even through Trabzonspor didnt score, Galatasaray did allow for oppononent to have some opportunities which does provide look that team might focus more into defence for upcoming games.

Galatasaray got very important win and would be entering to 2021 with leadership in this interesting season which does look to be having many twists.

Trabzonspor showed all its weaknesses during this game.

Trabzonspor with playing strong opponent, potential opponent for title race, and its arch rivals decided to be responding to game with providing much more balanced game of defence and attack, and made clear its issues at defence.

Not very strong attacking squad at Trabzonspor has been clear since start of the season with no player being close to replace Alexandr Sorloth, and it became clear during this game where Trabzonspor did get number of good opportunities but didnt manage to convert them with mentally giving up game after 2:0 scoreline even if it did create some opportunities during that moments. With not giving as much focus into defence as it did in previous games, did also have direct impact with Galatasaray getting some important opportunities with scoring great 2 goals. Its true that Trabzonspor as side is currently improving but its not on level still to compete with top clubs or positive playing sides in this upcoming games. It does look like it would need to get some attackers during mid-season transfer window to become more competitive side.

This view does show that it would be struggling during this season with getting wins in teams which are at best their level right now.

Besiktas will need to be creative against Sivasspor defence.

Besiktas would be playing against Sivasspor during Super League 15th week games among two of the last games of this season in evening session, with Besiktas will be coming as strong favourites when comparing recent performance and level of squad.

Besiktas are one of the sides which are at form with being slightly behind from leaders as it took some time to open up but right now it does attempt to provide strong tempo game focussing into winning and control game, even through it does struggle against opponents which does close on defence which Sivasspor would be expected to do as its being tactics stronger opponents. With this taking account, Vincent Aboubakar not being on squad due of family issues would be having some negative impact into the game but players who would be on attack would be expected to show top game with certainly Rachid Ghezzal crosses expect to be playing key role again. Sivasspor on their part would be expected to show defensive game and use opportunities with counter-attacks which seems to be good tactic against opponent.

Besiktas are coming as favourites but it would need to be showing strong effective and creativity at front to get result.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

Gaziantep 3:1 Alanyaspor

Yeni Malatyaspor 1:3 Erzurumspor

Denizlispor 1:2 Ankaragucu

Basaksehirspor 2:2 Kasimpasa

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

16:00 Genclerbirligi - Kayserispor

16:00 Konyaspor - Rizespor

19:00 Besiktas - Sivasspor

19:00 Antalyaspor- Hatayspor

In other news:

- Genclerbirligi has announced that 1 player got positive test result for Covid19.

- Hatayspor has announced that all of the Covid19 tests of its players has turned out to be negative.

- Izzet Erdogan has been appointed as Ankaragucu sports director.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Fortuna Dusseldorf player Kenan Karaman

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Brondby player Jesper Lindstrom

- Fenerbahce has started transfer negotiations with Lazio player Stefan Radu.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Bursaspor player Burak Kapacak

- Besiktas are interested to loan Club Brugge player Michael Kremencik

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/12/2020

 

Galatasaray got very important win against Trabzonspor.

Galatasaray has got 3 points during Super League 15th week game against Trabzonspor with getting win from having much more effective attacking players and quality compare to opponents as both sides did get similar amount of opportunities.

Even through both sides did provide pretty good attacking game, with Galatasaray as side being more focussed and designed to be offensive did provide important matter as their opponents which been stated many times at our blog is much more focussed into defensive side. This is taking account that Mbiaye Diagne been self-isolating while Radamel Falcao has been injured, it didnt come out with ideal attackers but still Arda Turan and Ogulcan Caglayan being attacking players did use their opportunity. Stating that even through side didnt concede goal against strong opponent, it did provide pretty high amount of opportunities to opponent which would be needed to be focussed on by the side for upcoming games as it could be having some trouble with more organised and focussed to attack sides which are present in this league. Still, this is being good win for Galatasaray taking account Fatih Terim wasnt available to ban and some absences.

It needs to be noted that Trabzonspor probably first time Abdullah Avci for first time has been focussed to be showing much more attacking game but with lack of training session with focussing into that area and squad did lack for getting important last touches even through Galatasaray has provided some focus. Quite naturally with Trabzonspor providing much more offensive focussed game, it did affect their performance on defence which did lead Galatasaray to get some crucial opportunities with finding 2 goals. This game needs to be focussed that side needs to be providing some more focus into attacking game and right now Trabzonspor is being 9 points behind Galatasaray, with Alanyaspor so its mathematical opportunities for title is getting further but it needs to be remembered that its long season, but this loss would damage to them.

Galatasaray did get very important against one of its crucial rivals and did gain leadership on the table at least for 21 hours as it would await result from Alanyaspor game.

Vincent Aboubakar will not play for 2 weeks due of his mother passing away

Besiktas player Vincent Aboubakar would not be playing for upcoming 2 games as his mother passed away in Nigeria where he would be travelling for attending funeral and other personnel factors until 4th January.

With our page sending to condolences to Aboubakar, when coming on field it could provide negative impact to side as Aboubakar did provide very effective performance in front with scoring goals and generally providing pressure. With his absence in upcoming games it should be noted therefore that during Kasimpasa game on 28th December, Besiktas would be needing to show much more effective game as there not being very effective attacking despite of very good crosses from Rachid Ghezzal. For sure, Besiktas could even struggle even more if Kasimpasa, which it likely to do would be putting bus into their own goal as Besiktas are struggling against closed defence, and Sergen Yalcin need to find solution for this.

With looking this absence on football field, once again some things are beyond football and we provide condolences to Aboubakar.

Cancelling cards of Rafael would have serious issue in future at similar cases

TFF has provided very interesting decision with cancelling yellow cards and red card of Basaksehirspor player Rafael hence providing understanding of mistaken cards to player but this could be problematic in future. 

Coming to this decision, it is clear that decision been right since its been visible that cards which been given by referee to Rafael where federation accepts its fault and likely have circumstances to referee. However, this is being first decision like that in history of TFF and could have some negative impact. As it is known, apart of some unusual situation such as Pierre Webo red card during PSG game, decision during games are final and even if mistakes are accepted it would be staying like this. Yellow and red cards to Rafael are wrong decisions but are not against decisions so in this stance this is wrong decision. Even more worrying this situation would be used in future by different clubs for and against its own interests and opponents. Worst situation here is when TFF would decline suggestion to cancel card, clubs would state: " But it was cancelled for Basaksehirspor after Fenerbahce game on December 2020". 

Therefore this decision has capacity to provide some issues, but TFF could safe itself if it would cancel this decision and bring back card of Rafael regardless if its fair or not.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

Goztepe 1:1 Fatih Karagumruk

Trabzonspor 0:2 Galatasaray 

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

13:30 Gaziantep - Alanyaspor

16:00 Yeni Malatyaspor - Erzurumspor

16:00 Denizlispor - Ankaragucu

19:00 Basaksehirspor - Kasimpasa

In other news:

- PFDK has declined request from Kayserispor to cancel red card of Aaron Lennon since it wasnt obvious mistake.

- Galatasaray has announced its loss for 2020 to be 490,336,541 TL

- Besiktas player Josef de Souza has become injured.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/12/2020

 

Besiktas won without showing great game.

Besiktas has got crucial win against Ankaragucu where side did struggle in unexpected matter without providing very good performance in both sides of the field, while Ankaragucu did show much more counter-attacking game with lacking last touches.

It needs to be admitted that Besiktas did get across with most at form Ankaragucu which currently does provide its best performance since start of the season with start getting wins, and with opponent being at good motivation it did provide some difficult moments. When looking in the opportunities to some extend it could be even stated that its been side which did lose game, but in other hand if you dont score opportunities which it did got then it doesnt deserve this win entirely for sure. Besiktas player Domadoj Vida meanwhile did find goal with header which did been provided from Rachid Ghezzal from free-kick with Vida scoring 2 goals back-to-back which is very good outcome for defender. Apart of discussion of referee disallowing goal few second before ball gets to net, which prevents VAR intervention there is not much discussion in this game.

Besiktas did get important win in week where it title opponents won, but it does need to improve game against closed defence sides.

Galatasaray would need to pass Trabzonspor defence.

Last big game of stressful calendar year, which technically wrongly been referred as derby by some, would be played between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor where two different kind of focussed game would be taking place.

It would be interesting to see how Galatasaray without Fatih Terim, who did get 5-game ban from PFDK, as there is tends to be decline with how side performed with Terim not being on the side but it would be expected for them to be showing forward seeking game as their tend to do. It would be important for Galatasaray to be showing attacking game but with Trabzonspor being focussed into defensive game which it does some times in good manner would provide issue for them. Stating that, Galatasaray doesnt have much issues with converting opportunities and creativity at attack which it would be needed to be focussed in this game. However, it would be having as Diagne would be able to play due of having direct contract with Covid19 relative family and at self-isolation while Radamel Falcao is not ready to play for 90 minutes, likely to come out in 2nd half.

Galatasaray as been noted are favourites but it would pretty tough game for them without perfect attackers being present.

Trabzonspor needs to show stronger defensive game against Galatasaray 

Until now this blog has been criticising Trabzonspor for winning its games with 1:0 scoreline, but when playing against Galatasaray this tactic could be most smartest tactic to show in this circumstances.

In all fairness, its need to be noted that Galatasaray attackers and midfielders when coming to attack are in much better condition then Trabzonspor and hence to prevent for them to show effective game it would be needing to provide strong defence performance. Even through Trabznspor defence did strongly improve prior to Avci, it needs to be noted that its opponents did lose some opportunities while playing with lack of last touches,issue which is certainly not existent with Istanbul side so it wont to keep clean sheet it needs to provide strong defence game. With expectation of ball possession to be mainly with Galatasaray also could lead importance of counterattacks for Trabzonspor without doubt.

Therefore, Trabzonspor in this game would need to focus into defensive game with even showing stronger performance compare to previous ones in this area.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

16:00 Goztepe - Fatih Karagumruk

19:00 Trabzonspor - Galatasaray

In other news:

- YeniMalatyaspor has announced that all of its players, technical and staff members got negative test results for Covid19.

- Galatasaray player Mbiaye Diagne will not play during Super League 15th week game due of have direct contract with family member who got Covid19. Despite of having 2 negative tests, Diagne needs to go through self-isolation.

- PFDK has announced that it cancelled yellow and red cards of Basaksehirspor player Rafael which he god during Super League 14th week game against Fenerbahce.

- PFDK referalls:

- Galatasaray, club CEO Mustafa Cengiz has been referred for anti-sportmanship statements.

- Kayserispor been referred for 5 players getting yellow cards and 1 player getting red card

- Kayserispor spokesman Mustafa Tokgoz stated that club would request cancellation of Aaron Lennon which he got unfairly during Super League 14th week game against Konyaspor.

- Ankaragucu player Emre Gural will not play for 3 weeks due of injury.

- Galatasaray player Radamel Falcao considers to stay at club until end of the season.

- Gaziantep head coach Marius Sumudica: I mentioned my offer from Saudi Arabic club to players, but their want me to stay. Our CEO told me that discussion of new contract would be on March-April and there is time. This is disrespect to coach.I will stay at club until end of season

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Metz player Mamodou Fofana

- Galatasaray considers to extend contract with its player Younes Belhanda for 1.5 million euro for 2-years

- Erzurumspor head coach Mesut Bakkal had 1st training with his new club.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Napoli player Nikola Maksimovic, Arsenal player Sokratis Papasthopoulos.

- Kayserispor player Silviu Lung is not expected to recover from injury earlier then 1 month.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/12/2020

 

Besiktas has won but showed some worrying signs at defence.

Besiktas has got win against slowly getting into form Ankaragucu with minumum scoreline of 1:0 where Istanbul side did fail to get high amount of opportunities and did get win from set pieces which been scored by Domagoj Vida.

It needs to be admitted that Besiktas did struggle pretty against its opponents with creating high number of the opportunities as it is observed that it does continue to have with being effective attacking game against closed defence, with Ankaragucu such side. In fact, controlling ball in high amount of time with keeping it on opponent side did led for them to concede high amount of the opportunities which did provide some of them being possibly goal scoring opportunities which it didnt convert due of lacking of last touches due of decision making. Therefore, to some extend it could be argued that Besiktas didnt provide right balance with attacks and defence, which needs to be taken as lesson and should be taken area to improve on during training session. Even through Besiktas did have issue to show dominant game when scoreline 0:0, it did fail to get full control after scoring.

Ankaragucu on their part did provide actually strong game with showing forward seeking performance with creating high amount of opportunities but did have issues especially tonight with last touches which did look its main issue which it needs to work on.

Besiktas did get very important win but some performance it showed at defence with failing to prevent opponent to get into attack could lead them to get another result if opponent didnt have issues with last touches. 

Referee affected scoreline but not result.

Fenerbahce beating Basaksehirspor during Super League 14th week has been overshadowed with referee decisions even through our blog that referee dubious decision didnt affect to result but more to scoreline.

Fenerbahce it needs to be noted didnt start game very well and there was red card position of Gustavo which were not given by referee despite going into VAR which did have some impact but it needs to be noted that as game been progressing the balance of the game did go both physically and performabnce wise from Basaksehirspor to Fenerbahce, with Fenerbahce being playing more attacking game while Basaksehirspor lost its tempo even when with 11-on-11, with back-to-back wrong cards given to Rafael and Okan Buruk with Irfan Can Kahveci, it could be noted that those decisions did affect to scoreline with Basaksehirspor giving up game while Fenerbahce became more aggressive, but it is unlikely that Basaksehirspor could get turn around with how game been developing.

Therefore, Fenerbahce did get deserved win but it wouldnt win that comfortable with better referee decisions without doubt.

Football community needs to give more support to young referees.

As it would be remembered, number of clubs has been calling for Central Referee Committee to appoint younger referees but when their got into appointing there start providing high amount of criticism which could affect into motivation and confidence of those referees.

What is more important that almost all club CEO and head coaches stated there would be expecting referee mistakes if their would be making from young generation and would be developing into better referees with those mistakes. However, with those referees being appointed to Fenerbahce-Basaksehirspor and Fenerbahce-Besiktas games those referees which date make mistakes, did been bombarded with aggressive words calling them as referees which would not become good ones and will not be appointed again. Of course, with heat of the game and level of mistakes, this dissapointings from referees could be understood but this kind of support it could not be accepted as it would affect into confidence, only raise fear for upcoming games and provided into high pressure for them into such inexperience without doubt.

Therefore, TFF and clubs would need to be patient more supporting with young referees or go into old and experienced referees to be appointed for upcoming games if their dont want for high number of mistakes.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

Sivasspor 3:1 Genclerbirligi

Kayserispor 1:2 Konyaspor

Ankaragucu 0:1 Besiktas

Rizespor 2:1 Antalyaspor 

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Genclerbirligi player Sami Altiparmak will not play for 2 games due of serious foul.

- Denizlispor has got 12,000 TL fine for teamwise anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Denizlispor CEO Ali Cetin, Levent Caputcu and Fatih Karagumruk CEO Suleyman Hurma got 4,500 TL for not wearing masks.

- Kayserispor CEO Mustafa Tokgoz got 15,000 TL fine for not anti-sportmanship statements

- Kayserispor assistant coach Selcuk Erdogan got 900 TL fine for not wearing masks.

- Trabzonspor got 24,000 TL for events on field.

- Fatih Karagumruk got 10,500 TL fine for not following social distancing rules.

-Fatih Karagumruk CEO Suleyman Hurma and administrator Serkan Hurma has got 4,500 TL fine for not following social distancing rules.

- Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim has got 5-game ban and 35,500 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour and not following guidelines.

- Galatasaray player Marcao has got 1 game ban and 13,000 TL for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Erzurumspor has appointed Mesut Bakkal as club's head coach.

- Charleoi are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Majid Hosseini.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Bordeaux player Kalu.

- Besiktas considers to sell Gokhan Tore during mid-season transfer due of chronic injury of player.

- Unnamed Turkish club are interested to transfer Benfica player German Conti

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/12/2020

 

Fenerbahce has got win after another highly talked game regarding of referee.

Fenerbahce has got very important win against Basaksehirspor with 4:1 scoreline with getting behind from 1:0 scoreline at the game which been highly critcised from referee decisions and even through it possible didnt decide winner, it did decide score of the game for sure.

Both sides meanwhile did come out to the game which both needed to win as Fenerbahce even through still being close to top spot race it did lose high amount of the points from recent weeks while Basaksehirspor is being 12 points behind league leaders. Coming to the Fenerbahce perspective, it didnt once again did show poor start of the game for not showing good game in first part of 1st half but as game went on did provide strong reaction providing pretty strong attacking game towards Basaksehirspor which led for goal on the end of the 1st half. On 2nd half, even through Basaksehirspor did show good strong game on 2nd half, Fenerbahce did provide much more confident performance and did get into 2:1 scoreline and following that red card of Rafael did provide full conversation as it was given to wrong player which followed from extensive criticism towards referees by Okan Buruk. Later Irfan Can Kahveci 2nd red card did led for Fenerbahce to find 2 more goals and get win.

Basaksehirspor been affected for some wrong decisions from referee but it is hard to state it did lose game due of referee as it was losing game with prior red card with 2:1 scoreline and didnt provide strong reaction and gets further from top spot race.

Fenerbahce did get an important win and not playing this next week due of schedule, it did end 2020 in possitive note and could look for 2021 for title race hopes in this unusual season.

Galatasaray got good win against Goztepe despite not showing great defence.

Galatasaray got very important against Goztepe for its race for top spot and also prior to Trabzonspor game on 26th December, but it needs to be noted that it didnt show great game defensively especially in 2nd half.

Galatasaray did have pretty strong and confident start of the game with providing attacking game for first minutes with finding 2 great goal, but Soner Aydogdu high level goal on 15th minute, which could be best goak of this week potentially, did put back Goztepe back into team where Izmir site start showing much more confident performance and did get some good opportunities with getting scoreline to 2:2 with especially good chance by Aydogdu. Even through Galatasaray didnt provide very good game in defence, it needs to be admitted that it been pretty effective in front providing good teamwork with all goals coming on like this during its opportunities. It was without doubt good result for them without having Fatih Terim at coaching position due of potential ban he could get and did get good response from last week game. 

It could be noted that it get needed motivation and confidence for Trabzonspor game which would be crucial for both sides without doubt on 26th December.

Trabzonspor continues to focus mostly into defence.

Trabzonspor continues getting wins with minumum scoreline this time becoming first side during this season to beat Hatayspor in their home ground but as always with Abdullah Avci it didnt show much attacking game.

In fact, it could be noted in all fairness Hatayspor has been side which did provide much more effective attacking game getting pretty good opportunities but didnt manage to convert them with good performance of Ugurcan Cakir. Even through Avci does get good result with his strong defensive game and his loss record is being low for his style of play, this same style does lead to loss of points when it matters most, which could be main reason why he still didnt experience league title despite of high level praise he is given from Turkish sports media. With Galatasaray tend to provide fast-paced game with good creativity at many games this season, Trabzonspor current mindset might not bring win on 26th December.

Argument which been stated by Turkish media that Avci per/point performance is better than Edwin Newton is statistically correct but to all respect Newton statistics were especially poor to use as reference. 

Results:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

Erzurumspor 1:2 Denizlispor

Alanyaspor 1:1 Yeni Malatyaspor

Kasimpasa 0:4 Gaziantep

Fenerbahce 4:1 Basaksehirspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

16:00 Sivasspor - Genclerbirligi

16:00 Kayserispor - Konyaspor

19:00 Ankaargucu - Besiktas

19:00 Rizespor - Antalyaspor

In other news:

- Genclerbirligi has announced that 3 players and 2 personnel got positive test result for Covid19.

- Ankaragucu has announced that 1 player and 1 personnel has got positive test result for Covid19.

- FatihKaragumruk has signed Andrea Bertolacci

- Alanyaspor has extended contract with its player Tzavellas for 2-years

- Galatasaray has signed sponsorship deal with Nesine.com for next season.

- Basaksehirspor CEO Goksel Gumusdag: There wasnt given red card to Gustavo which affected psychology of players. This referee is not on level to get above this game. I dont think Bahattin Simsek would be able to get sleep. I doubt this Simsek would referee again.

- Galatasaray player Radamel Falcao has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- ManchesterUnited are interested to transfer Schalke 04 player Ozan Kabak.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/12/2020

 

Galatasaray did get important win despite of Goztepe having high amount of chances.

Galatasaray has got win against Goztepe hence showing reaction following to last week loss to Fatih Karagumruk with 3:1 scoreline but it needs to be noted that its opponent did get high number of opportunities during game especially on 2nd half.

Without doubt, Galatasaray did start game at very high tempo with finding 2 goals in duration of 14 minutes hence showing its concentration to get simple outcome during this game however Goztepe did find goal with great touch from Soner Aydogdu which did lead side to get back into confidence back with getting control of the game with high opportunities which continued to come at high number with aiming to get equaliser. There were this image did show that Galatasaray did provide good attacking with some organised game but did have some issues at defence which does look to be an area which needs to be focussed and improved in upcoming weeks. Without doubt, Arda Turan who did join side to motivate players did that job in pretty strong manner with addition showing himself very good game with great goal. Without doubt its been important to get this outcome without Fatih Terim being on side.

Goztepe on their part did provide pretty strong confident game after 2:1 as it didnt start very well and did create some great opportunities but did lack last touch would provide at least draw but overall did provide good view for future games.

Galatasaray got important win with regaining motivation from last week and would look confidently for game against Trabzonspor, but main lesson should be learned with some mistakes at defence.  

Trabzonspor got win against Hatayspor with minumum scoreline.

Trabzonspor has got win during Super League 14th week game with minumum scoreline of 1:0 thanks to Vitor Hugo goal on 74th minute at the game where Hatayspor did provide good performance and did lose 1 point.

Even through it could be noted that Hatayspor did provide better game compare to Trabzonspor, it did achieve to become 1st side to beat its opponent in their ground during this season and to some extend possibly did get win against opponent which are also in good form and does provide good defensive game in similar manner as does their opponents. Even through winning goal did come from Vitor Hugo, it would been argued that player of the game has been its goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir who provided great saves during 2nd half showing great reflexive game as Hatayspor was providing more threat to them. Still, Trabzonspor does provide much focus into defensive game with getting wins with minumum scoreline which is without doubt is risky game as it would be ending game with 1 goal getting in. Meanwhile, with Hatayspor getting so much shots with Ugurcan Cakir high number of saves does provide that still defensive issues should be focussed on for sure.

Hatayspor did provide pretty strong game during 2nd half which did look like why its dominating at home ground without losing game at home, but did lack final touches and passing Ugurcan Cakir who showed game today.

Trabzonspor meanwhile did gain important confidence against Galatasaray but showing only defensive game might not be enough to stop their opponent next week.

Fenerbahce would be coming to very stressful game against Basaksehirspor.

Both Fenerbahce and Basaksehirspor would be coming out to the game during Super League 14th week which they would need to win to keep their chances for race for leadership as both sides did lose points in recent week.

Being one of the top sides in Turkey with high number of supporters, it needs to be noted that Fenerbahce would be coming out with much higher pressure to win game as their did lose last 2 games without providing very good game with most of the players looking to be unfocussed to the game and lack physically. In addition, as would be expected Fenerbahce head coach Erol Bulut does recieve high number of criticism both from sports media and also supporters with those bodies calling for side to terminate contract with him, so win against previous title holders without doubt would be reducing pressure towards him. Basaskehirspor on other part did have difficult fixture with perfoming both in the league and Champions League which did have its impact as it is currently 14 points behind league leaders. But now being focussed into domestic front and getting motivation from 7:0 win at Turkish Cup with being bye on 13th week, would lead them to be confidently focussed to this crucial game.

As been noted this game would be important for both sides, but Fenerbahce due of its status and recent status would be under bigger pressure for sure.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

Hatayspor 0:1 Trabzonspor

Galatasaray 3:1 Goztepe

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

16:00 Erzurumspor - Denizlispor

16:00 Alanyaspor - Yeni Malatyaspor

19:00 Kasimpasa- Gaziantep

19:00 Fenerbahce - Basaksehirspor

In other news:

- Fenerbahce has announced that 1 player and 1 administrator has got positive test result for Covid19. Meanwhile, Ozan Tufan announced he got positive test result.

- TFF has announced that there would be minute of silence for ex-head coach and TFF ex-administrator Ozkan Sumer prior of kick-off for Super League 14th week games.

- Konyaspor player Alper Uludag will not be able to play for 6 months due of injury, while recovery for Farouk Miya has begun.

- Feyenoord are interested to transfer Everton player Cenk Tosun

- Unnamed Turkish club are interested to transfer Belenenses player Andre Moreira

- Sassuolo, Bologna and Cagliari are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Taylan Antalyali.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/11/2020

 

Besiktas has got confident win within 12 minutes of the game thanks to Sismanoglu.

Besiktas has got an important against last-place Erzurumspor with 4:0 scoreline with all goals coming in duration of 12 minutes and became most gained for leadership race as all sides above them have lost points this week.

It needs to be noted prior to penalty kick on 59th minute, Besiktas did provide upper hand of the game but didnt necessarily show effective game without being with much high tempo and number of opportunities. But it could be noted in confident manner that pretty needless penalty move by Omer Sismanoglu to Necip Uysal which led for Vincent Aboubakar been most important of whole game. With Besiktas becoming more confident and raising tempo, Erzurumspor did lose concentration of the game as Besiktas each attack until 71st minute either ended with goal or dangerous moments, with Domagoj Vida great goal did become best goal of whole week. This downside at Erzurumspor meanwhile has been due of issue of lack of motivation and confidence which did lead for easy and very important win.

Besiktas is currently 4 points behind leaders Alanyaspor with game in hand and without doubt did gain confidence and motivation boost for upcoming games.

Galatasaray would be having psychological pressure against Goztepe.

With Super League 13th week game has been ended today, 14th week would be starting straight away tomorrow with 2 games with Galatasaray and Goztepe would become key game of the day.

With Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim not being present in the stadium for incident during previous game and also losing previous game against Fatih Karagumruk, it would be interesting to see how Galatasaray would be responding in such circumstances especially when it cant lose the game. It is known from previous experience that absence of Terim did usually lead for loss of points so therefore more importantly among physically preparing for game, it would be important for them to be mentally ready for the game to game which their would be coming out as favourites for sure. Goztepe on their part knowing that opponent would be in pretty stressful condition would be aiming to use this on their own advantage as side is getting good results in recent period.

It would be pretty intense game with Goztepe for sure would be hoping to use its opportunity to get good result.

Trabzonspor would meet with side which also focusses to defensive game.

With Trabzonspor getting good win against Rizespor with coming back from difficult condition, it is likely for first time during this season would be coming out to game with high motivation and confidence but its opponent is surprising side of season Hatayspor.

With Hatayspor also providing its main focus into defensive game like its opponent, it would be interesting to see how Trabzonspor would be using its game against opponent which would be providing same weapon against them. Trabzonspor without doubt would be needing to find some creative game to get through defensive game of opponent but so far side did fail to show such game. In fact, even through its hard to call Hatayspor to be very creative in attack, its still more stable and creative to opponent which might slightly at least keep chances for them to find. With both sides having strong defensive game, key would be for sure side which would be able to get through this defence.

Trabzonspor would be meeting with side which provides similar game to them, and it would be interesting to see how their would be responding.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 13th week:

Konyaspor 0:1 Sivasspor

Antalyaspor 2:0 Kayserispor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 14th week:

16:00 Hatayspor - Trabzonspor

19:00 Galatasaray - Goztepe

In other news:

- TFF has announced that during 2nd half of season, clubs would need to come out on field with at least legimate 9 players. It added that players born after 1/1/2000 amateur players could be added to squad

- TFF CEO Nihat Ozdemir: We would need to end league at 16th May. We even allowed for sides to come out with 9 players. No games could be postponed.

- YeniMalatyaspor has announced that 1 personnel got positive test result for Covid19.

- Basaksehirspor has announced that 1 player got positive test result for Covid19.

- Hatayspor has announced that all of its players, technical and staff members has got negative test results for Covid19.

- PFDK referalls:

- Fatih Karagumruk has been referred for 5 players getting yellow card and 1 player red card and not following guidelines.

- Fatih Karagumruk CEO Suleyman Hurma has been referred for his actions and not following guidelines.

- Fatih Karagumruk administrator SerkanHurma has referred for not following guidelines.

- Galatasaray head coach Fatih Terim has been referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour, action and not following warning.

- Trabzonspor has been referred for events on field.

- Erzurumspor has made principal deal with coach Hikmet Karaman for head coach role after terminating contract with Huseyin Cimsir

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Fremad Amagar player Emmanuel Toku

- Gaziantep head coach Marius Sumudica has announced that recieved impressive offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia

- Roma considers to offer 15 million euro for Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir.

- Kasimpasa has left its player Gerard Gohou out of squad