What happened in Turkish football today? 31/12/2022

Trabzonspor winning title after 38 years has been most memorable moment of 2022.

As we are entering to the 2023 year, its time to look at the three best teams of the 2022 and even through of mixed performance during on-going season, it would need to be stated that best team in overall for 2022 has been league champions Trabzonspor.

Trabzonspor during previous season and especially towards end of it has been fully focussed into league title even through it did provide some worries towards end of the league as it did lose some of its point advantage but still got title with 3 weeks until end of the season with draw against Antalyaspor. Without doubt, key players who has provided such performance for Trabzonspor has been Anthony Nwakaeme and Cornelius who has scored lots of goals which did bring title. In fact, selling those players in summer transfer window, mainly due of unwanted circumstances has been main reason why Trabzonspor did show such decline of performance. Also celebration of its supporters after winning title for 38 years has been one of the memorable moments of 2022 in Turkey.

 As been noted, so far during this season team has been in decline and didnt provide top level game and needs to do some changes including during mid-season transfer window.

Fenerbahce had a great all-round year performance.

When looking with overall performance of 2022, it could be stated that Fenerbahce has been best player as it did provide one of the best performances in the league during 2nd half of previous season and also dominates league after Jorge Jesus appointment.

Fenerbahce has been very dissapointing 2021 and did show some poor results, but on 2022 things has been turned upside down in positive sense for them as their did show one of the best performance around Turkey. Firstly, with appointment of Ismail Kartal who has turned around entirely whole team and has starting getting wins back-to-back and has raised side into 2nd spot and hence led team to get Champions League qualifying round. In fact, as would be remembered by some when Fenerbhace has been discussing to appoint Jorge Jesus there was lots of criticism and worry that injustice has been done to Kartal. In fact, this blog has also looked at the topic in uncertain manner. But Jorge Jesus has turned around side entirely and to some extend has led people to forget about Kartal. With being 1 point behind league leaders Galatasaray right now and being at last 16 of Europa League has shown how successful was Jorge Jesus and even through he does tend to struggle against big clubs, he does show game at Super League which is different from other clubs.

There are lots of expectation for Fenerbahce at 2023 as it is being one of the main contenders for league title and also even to get Europa League which seems to be very difficult task but we would argue is not impossible.

Adana Demirspor for sure being main surprise for 2022.

One of the main surprises during 2022 in Turkey has been Adana Demirspor who did have great previous season and also is being currently one of the leadership contenders at the Super League.

With Murat Sancak setting high aims and hence appointing Vincenzo Montella as club head coach has been paid back for the side. As it is known, for years Turkish clubs has transferred and appointed big names to its clubs, but it has been turned out insuccessfully for them. But this has been turned entirely opposite in positive sense, as among getting some good names with many of them having good experience in the Super League has turned out well. Montella, among Jorge Jesus, didnt have much issue of adapting to Super League an issue which many foreign coaches have in Turkey and managed to get some great results during whole season.

Adana Demirspor for sure does have high aims for 2023 as it would be aiming to get European spot in the end of the season and would expect to continue to make some impressing transfers in both transfer window which would have positive impact to squad.

In other news:

- TFF is expected to not give any games to referee Erkan Ozdemar until end of the season.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Santos player Felipe Jonatan, Montpellier player Nicolas Cozza

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Brentford player Mathias Jensen.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Sacha Boey as 16 million euro.

- Galatasaray are considering to sell its player Alexandru Cicaldau for 3-3.5 million euro during mid-season transfer window.

- AlNassr are interested to transfer Galatasaray-loaned player Mauro Icardi.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Lille player Jonathan Bamba

What happened in Turkish football today? 30/12/2022

Galatasaray ends year with controversial win against Sivasspor.

Galatasaray has managed to end 2022 as league leaders after winning Sivasspor with 2:1 scoreline at very highly controversial game while playing at very poor conditioned football field.

Without doubt, the position of Sivasspor goal which been disallowed for unknown reasons as it been disallowed with VAR decision which has spotted offside which wasnt there has got lots of question towards refereeing performance. It needs to be mentioned that Sivasspor which are being close at relegation zone did come out for very important game and such decision could have direct impact into outcome of such game. Galatasaray it needs to be mentioned on overall did provide good performance on 1st half and did find winning goal on very important moment but it did show once again decline of its performance during 2nd half, as Sivasspor did found equaliser and also scored that disallowed goal earlier. Still, it needs to be mentioned that fighting spirit did let for Baris Alper Yilmaz to score winning goal.

It is reported meanwhile that Galatasaray has made a statement that it would pay 5 million TL bonuses to its players for this win.

Besiktas got crucial win against Adana Demirspor as it enters to 2023.

Besiktas has ended calendar year with very important win against in-form Adana Demirspor thanks to great free-kick of Masuaku and has kept side at the leadership race with 7 points behind Galatasaray.

It is hard to state that Besiktas did provide very good performance, especially during 2nd half, but its been enough to get such an important win and let its opponets to lose 2nd time during this season. Besiktas did look to be showing pretty strong and effective performance with controlling ball, but still there were some signs of quality in some moments of the time and in fact it did show some decline of performance in 2nd half even through it wasnt as drastic as in previous games. Still, Adana Demirspor did get very good opportunities during 2nd half and has been very close to equaliser as ball hit post by Gulbrandsen shot. 

This win still provided an important confidence and motivation for 2023 and kept them hopes for title arrive with this result for sure.

Dia Saba has left Sivasspor due of family reasons.

Sivasspor player Dia Saba has announced that he would be living club due of familiar reasons and hence confirming rumours which been going around Turkish sports media in past weeks.

Dia Saba has organised press conference where he stated that reason of him living has been entirely of family reasons with one of the reasons has been that there wasnt school in English in Sivas where his kids could be attending. It has been also talked a lot that in overall his wife is being unhappy at the city. This case does show that stability at family does play an important role especially taking around that Saba is being happy at the team and did provide good performance and his absence would affect negatively as side would need to be looking at the team as he did play important role at attack.

Dia Saba decision is based into putting family first rather than professional contract and this decision in all fairness needs to be respected.

In other news:

- AdanaDemirspor CEO Murat Sancak has stated that some of the players in team had 39-40 degrees temperature few days before Besiktas game.

- Galatasaray administrator Erden Timur: We are also asking for VAR conversation to be made public. We also want to know why Sivasspor goal has been disallowed. Players say ball went to out. We also ask to make clear Nelsson penalty position.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer RB Leipzig player Alexander Sorloth.

- Internacional are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Luiz Adriano.

- Monaco are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir.

- FatihKaragumruk has terminated contract with its player Steven Caulkner.

- LeicesterCity considers to extend contract with its player Caglar Soyuncu

What happened in Turkish football today? 29/12/2022

 

Galatasaray enters to 2023 as league leaders after beating Sivasspor

Galatasaray would be entering to 2023 as league leaders with a win against Sivasspor what has tend to be pretty tough game due of condition of the field but in same high tension game partly due of referee performance.

Foremost, it needs to be mentioned about disallowed goal from Sivasspor when scoreline has been 1:0 as this position looked to be clean in all perspectives but somehow with looking at the position for around 5 minutes in all different angles it has been disallowed where there wasnt any hints of offside or foul, a position which noone has understood both on social media and even broadcaster. Coming to the game, it has been tough game mainly due of field condition as it wasnt at unhealthy state which provided some difficulties moment to both players at the field as they couldnt get into tempo. In fact, all of the three goals did come with players using opportunities. Meanwhile, Baris Alper Yilmaz who did come towards end of the 2nd half has scored his most important in his career as it brought leadership to the team at such tough game. Stating that, Galatasaray despite of win didnt provide good performance in 2nd half, as it did against Istanbulspor, and this seems to be main area to be solved from head coach Okan Buruk.

Sivasspor didnt start game with any strong tactical game on 1st half and has led Galatasaray to control game but did come to themselves in 2nd half with starting creating moment. Meanwhile, disallowed goal which it has scored did in fact provide disorientation as it failed to get fully concentrated into game for around 10 minutes after that incident. It did find a goal during 2nd half but couldnt provide strong enough defence towards end.

Galatasaray has ended 2022 as league leaders at very tough game both due of condition of the field and not very good performance of coach who did mistake to both sides and has raised confidence as it enters to new year. 

Besiktas got well-fought win against Adana Demirspor.

Besiktas has completed 2022 with a win against in-form side Adana Demirspor with minumum scoreline of 1:0, and has kept its chance to fight for top position in the league arrive as point different with leaders Galatasaray is being 7 points.

Most present development for Besiktas has been that it has won against opponent which didnt lose for long period of time with providing strong and organising performance both at defence and attack.It is also important to note that winning goal did come from great shot from Masuaku from free-kick as it has been his 1st goal from free-kick and to score in such manner would provide confidence to him in upcoming weeks. Only negative aspect in side of Besiktas has been for letting Adana Demirspor to create lots of dangerous opportunities with one hitting to post, but this did come due of open and positive game from both sides which led them to get into counter-attacks. Hence, an issue of not providing top level game has been existent in this game but it has managed to do that in much better form compare to previous weeks and didnt lose tempo during 2nd week too drastic.

Adana Demirspor didnt provide dominant and attacking game which been used from them during 1st half, and has been much closer to its level of performance during 2nd half but poor start of the game did cost them a goal even through it did come from free-kick. Still, Adana Demirspor performance during 2nd half makes clear that when it does aim to show good game, it manages to do that and would continue to be an issue for opponents.

Besiktas hence did end 2022 with a win and most importantly keeps their chances arrive for title race as it keeps 7 point difference from leaders Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor has ended 2022 with its worst performance of the year.

Trabzonspor has shown pretty ineffective performance against Fatih Karagumruk in its last game of calendar of 2022 as it lacked any willingness at attack and tempo which would been expected from them.

Following win against Fenerbahce with providing strong tactical game, Trabzonspor has shown quite opposite as it provided very likely its worst performance during whole 2022 and continues to provide signs of worrisome for rest of the season. It needs to be mentioned that red card of Marc Bartra did affect whole game but it is hard to state that Trabzonspor did provide upper hand performance compare to Fatih Karagumruk. Meanwhile, it needs to be praised into how much Fatih Karagumruk has prepared the game with providing strong tactical performance as it looked side which didnt only came out for win but were aware how to stop Trabzonspor. This game would surely provide lots of notes which would need to be worked by from Trabzonspor.

Trabzonspor win against Fenerbahce has provided lots of optimism for future, but this game has made clear that Trabzonspor are having issues with showing top level game compare to previous one.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

Giresunspor 2:1 Gaziantep

Sivasspor 1:2 Galatasaray

Besiktas 1:0 Adana Demirspor

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

- Ankaragucu has been referred for events on field.

- Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor has been referred for behaviour of fans.

- Hatayspor has been referred for not following guidelines

- PFDK decisions:

- Kasimpasa, Trabzonspor has recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans.

- Umraniyespor has recieved 175,000 TL fine and blockage of stands for behaviour of fans

- Gaziantep, Besiktas and Konyaspor has recieved 56,000 TL for events on field.

- Besiktas has recieved 130,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- Alanyaspor administrator Mevluthan Cavucoglu has recieved 2-game ban and 52,000 TL for anti-sportmanhip behaviour.

- Trabzonspor has  received 84,000 TL for events on field.

- Trabzonspor doctor Halil Polat has stated that its player Edin Visca had went through successful operation.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Hasan Ali Kaldirim.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Santos Laguna player Omar Campos.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Fisayo Dele Bashiru.

- Kayserispor player Onur Bulut has requested 20 million euro salary and 1.5 year contract from Trabzonspor.

- Udinese are interested to transfer Besiktas player Valentin Rosier

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer NK Osijek player Adrian Leon Barisic

- Konyaspor has promoted its scouting committee member Irfan Kulekaya to sports director position.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/12/2022

Trabzonspor has shown ineffective passive game against Fatih Karagumruk

Trabzonspor has ended calendar year of 2022 with unexpected loss to Fatih Karagumruk with 4:1 scoreline and has likely provided most passive and ineffective during whole calendar year.

It was expected prior to game for Trabzonspor to get some difficult game as Fatih Karagumruk does aim to show positive ball and does get some chances during games despite of not winning them and also Trabzonspor has expected to be effected positively from Fenerbahce. But one of the issues of the Trabzonspor performance has been for not providing much tempo during game with playing at relaxing mode and this could be seen as it was conceding. It needs to be mentioned that Bartra red card towards end of 1st half, who also has scored only 1 goal during game, issue is not more of losing but also reaction. It needs to be mentioned that condition of the field, which is being most unwanted stadium, due of strong winds, being far from supporters did affect to Trabzonspor performance and mentality but it needs to be mentioned that Fatih Karagumruk did also play in similar condition. Trabzonspor has provided passive game and it needs to figure out why it showed such game.

Fatih Karagumruk on their part did provide highly organised and positive amount and has continued to show strong attacking game whenever its scored rather than defending which has led them for such important win for them which would provide confidence for upcoming games.

Trabzonspor did provide good strong game at Fenerbahce but in this game we saw opposite and it needs to study why it has turned out like that.

Fenerbahce got confident win against Hatayspor

Fenerbahce has got a confident win against Hatayspor during Super League 16th week game as it regained its leadership for at least less than 48 hours with providing dominating game especially after finding 1st goal thanks to the Joshua King.

It needs to be mentioned as been noted on previous blog entry, Fenerbahce did start game in nervous note due of losing previous 2 games but did improve as time went on and with a goal from Joshua King on 20th minute has got full control of the game with scoring 3 more goals and also not letting Hatayspor to get into game. Fenerbahce seems to be providing full dominance at the games which it does come out as favourites due of an attacking style of game. It issue seems to be providing game with opponents which are on similar level as their are as been seen at Trabzonspor game. Still, Fenerbahce in this game did show that it has been focussed once again for title race and is being one of the strongest in the league.

With this result Fenerbahce would enter to 2023 at high morale as it did get result which it did seek for without doubt with such confident win.

Galatasaray needs to improve if it wants to enter 2023 at the top

Galatasaray would be focussing to regain its leadership as it would be playing against Sivasspor at the game which is expected to be played at crucial cold conditions in one of the most coldest areas in Turkey.

Even through Sivasspor is also located at bottom section of the table, close to the relegation zone, it would needed to be stated that performance which it has shown against Istanbulspor would not be enough. Sivasspor does have quality side which tends to show good performance against top clubs and also using its advantage when playing at home. Hence, Galatasaray would need to show much faster tempo which been seen against Istanbulspor and aim to provide highly focussed and dominating game for 90 minutes.

Galatasaray did feel under pressure towards end of Istanbulspor and it needs to be more calmer in this game for sure.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

Alanyaspor 3:1 Kayserispor 

Istanbulspor 2:1 Kasimpasa

Fatih Karagumruk 4:1 Trabzonspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

17:00 Giresunspor - Gaziantep

17:00 Sivasspor - Galatasaray

20:00 Besiktas - Adana Demirspor

In other news:

- Besiktas has extended contract with its player Semih Kilicsoy until 2025 and Aytug Bartug Komec until 2026.

- Sivasspor head coach Riza Calimbay has stated that Murat Paluli will not be able to play for 5-6 months due of injury.

- Eyupspor has made transfer deal with Istanbulspor player Melih Kabasakal.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Chicago player Jhon Duran.

- Monza has offered 2.5 million euro to Besiktas player Valentin Rosier.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Danny Blind

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Sheffield Wednesday player Fisayo Dele Bashuru

- Galatasaray considers to offer 5 million euro to Inter Milan player Edin Dzeko.

- PortugueseNationalTeam are interested to appoint Fenerbahce head coach Jorge Jesus.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/12/2022

Fenerbahce ends 2022 with regaining confidence.

Fenerbahce has shown strong comeback after losing to Trabzonspor in last week as it has won Hatayspor with 4:0 scoreline and has got back leadership for at least 2 days with confident performance.

Even through Fenerbahce did get very good outcome with dominant game against Hatayspor, it needs to be mentioned that it did show some signs of nervousness at the team for first 20 minutes after losing 2 games in the league but with Joshua King goal on 20th minute Fenerbahce has got full control of the game. Following 20th minute until end of the game, with finding 3 more goals and with possibility of scoring even more it has shown its performance which it has shown for most amount of until World Cup break. It has also important for Serdar Dursun to find his 1st goal in the league during this season at the last minute as he only got few minutes of the game and has proven once again that he is being hungry for goal. With Fenerbahce losing some of confidence in recent weeks, this result has regained them as we enter to 2023.

Hatayspor on their part did provide some good chances in beginning of the game and some parts of the whole, but seemed to be providing in general poor defensive game which led for Fenerbahce to create some chances and also find 4 goals. It looks like Hatayspor would need to focus into defensive improvement.

Fenerbahce hence also stopped its period of poor results at the league and also would enter to 2023 at strong confidence with such confident scoreline without doubt.

Trabzonspor will aim to end 2022 with back-to-back win.

Trabzonspor would be aiming to end calendary year of 2022 with back-to-back wins as it would be playing against Fatih Karagumruk and hence keep its race for top spot arrive for new year.

Even through it could be argued that Trabzonspor showed entirely great and dominating game against Fenerbahce, its concentration and using opportunities which it gets into hand during 90 minutes has led them to get such an important win. Without doubt, this characteristics and also confidence which been gained from that game would also play its role against Fatih Karagumruk. Meanwhile, Fatih Karagumruk is still unable to provide great game which has been observed from them on previous season but it could be seeing this game as turning point and could turn it to its own advantage if it would show strong dominating positive game.

Trabzonspor with confidence and also quality would be coming out as favourites to the game but Fatih Karagumruk will not give them an easy game for sure.

Monza are interested to sign Valerien Rosier.

It was reported that Italian side Monza are interested to sign Valentin Rosier as Besiktas aims to sell player to any club at mid-season transfer window.

It needs to be mentioned that Rosier is being one of the few players whose performance during this season is not being satisfying to technical staff and hence this news for them would be seen as positive development and here only comes to sell him for good value. This would also be good opportunity for Rosier as he would be going to modest club but at important league where he would be motivated to show top level performance at his new club and show himself at pretty tough league for sure.

As always, we would follow recent developmetns in this subject area as mid-season window is approaching.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

Ankaragucu 1:2 Umraniyespor

Basaksehirspor 2:0 Antalyaspor

Fenerbahce 4:0 Hatayspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

17:00 Alanyaspor - Kayserispor

17:00 Istanbulspor - Kasimpasa

20:00 Fatih Karagumruk - Trabzonspor

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

- Umraniyespor and Kasimpasa has been referred for behaviour of fans.

- Trabzonspor and Besiktas has been referred for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Konyaspor and Gaziantep has been referred for events on field.

- Alanyaspor worker Mevluthan Cavusoglu has been referred for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Gaziantep worker Adnan Erken has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Konyaspor general secretary Seckin Ozdil has resigned from his position.

- Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi has resumed training sessions after recovery from injury.

- Lazio are interested to transfer Caner Erkin

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Midjylland player Nikolas Dyhr.

- Monza are interested to transfer Besiktas player Valentin Rosier.

- Alanyaspor are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Berkan Kutlu.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/12/2022

Galatasaray got leadership but didnt show great game in 2nd half.

Galatasaray has become new leaders as it used an advantage of Fenerbahce losing to Trabzonspor earlier in the week with getting 2:1 scoreline against Istanbulspor but its performance does raise some questions.

With looking at form of Istanbulspor who is 2nd last only with 8 points and also not giving much hope for future, it has been expected for Galatasaray to get confident win and regain leadership at Super League. It needs to be mentioned that game has been progressed like that during 1st half as Galatasaray did get full control during 1st half with 2 goals from Bafetembi Gomis who once again proved himself as being strong replacement for Mauro Icardi. However, things did change drastically during 2nd half where Istanbulspor started providing much more pressure and did found goal on 82nd minute. That goal provided confidence and panic to the Istanbulspor which could lead game to end in unexpected result. Another negative aspect for Galatasaray without doubt has also been injury of Kazimcan Karatas.

Galatasaray did get a win without showing a good performance and needs to take some lessons if it aims to stay at the top spot.

Besiktas is lacking tempo which is needed to win games in this league.

Besiktas has showed its problem of providing top level game at all moments of the game once against against Gaziantep, and it needs ot be mentioend that it didnt show top level performance.

With Besiktas needed to get point as much as it can to keep its aim for top spot alive, and also expectation that Fenerbahce loss to Trabzonspor could lead them to be more motivated this hasnt been transforred into field without doubt as it looked ot be passive and providing low tempo. Besiktas to some extend even got behind with its performance after Ismael as with him, side did show in some moments top level game while Besiktas tends to have issues of that. One of the main issue for Besiktas is to raise tempo in upcoming games as it does have quality to convert chances when it get ones. 

Besiktas would be coming out to pretty tough game against Adana Demirspor which does show fast tempo game regardless of opponent and this could provide some issues to Besiktas in all section  of the field.

Fenerbahce will seek to end recent poor results against Hatayspor

Even through loss to Trabzonspor could not be treated as surprise, what was surprising is performance of Fenerbahce as it been one of the weakest games of them. Without doubt, Fenerbahce would be aiming to turn this factors around Hatayspor.

Hatayspor meanwhile is being 1 point above of relegation zone and is not being in level which we saw at the team in previous two sides, and taking account that Fenerbahce tends to get result from lower half opponents without much doubt, they would be coming as favourites. One of the areas which Fenerbahce is red card issue, as team does get them in last 3 games with 2 of those has been ended with loss. Therefore, Jorge Jesus needs to give instruction of players to be more calm and not providing much aggressivity in this game and for players to give attention to this.

Fenerbahce will play against opponent against which it could turn around its recent poor results but it would need to give attention to show its best game.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 16th week:

17:00 Ankaragucu - Umraniyespor

17:00 Basaksehirspor - Antalyaspor

20:00 Fenerbahce - Hatayspor

In other news:

-Kayserispor CEO Ali Camli: After recieved 3 point fine from TFF, we are capable to say "don't worry, we lose 3 but would gain 13 more" quality. We still did go to arbitration committee for this decision to be changed. We would give our full defence until 29th December

- Basaksehirspor has extended contract with its player Muhammed Sengezer until 2026.

- Galatasaray has offered 5 million euro salary to Inter Milan player Edin Dzeko.

- Sivasspor player Murat Paluli has become injured 

- Trabzonspor CEO Ahmet Agaoglu has called for club administrators to stop talking about referees as it affects Turkish football development negatively

- Galatasaray player Kazimcan Karatas will not be able to play 1-1.5 months due of injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/12/2022

Galatasaray didnt perform like leaders despite becoming one

Galatasaray has become new leaders in the league after beating  struggling Istanbulspor with 2:1 scoreline but it needs to be mentioned that it didnt really showed performance of the leaders especially during 2nd half.

It needs to be mentioned that despite of being 37-year old, Bafetembi Gomis proves himself to be strong attacker and its being 2nd attacker at the team and in all fairness does provide some pressure towards Mauro Icardi who is being injured right now. Main issue of the Galatasaray has been for showing relaxation and calmness after 2:0 scoreline which could cost them a lot especially towards last 20 minutes, including 10 minute an extra time, as Istanbulspor has been looking for opportunities and did create them. This as been mentioned has been due of relaxation which did come on 2:0 scoreline and has led to panic when Istanbulspor has scored on 82nd minute as it povided confidence to visitors and panic to Galatasaray. Therefore, Galatasaray did show positive game on 1st half but it did learn lesson of not relaxing too much as it could even draw game.

Istanbulspor did show pretty passive start of the game and did concede pretty 2 simple goals from Bafetembi Gomis which hence provided difficulties but its been positive that Istanbulspor didnt give after being 2:0 scoreline and fought for draw at the end of the game. This factors could be important for confidence for team which urgently needs to get points if it aims to stay in top league.

Galatasaray hence did become new leaders but it did show poor and panic football against side which been in relegation zone and this could provide worried aspect in upcoming weeks.

Besiktas continues showing slow-pace tempo at its games.

Besiktas player Wout Weghorst has got Super League 15th week game into draw against Gaziantep in similar manner as he did against Argentina during World Cup, as Gaziantep continues showing impressive strong performance at home ground.

Besiktas it needs to be mentioned has continued its issue for providing high tempo performance as it continued showing pretty ineffective game prior to conceding goal on 71st minute and has been pretty far from performance which is used from Senol Gunes requested game. It needs to be mentioned that Besiktas did struggle with creating strong chances and opportunities during 1st half as it couldnt overpass pretty organised defensive game of Gaziantep. It did continued such performance during 2nd half as Gaizantep started showing much more aggressive and positive performance game as game progressed and did find goal thanks to Figuiredo organised counter-attacks. With introduction of Wout Weghorst, Besiktas did look to be more agressive and higher tempo as he did found goal which brought them draw but still it continued to show tempo which wasnt enough.

Gaziantep during this game has shown why its being one of the most successful clubs at home ground as it provided organied defensive game with good counter-attacks with one of them and did regain confidence for upcoming games.

Besiktas hence continues showing slow pace game without much opportunities and did lose opportunity to find itself more into leadership race and provides some worrying signs. 

Trabzonspor used an extra player advantage effectively

Trabzonspor has got an important win against Fenerbahce during Super League 15th week and has reduced point difference with league leaders to 3 points as side did use an advantage of extra men very effectively.

It needs to be mentioned that both sides during 1st half did provide pretty passive game with focussing into defensive game. Trabzonspor did provide much more effective game compare to 1st half and things went easier for them after Miguel Crespo has got two yellow cards and gave extra player advantage to Trabzonspor in such crucial game which it has used effectively and did find goal within 4 minutes after that position. In other hand, Fenerbahce did get a red card for 3-games back-to-back which does show that players tend to show more agressive game than needed, an area which needs to be focussed by Jorge Jesus in upcoming training sessions. 

Trabzonspor without doubt did win game which it needed to do so an did show such performance while Fenerbahce needs to find ways to stop its downfall which it experienced right now.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

Adana Demirspor 2:1 Fatih Karagumruk

Gaziantep 1:1 Besiktas 

Konyaspor 2:2 Alanyaspor

Galatasaray 2:1 Istanbulspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray players Kazimcan Karatas and Fredrik Midjso has become injured.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Lazio player Luis Alberto.

- OlympiqueMarseille player Cengiz Under considers to join Besiktas.

- Zenit are interested to transfer Lille player Yusuf Yazici.

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Getafe player Enes Unal

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/12/2022

Trabzonspor did use an advantage of extra men against Fenerbahce.

Trabzonspor has got an important win against Fenerbahce with 2:0 scoreline as it used extra men advantage in last 30 minutes of the game due of red card of Miguel Crespo from Fenerbahce and has reduced point difference to 3 points.

It needs to be stated that both sides during 90 minutes didnt provide very strong and attacking game, but Trabzonspor did raise tempo during 2nd half of the game especially after Miguel Crespo has got red card. It needs to be mentioned that even during 2nd half, Trabzonspor didnt get full dominance and perfect game but it has been better than Fenerbahce at creating chances. In fact, it could be mentioned that Trabzonspor could score more goal in the 2nd half if there werent safe from Altay Bayindir and also some shots which didnt get on target. It needs to be mentioned therefore that Trabzonspor despite of not playing its perfect did show more willingness and did use effectively home ground advantage and extra men.

Fenerbahce meanwhile didnt look to be as dominating and tempo which been used to the team on previous games as tactically there were clear signs when side did show Jorge Jesus tactical game but when it did try to create those chances there was either lack of tempo and lack of control of the ball. It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce as been noted beforehand did come with less pressure compare to Trabzonspor to the game which could be seen as advantage, but on field possibily it did turn around opposite as Fenerbahce didnt show as much as willingness as it did Trabzonspor. Fenerbahce sadly are at decline and it needs to find out solutions at short notice as there is chance for them to lose leadership in the end of this week.

Trabzonspor did need to win this game more than Fenerbahce and they did so as it has been highly focussed and did use extra men on field in effective manner.

Galatasaray needs to show creative game against defensive Istanbulspor. 

Galatasaray would be coming to very important game at the leadership race against before last-spot Istanbulspor and side which only 1 game so far during this season as it would be favourite.

Stating that, it needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray did struggle against Keciorengucu and it would need to remember that Istanbulspor could provide different game compare to Turkish Cup game against Fenerbahce. There also a factor of Mauro Icardi, which is not expected to be playing due of injury which does affect negatively into creativity of the team in the attack and only positive aspect is that it would be expected for game to start with Bafetembi Gomis who tends to find goals when it matters as it could be expected. It would be also highly expected for Istanbulspor to provide heavily strong and organised defensive game, which would mean that Galatasaray would need to seek to not only control ball in the front but also provide some dominating game. 

Galatasaray would be coming out as favourites against Istanbulspor but to get win it needs to find ways to overpass defensive game of Istanbulspor.

Besiktas needs to improve its performance if it wants to get win against Gaziantep  

Besiktas would be coming to the league after World Cup 2022 at away game against Gaziantep at the game which it would need to win if it aims to stay at the leadership race.

Besiktas didnt enter to break at high note and did struggle pretty a lot against Sanliurfaspor at Turkish Cup with one of the main issues has been for not providing 90 minutes high level performance. Even through Besiktas would be coming on the game as favourites but Gaziantep is being side which could use this advantage of some moments of Besiktas losing concentration and hence on their side key is to be focussed and motivated during whole game regardless how game would progress. In other hand, Besiktas does struggle from old habits more than Senol Gunes, and at one game this would turn around and there is possibiity this could be that game even through Sanliurfaspor didnt provide much hopes.

Besiktas would be coming out as favourites but it does need to raise its performance level if it wants to get crucial win for leadership race.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 15th week

Hatayspor 1:1 Giresunspor

Kasimpasa 1:2 Sivasspor

Trabzonspor 2:0 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

13:30 Adana Demirspor - Fatih Karagumruk

16:00 Gaziantep - Besiktas

16:00 Konyaspor - Alanyaspor

19:00 Galatasaray - Istanbulspor

In other news:

- AdanaDemirspor CEO Murat Sancak has stated that big 4 clubs are interested to sign Samet Akyadin.

- Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk and players Leo Dubois, Yusuf Demir and Milot Rashica got flu infection

- Eyupspor has offered 1 million euro for Galatasaray player Bafetembi Gomis.

- Cadiz, Mallorca and Getafe are interested to sign Caner Erkin

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/12/2022

Galatasaray got tough win against Keciorengucu.

Galatasaray has managed to get win against Keciorengucu during Turkish Cup 5th round game thanks to the goal from Bafetembi Gomis on 82nd minute at what ended up being pretty unexpected tough game.

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray as would been expected did provide strong attacking game and has been one to be creating chances but it needs to be mentioned that Keciorgengucu did provide an effective defensive game. Stating that, Galatasaray did have an opportunity to go ahead at 40th minute but Haris Seferovic when taking penalty kick has hit into upper post. Meanwhile, Seferovic continues with showing ineffective performance due of not being at good form and also being unhappy. In other hand, Bafetembi Gomis continues to be key player and super sub at the team as he did find crucial goal at crucial time as game was going to extra time.

Galatasaray hence did get into last 16 with difficulty but it needs to provide much better performance if it wants to go far and also win title in Super League.

Trabzonspor aim is to dominate game as it needs to win.

Turkish Super League would return after World Cup 2022 break with big game between league leaders Fenerbahce and title holders Trabzonspor, as Istanbul side would feel under less pressure compare to opponents.

Even through if it loses to Trabzonspor, and Galatasaray wins its game against Istanbulspor following day would mean that team would lose its leadership, it needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce would feel much less pressure since loss to Trabzonspor would mean point difference of 9 points. Therefore, it would be expected for Trabzonspor to be one which would provide strong attacking game for 90 minutes and aim to provide pressure. This kind of game,also means of course that it would need to show strong defensive game also to prevent Fenerbahce to get counter-attacking chances. Hence, Trabzonspor would need to show game where it would dominate but it could be pretty tough against such opponent.

Trabzonspor would be playing for win for sure, but aiming for dominance could led some chances for Fenerbahce. 

Fenerbahce will be more relaxed and this could turn as crucial advantage for them

As been noted, even through Fenerbahce could lose its leadership in the league if it loses to Trabzonspor, it would be feeling less under pressure compare to opponents and this could provide an advantage to side.

Even through Fenerbahce does tend to concede some goals, it does have strong attacking game with high creativity. Also, it has been seen in previous games that when Fenerbahce does provide full focus into defensive game, it does provide some difficulties to opponents and becomes tougher team to concede. As team, would also expect for Trabzonspor to be showing an attacking game it could provide much more defensive game and prevent Trabzonspor to create lots of chances. It needs to be stated that when looking into form of the team, which includes World Cup 2022 friendlies, Fenerbahce are in better condition and confidence and this factor could make them favourites.

Fenerbahce has an opportunity of being much more calmer against Trabzonspor and this could turn into advantage for them.

Results: 

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

Antalyaspor 0:2 Ankaragucu

Umraniyespor 1:3 Basaksehirspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

13:30 Hatayspor - Giresunspor

16:00 Kasimpasa - Sivasspor

19:00 Trabzonspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- TFF has erased 3 points from Kayserispor at Super League for not fulfilling requirements for recieving club licence.

- According to PFDK guidelines, complaint towards referee of the game fine will be 200,000 TL.

- Istanbulspor has terminated contract with its player Kristal Abazaj.

- Basaksehirspor has ended contract with its academy coordinator Nedim Agit.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer PAOK player Konstantinos Koulierakis.

- Trabzonspor considers to loan its player Kerem Sen to another club

- Anderlecht are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Dries Mertens.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bayern Munich II player Yusuf Kabadayi, Eyup Aydin.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/12/2022

Galatasaray got struggling win against Keciorengucu

Galatasaray player Bafetembi Gomis goal on 83rd minute has managed for his side to get to Turkish Cup last 16 stage against 1st league side Keciorengucu which did provide strong defensive game for whole game.

Galatasaray did come as favourite to the game and did provide an attacking game with creating high number of the chances but couldnt pass opponents strong defence and also good performance by Keciorengucu goalkeeper. Stating that, it needs to be mentioned that during end of the 1st half, Galatasaray did get great opportunity with penalty kick with Haris Seferovic who didnt convert his opportunity which more or less does provide his performance at the team. In fact, Seferovic has been substituted with Bafetembi Gomis who did find winning goal with great organising attack. Therefore, Galatasaray did get to next stage of Turkish Cup and with win but not in manner which was expected as there were expectation that it could get much more confident win.

It needs to be mentioned that Keciorengucu did come out with focus to provide defensive game which it did manage to do very well and could proud with how it performed in the back for whole game.

As been noted, Galatasaray didnt get confident win which it did seek for and this game could provide opportunity to get some lessons for upcoming games.

Besiktas shown great comeback at the game where Dele Alli has been booed.

Besiktas has shown strong comeback from 2:0 against Sanliurfaspor during Turkish Cup 5th round game as it turned around game in duration of 6 minutes at the game where Dele Alli been booed when being substituted.

It needs to be mentioned that Besiktas did lack concentration in the start of the game and did start game pretty poorly as it has conceded 2 goals within 10 minutes and it did take pretty long for side to get back into control of the game. One of the players who seemed to be getting lots of criticism for this outcome has been Dele Alli as side head coach Senol Gunes has substituted which led for protest from supporters at mid of 1st half. Stating it does look like he wasnt main reason as it still took until 67th minute for side to start finding goals with Cenk Tosun which did look once again as leading goalscorer and attacker at the team.  Besiktas did show great comeback but it did provide lots fo worrying signs prior to restart of the Super League.

Besiktas does seem to be having an issue to play for 90 minutes to performance as it continued to do so during this Turkish Cup game against 2nd league side.

Trabzonspor got back into season after World Cup at high point

Trabzonspor did get a confident win at Turkish Cup at the Black Sea derby against 1st league side Samsunspor, as Naci Unuvar has found his 1st goals at his new club and has managed to do that twice.

Trabzonspor did come out to the game with an aim to get good start of game which could been turned out to be pretty tough and has managed to do so with 10th minute which led them to control game from start to an end, and also let Naci Unuvar to become star of the game with two goals aftewards and generally good performance. Without doubt, this result would provide confidence and motivation both to Fenerbahce crucial game and also upcoming games, as it needs to win this week as in case it loses it would find itself 9 points behind leaders. Trabzonspor needed some motivation and it got at this game.

Trabzonspor did show some good signs in this game but it needs to be aware that it would need to show better game if it wants to get win against Fenerbahce

Results:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

Kayserispor 2:0 Genclerbirligi

Konyaspor 3:2 Bodrumspor

Gaziantep 3:1 Boluspor

Adana Demirspor 3:4 Rizespor

Galatasaray 1:0 Keciorengucu

Turkish Super League, 15th week:

20:00 Antalyaspor - Ankaragucu

20:00 Umraniyespor - Basaksehirspor

In other news:

- TurkishNationalTeam has been rose from 45th to 44th spot at FIFA World Ranking for November

- TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi states that there would not be changes for foreign player limit for 2nd half of the season.

- Gaziantep CEO Cevdat Akinel: We didnt pay to our players for 3 months, we have debt of 160 million TL. Sadly city didn't help us, if they did we would been in better condition. 

- Besiktas player Rachid Ghezzal is expected to be able to play during Super League 20th week game against Kayserispor. 

- Kayserispor administrator Tufan Koc has stated that club has made extended deals with Onur Bulut and Emrah Bassan.

- Olympiakos are interested to transfer Besiktas player Arthur Masuaku.

- Ankaragucu and Kasimpasa are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Yusuf Erdogan.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Edgar le and Eliaquim Mangala.

- AdanaDemirspor are interested to transfer Milan player Tiemoue Bakayoko.

- InterMilan player Hakan Calhanoglu states that he is waiting for extension deal from his club as he wants to stay here.

- Eyupspor are interested to sign Galatasaray player Bafetembi Gomis and Alanyaspor player Efecan Karaca 

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/12/2022

Besiktas has got win against Sanliurfaspor with comeback it shown during 6 minutes.

Besiktas has shown great comeback during Turkish Cup 5th round game against Sanliurfaspor as it turned around game from 0:2 to 3:2 in duration of 6 minutes at what seemed to be pretty tough game for them.

Even through Besiktas did find 4 goals in last 30 minutes, with 3 of them coming within 6 minutes, against 2nd league side, it needs to be mentioned that side did take its opponents and whole game too lightly as it provided ineffective performance which could be due of physical condition. When much quality stronger side is playing to weaker ones, it is capable to provide high level performance and get result which it seeked for and it has done that. However, it needs to be aware that performance which it has shown that prior to that, especially during 15th minute could provide lots of issues in upcoming games regardless who is opponent. Therefore, it could be stated that its attitude could cost them game and hence relegation from Turkish Cup. Meanwhile, it is being important for Cenk Tosun to find 2 goals showing himself once again as key attacker for side.

It needs to be praised for Sanliurfaspor meanwhile with providing such great start with finding 2 goals within 15 minutes and leading such scoreline for almost 70 minutes but due of inexperience and qualify factor has costed them to get historical win against Istanbul giants.

Therefore, Besiktas did provide pretty worrying performance as it has been close for relegation from Turkish Cup but has woken up from such unwanted result.

Trabzonspor got confident win against Istanbulspor

Trabzonspor has got win during Turkish Cup 5th round at the Black Sea derby with 3:0 against Samsunspor at the game where Naci Unuvar has become star of the player.

Without doubt, Trabzonspor has been seeking to get good restart of the season and also gain confidence and motivation prior to Super League game against Trabzonspor as it has shown strong and confident performance. It needs to be mentioned that it did provide an attacking game which led for them to find an early goal with Umut Bozok at 10th minute. With difference between two sides, Trabzonspor did get an upper hand and continued to look and creating chances. Meanwhile, it needs to be mentioned that Naci Unuvar did become star of the player as among scoring 2 first goals during this season,it also been first time he did so with 2 goals. Hence, Trabzonspor with providing confident and positive game did get an important win and confidence prior to crucial game against Fenerbahce.

Samsunspor did come to the game with some positive aspects due of good performance recently at its own league but quality factor did play an important role at the end of the game. Samsunspor hence did get good chance to check its level of performance and also experience.

Trabzonspor did get win without much doubt and now could be looking forward for Fenerbahce game at the league.

Fenerbahce gets confident win against Istanbulspor at Turkish Cup

Fenerbahce has got a confident win against Istanbulspor with 3:1 scoreline and has controlled in the pace it wanted to even through it needs to be mentioned that opponent did aim to provide organised defensive game.

When looking into form which both sides been prior to World Cup break, it was still expected for Fenerbahce to get a confident win despite of 1 month break and it needs to be mentioned that opponent were aware of that as it aimed ot provide defensive game with reducing tempo. Therefore, it could be noted that Fenerbahce did struggle to some extend to find good chance for 30 minutes but after that has found 2 goals in tandem between Joshua King and Michy Batshuayi in both goals. Afterwards, Fenerbahce did play as it wanted. It has been important for side meanwhile to get such win without much effort before crucial game against Trabzonspor in the league which would be taken place on Christamas Eve.

Fenerbahce did get result which it wanted to and did prove with its performance that it also aims to go until end at the Turkish Cup.

Results:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

Giresunspor 0:5 Karacebey Belediyespor

Fatih Karagumruk 3:0 Usakspor

Alanyaspor 3:2 Eyupspor

Trabzonspor 3:0 Samsunspor

Besiktas 4:2 Sanliurfaspor

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

13:00 Kayserispor - Genclerbirligi

15:00 Konyaspor-Bodrumspor

17:00 Gaziantep- Boluspor

19:00 Adana Demirspor - Rizespor

21:00 Galatasaray - Keciorengucu

In other news:

- Istanbulspor has terminated contract with its player Patrick Ebert.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Inter Milan player Edin Dzeko

- Kasimpasa are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Patrick van Aanoldt.

- BayerLeverkusen are interested to sign Fenerbahce player Ismail Yuksek.

- Umraniyespor are interested to transfer Besiktas player Javi Montero.

- OlympiqueMarseille are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Miguel Crespo.

- Sevilla considers to offer 17 million euro to Galatasaray for Victor Nelsson.

- CrystalPalace has offered 16 million euro to Galatasaray player Sacha Boey.

- CeltaVigo are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Jankat Yilmaz.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/12/2022

Fenerbahce gets confident win against Istanbulspor

Fenerbahce has restarted its football season following World Cup 2022 with a confident win against Istanbulspor during Turkish Cup 5th round game as it has controlled whole game from start to an end against opponent which been focussed mainly into defence.

Fenerbahce which is aiming to provide top level performance at all competitions which it competes, has send very important game during its first Turkish Cup final with getting possession of the game from 1st minute while Istanbulspor on their part did provide defensive game. It needs to be mentioned that moderate tempo of the game it did struggle to find chances during 1st 30 minutes but despite of that there was always feeling that goal would be coming from Fenerbahce as game progressed. 1st goal did come with great teamwork with Michy Batshuayi and Joshua King scoring goal and after 3rd minutes roles has been changed. Its need to be mentioned that even through Fenerbahce did reduce tempo of the game after 2:0 and 3:0, it still controlled game and did look for chances. Only negative point is been conceding at last minute but its normal when it comes to this kind of games.

Istanbulspor which prior to World Cup 2022 did have struggling performance at the Super League did look for defensive game but this kind of tactics always run risk of conceding eventually as it did from Fenerbahce for 3 times. Now, Istanbulspor would be seeking to get some crucial wins at Super League which it desperately needs.

Fenerbahce hence did get confident win against Istanbulspor at Turkish Cup and with high morale would be getting ready to crucial game in the league against Trabzonspor 

Besiktas will restart season with an opponent who are 2 leagues below them.

Besiktas will be coming out to the Turkish Cup 5th round game against 2nd league side Sanliurfaspor, as it would be aiming to restart football season following World Cup break with good result and confidence.

It needs to be mentioned that for Besiktas advantage it would be meeting with side which is being 2 leagues below them and hence would be seen as clear favourite for game as side would be also expected to come out with lots of alternative squad from substitutes and also academy players likely. With Besiktas being to some extend most successful club at World Cup due of Wout Weghorst and Romain Saiss could also provide confidence to whole side and this could affect positively to whole side which could be felt in this team.

Besiktas does see this restart as opportunity to turnaround its not very good performance so far in this season and this game is being good opportunity to get into high note.

Trabzonspor will restart season with in-form Samsunspor.

Trabzonspor in similar manner as Besiktas, does see restart of the season after World Cup as chance to turn around poor performance which it has shown so much as it would be meeting with Samsunspor which are currently on 2nd place at league below.

Trabzonspor did enter to World Cup break in pretty gloom psychological conditions as it failed to provide similar performance which it has shown during last season as there being for now defending champions. With taking account that it would be playing against leaders of the league, Fenerbahce later this week, it would be focussing to get some strong positive and confidence in game against Samsunspor which is being to some extend Black Sea derby meanwhile. Trabzonspor are being favourites but its opponents would be coming in good confidence and motivation as there are coming from league below.

This could be tough game for Trabzonspor but that would defend more or less oon performance of Trabzon side.

Results:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

Ankaragucu 2:0 Tuzlaspor

Kasimpasa 1:2 Umraniyespor

Sivasspor 5:2 Erokspor

Antalyaspor 1:0 Manisa

Basaksehirspor 3:1 Goztepe

Fenerbahce 3:1 Istanbulspor

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

13:00 Giresunspor - Karacebey Belediyespor

15:00 Fatih Karagumruk - Usakspor

17:00 Alanyaspor- Eyupspor

19:00 Trabzonspor - Samsunspor

21:00 Besiktas - Sanliurfaspor

In other news:

- TFF-UEFA Football Development Coordinator Rustu Recber has stated that he has resigned from his post.

- OzlemAridag and Servet Sarikaya has been appointed to TFF Representative Committee after resignation of Nilgun Selvi and Osman Yildirim

- Kayserispor has offered a 3-year extension contract with its head coach Cagdas Atan

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has stated that club has no aim to sell any player during mid-season transfer window.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Arsenal player Mohammed Elneny.

- Fenerbahce has offered 10 million euro extension contract to its player Ismail Yuksek until 2027.

- Trabzonspor considers to sell its players Djaniny, Larsen, Denswil and Bardhi during mid-season transfer window.

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Leicester City player Caglar Soyuncu

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/12/2022

Fenerbahce will focus to restart season at high point against Istanbulspor

Turkish football season is being back following an exciting World Cup 2022 with Turkish Cup 5th round games as Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor game is being most eye-catching game on 20th December.

It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did have pretty good World Cup period at which at beginning players had got an opportunity to get rest until pretty difficult season so far and afterwards had very good training camp in Istanbul and Antalya winning all of the friendly games. Without doubt, Fenerbahce would be focussing to continue such winning spirit at Turkish Cup as it would be playing against fellow Super League side and get win both to get confidence boost prior to Trabzonspor game in league and also carry on at Turkish Cup. Fenerbahce will be coming as favourites but Istanbulspor has capacity to provide some issues towards them.

Fenerbahce hence would be seeking to get restart of the season at the high point and show that their have also high aims at Turkish Cup too.

Super League representatives did show memorable performance at World Cup 2022.

Even through only one player has managed to get into semi-final stage among ones who is playing at Turkish Super League, it needs to be mentioned that number of player did leave they mark to historical World Cup at Qatar.

Without doubt, among incredible and memorable performance of Morocco which led them to end World Cup 2022 at 4th spot, Romain Saiss has played pretty memorable performance at defence as being one of the key players at the effective and organised defensive style. Negative part is only being that he would be returning to Besiktas with injury which could take place for some weeks. Another player which does deserve is being Weghorst who even through didnt get much playing time, did score 2 goals against Argentina at memorable comeback during quarter-final stage and could even win game against future champions if things went as planned at penalty. Other memorable performances has been great start of Enner Valencia at Ecuador who did score 3 goals in 2 games but his side not continuing at tournament and without doubt Haji Wright who played an important role for his side to get into knockout stages.

Hence, even through we didnt see any Turkish players at World Cup final game, generally those players did show good performance.

Lessons should be learned from World Cup to Turkish football community.

With World Cup 2022 being over, there were some talks how things would been if Turkish National Team has been at this tournament especially in beginning. Even through most of Turkish sports media did look at this hypotheticial question in optimistic view, our view is more grim.

Excluding of World Cup historical final and generally knockout stages, when even looking at group stages the chances of good results and performances are not being seen too positive. Only group which Turkey could possibly from where it could be qualified, is Group A where Turkey did take UEFA spot of Holland if it got into tournament. To all respect to Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador, it would not be expected for Turkey to have lots of problems, but when looking into other groups chances would been pretty low. Sadly, according to interviews, most of Turkish CEO's, players and coaches in beginning of tournament were reluctant to watch games and this is being worrying as there would been learned lots of lessons and place to improve. Obviously, just viewing games will not make them better players/coaches, but would give important hints how to improve into some areas. 

Level of this World Cup, despite of lots uncertainty prior to tournament, has been very high and there are very important notes to be taken to everyone who has direct involvement at Turkish football.

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, 5th round:

13:00 Ankaragucu - Tuzlaspor

13:00 Kasimpasa - Umraniyespor

15:00 Sivasspor - Erokspor

17:00 Antalyaspor - Manisa

19:00 Basaksehirspor - Goztepe

21:00 Fenerbahce - Istanbulspor

In other news:

- TFF has announced that draw of Turkish Cup last 16 will take place on 23rd December

- Bogazici University Sports Awards has been taken place. Winners regarding of football are: 

- Football player of the year: Ugurcan Cakir(Trabzonspor)

- Most breakthrough sportsman of the year: Arda Guler(Fenerbahce)

- Hatayspor has announced its new symbol "gazella, gazella"

- Besiktas player Wout Weghorst has resumed training sessions after returning from World Cup 2022

- Galatasaray player Sergio Oliveiro has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- Galatasaray player Milot Rashica has recovered from injured. 

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Wolves player Adama Traore.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Az Alkmaar player Yusuf Barasi.

- Fenerbahce has made principal deal with Adana Demirspor player Samet Akaydin for 3.5 years.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Milan player Yacine Adli

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Clube Atletico Mineiro player Rubens Antonio Dias.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Zamalek player Seifeddine Jaziri.

- Kasimpasa are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Patrick van Aanhodt and Trabzonspor player Yusuf Erdogan.

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/12/2022

Jorge Jesus would stay at Fenerbahce until end of the season.

Fenerbahce administrator Erol Bilecik has stated that club's head coach Jorge Jesus would be staying at the club at least until end of the season as there are rumours that he could be moving to Brasil National Team.

Following World Cup 2022 poor performance of Brasil and sacking of Tite, Brasil football federation has been looking for replacement with Jorge Jesus being seen as one of the main candidates. Even through Jesus would see as this an important and challenging offer, he always has been loyal to contract deal at the teams which he were and without doubt he would be to Fenerbahce especially as he is happy and does have good chances to end season with title, high aims at Europa League and also an aim to show good performance at Turkish Cup. Therefore, it could be stated for sure that he would not terminate contract as long as it is being effective.

Stating that, question if his contract would be extended is being unclear and does look to become clear towards end of the season.

Mauro Icardi has returned to Istanbul for recovery of his injury.

Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi has returned to Istanbul and has joined his team facilities where he would be continuing his recovery process from injury.

As it is known, after becoming injured Icardi has travelled to Argentina for recovering on his injury and also got chance to sort out some of personnel life issues. What would be pleasant to see that 1st stage of the recovery has been completed prior to 1 week to restart of the season and would likely go through fast recovery in Istanbul at the Galatasaray facilities.

Our account would follow his recovery would eb taking place and would be reported if there some important developments in this period.

Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Moussa Dembele.

Fenerbahce has also entered into transfer fight for Moussa Dembele, a player which Galatasaray has shown big interest.

It needs to be mentioned that in recent transfer windows Fenerbahce has been involved at transfer talks which Galatasaray has been interested with lots of cases being a winner at "transfer war". It needs to be mentioned that this has been news for now and it is unclear if Fenerbahce did have negotiations or how serious there are but if there are it could become one of the most talked transfer talks in upcoming mid-season transfer window.

With Galatasaray setting an eye for Demblele, it would be interesting to see how Fenerbahce entering to this transfer talks would effect on-going negotiations.

In other news:

- Trabzonspor has announced its loan to be 2,383,296,681 TL since 31st October 2022.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Bristol City player Antoine Semenyo.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Club Brugge player Maxim de Cuiper.

- Galatasaray are interested to loan Portimonense player Berke Ozer.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/12/2022

Ali Camli has been elected as new Kayserispor CEO.

Ali Camli has been elected as Kayserispor CEO after previous Berna Gozbasi has called for an early election as she didnt complain that regardless how much efforts she is giving to the team, she has difficulty to finding solution to this issues.

It needs to be mentioned that factor that Ali Camli has been running for CEO election as single candidate does provide into difficulties which club is going through which is regarded its performance in the Super League and connected to this economical issues which provides difficulty for playing players and staff. Hence, most important issue for Ali Camli when starting this position is to find solution to this issue and possibly he would be needing to provide finances from own pocket. Being businessman he could solve this issue but he aware that lots of money would go for this.

Ali Camli without doubt does have much issues to solve at the team and hence would need to get financial support from everyone involved with club.

Joao Pedro expected to be recovered within 2-3 months.

There were some good news coming regarding of Fenerbahce player Joao Pedro injury as it is reported that he wouldnt need to have an operation and hence would be able to fully recover within 2.5-3 months.

Even through it does look to be long period, the expectation when seeing how injury did come during friendly game against Rayo Vallecano and whole developments at the beginning it was expected that he would be going through an operation and could fully recover for 6 months. But this period has been declined for half of this and would be back with team when league would come into crucial matters and similarly to knockout stages of Europa League as he would be very important player in this period of time

Without doubt, this development would make Jorge Jesus and whole team very satisfied and affect positively to plans which side would have.

Ajax are interested to sign Fenerbahce player Arda Guler

The most eye-gathered transfer rumour which did come for today has been rumours that Ajax has joined into sides which are interested to transfer young wunderkind Arda Guler in summer transfer window.

It is reported that even if his release clause would be 20 million euro, Ajax is capable and would be willing to spend that amount into Guler as it sees him as almost everyone around world to be strong potential. It needs to be mentioned that Ajax which always been side which did provide important developments to younger players, it would be important move for Arda Guler if he would be able to be transfered to Dutch side. Fenerbahce even through might not be happy to lose such player if transfer would happen, but it would get important amount of finances if Ajax will use release clause.

There are lots of interests towards Arda Guler from top clubs around Europe and we would follow with latest developments as they happen on our accounts.

In other news:

- Lille are interested to transfer  Besiktas player Valentin Rosier.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Haji Wright.

- Flamengo are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Diego Rossi.- Fenerbahce conditioner Pedro Gandaio has attended his 1st training session with his club.

- Portimonense player Berke Ozer considers to return Fenerbahce.

- Fenerbahce has made principal deal with Adana Demirspor player Samet Akaydin.

- Kayserispor CEO Ali Camli has stated that club didnt recieve transfer offer for Onur Bulut and Bilal Bayazit.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/12/2022

Trabzonspor player Stefano Denswill has become injured.

Trabzonspor has announced that its player Stefano Denswill has become injured during training session just week before leagues would be resumed and would likely to miss Fenerbahce game.

With Trabzonspor without doubt had been aiming to restart season in strong manner, as it didnt provide too satisfactorily performance so far at the league and Europe, it would also hope to start with as much as players as possible when taking account that there were some injured players. Therefore, for sure such development has been seen as negative aspect for side in this period. It needs to be mentioned that Abdullah Avci does have some good alternatives in place of Denswill but still he would be hoping that recovery would be taking place at shortest period as possible.

With Trabzonspor starting recovery process, player for sure would need to give attention to himself and make sure he would recover fast as fast as possible.

Ridvan Yilmaz will not be able to play for 6-weeks.

Ridvan Yilmaz will not be able to play for 6-weeks due of injury which he got in the game against Aberdeen in Scottish league and hence would also prevent chances to prove himself in Scotland.

With Yilmaz joining Scottish side as an attempt to show his quality both to them and in Europe, he didnt get much chances to do so but without doubt this injury which would last for 6 weeks would not provide much help. In here, it is important for Ridvan Yilmaz to keep his morale as high as he can and make sure he would return even in strong condition after injury as he need to show his level of performance to Scotland. 

As been noted this injury timing did come in bad time but right now all bodies involved would need to focus to make sure he would recover as soon as possible.

Basaksehirspor made deal with Caner Erkin.

There are reports coming out that Basaksehirspor has made transfer deal with free-agent Caner Erkin and contract would be signed soon.

It would need to state that this news does to some extend once again question of Turkish sports media transfer news as there were reports that Besiktas did make transfer deal with Caner Erkin. With World Cup 2022 break and for transfer window to be opened until January there are lots of transfer rumours which would provide some conflicting news. One thing which could be stated that despite of his agent, there would be lots of interest towards Caner Erkin in mid-season transfer window among Super League clubs.

It does look like Caner Erkin would be among most discussed players during mid-season transfer window and we would follow developments as soon as it happens.

In other news:

- Galatasaray has won friendly game against Toulouse with 2:1 scoreline

- FatihKaragumruk has won friendly game against Antalyaspor with 3:2 scoreline.

- Antalyaspor CEO Aziz Cetin: Technical staff were considering to sell Haji Wright during previous mid-season window but with my pressure he stayed at team.Our transfer fee for him is being 10 million euro right now.

- Besiktas has send request to Moroccan National Team  for not playing Romain Saiss against Croatia during World Cup 2022 3rd place game.

- CrystalPalace and Atalanta are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Haji Wright.

- Olympiakos are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Patrick van Aanholdt

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Toulouse player Branco van der Boomen.

- HullCity has offered Dogukan Sinik to Galatasaray in return of Yusuf Demir.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Rizespor player Alberk Koc.

- Sevilla has offered 15 million euro for Galatasaray player Victor Nelsson.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/12/2022

Kerem Akturkoglu has been selected as 3rd captain of team.

Galatasaray has selected its player Kerem Akturkoglu as 3rd captain despite of his young age after Fernando Muslera and Bafetembi Gomis as player did show some good performance in recent years.

This decision is also could been due of the fact that player is being decline during this season and also provide motivation and confidence among the fact that talks about extending his contract is still being discussed at Turkish sports media. Even through this status is pretty far as there are 2 players ahead of him, this would provide some confidence to player without doubt for rest of the season and taking account his age and if he would stay at the club, this could mean that he would become even main captain in near future.

Kerem Akturkoglu in all fairness did deserve such decision from club as he did show some good performance and leadership role in recent seasons.

Gaziantep election has moved to 22nd December.

Gaziantep has announced that it would be having CEO election on 22nd December as it didnt gain majority of the membership as it does look like current CEO would be staying in his position.

It would need to be mentioned that Gaziantep despite of having some economical issues at the club, has been administered in pretty good manner with getting some good players on its levels and getting some good results with Emre Bulut, so it is unlikely that current administrators and members of the group are being unhappy how club has been run. Therefore, this election is more or less is run to approve administration of Cevdat Akinel.

It is expected that he would be getting confident win and could move side forward with performance in upcoming seasons.

Sergio Oliviera and Haris Seferovic are back to training sessions.

Galatasaray player Sergio Oliviera and Haris Seferovic has resumed training session following recovery from injury and after World Cup 2022 performance with Switzealand respectfully.

It would be needed to state that without doubt administrators and supporters would be especially glad for development of Sergio Oliviero as he did recover from injury with 1 week prior to restart of the season, and even through he would need some adaptation training programmes, he is unlikely to miss lots of games in the upcoming weeks. Stating that as always it would be expected for him to continue recovery process and return when he would be ready and without risk of injury.

Still, with worry that he could even end calendar year, it is glad to see him back on training sessions.

In other news:

- Alanyaspor has won Salernitana with 3:1 scoreline.

- Besiktas has won friendly game against Giresunspor with 5:3 scoreline.

- Adana Demirspor has drawn friendly game against Sampdoria with 2:2 scoreline

- Besiktas has made transfer deal with Olympique Marseille player Cengiz Under and are starting transfer negotiations with his club

- Besiktas doesnt consider to sell its player Jackson Muleka

- FatihKaragumruk has ended loan deal with Steven Caulkner.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/12/2022

Borussia Monchengladbach interested to sign Ferdi Kadioglu.

Borussia Monchengladbach are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kardioglu as club's join into numerous sides which are interested with him.

Ferdi Kardioglu is being player who is showing an impressive performance during recent seasons at Fenerbahce and hence it would be seen pretty expected for such strong interest towards him. Until now, he has recieved most offers from Italian clubs, but Borussia Monchengladbach has also joined into lists of clubs which could be showing some action towards him and aim to transfer during mid-season transfer window.

As always, our accounts would follow into recent developments which would be taking place in this matter.

Gigi Becali will not sell Adrian Sut for less than 3 million euro

Trabzonspor has offered 2 million euro for FCSB player Adrian Sut according to Romanian club CEO, but he doesnt plan to sell him for less than 3 million euro.

Despite of some decline at Romanian football and their league, there is continues to be strong interest towards its players by Turkish club with Trabzonspor showing an interest with Romanian potential player Adrian Sut. Stating that, once again due of its level, Trabzonspor aims to make deal with economical amount of 2 million euro both to level of they football and also due of economical reasons. However, its CEO Gigi Becali is known to aim for highest transfer deal, quite rightly, and hence does send strong message that he would not sell him for less than 3 million euro.

It would be interesting to see how would FCSB act following such statement from Becali.

Galatasaray are interested to sign Omer Faruk Beyaz.

Galatasaray are showing an interest to sign Stuttgart player Omer Faruk Beyaz as German side is not interested to keep him since he didnt fulfill side expectation.

Faruk Beyaz has joined German club as an opportunity to get lots of playing time and prove himself in Europe but things didnt go as planned for him as he didnt show performance which were seeked for him. Prior to joining German side, he did play for Fenerbahce and has been seen as potential player but did leave as both he didnt see that he would be recieving much playing time and also wanted to open window in Europe. Galatasaray hence might need to convince player that he could show good performance with lots of playing time with them.

It does look like future of Omer Faruk Beyaz at any club would be among talking topics during upcoming mid-season transfer window

In other news:

- Hatayspor has won friendly game against Gaziantep with 2:1 scoreline.

- Galatasaray administrator Erdem Timur: We didnt have negotiations with Olympique Lyon regarding Moussa Dembele. Mauro Icardi will join team on 17th December.

- Galatasaray player Lucas Torreira has resumed training session after returning from World Cup 2022 

- Fenerbahce considers to offer 2.5 million euro for Antalyaspor player Bunyemin Balci.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Flamengo player Gustavo Cuellar.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/12/2022

Besiktas asking Saiss not to play against France is egoistic action.

According to reports, Besiktas has send request to Moroccan National Team and its player Romain Saiss do not play against France during World Cup 2022 semi-final game. 

Assuming that this news is being true, and sadly it can easily be,it has shown once again of egocentric actions which has been made by Turkish clubs. It would need to be mentioned that Romain Saiss would be coming out to most important game on his career so far, as every player in the world, including Messi and Ronaldo, would aim to come out for such level game and Besiktas due of worrying that injury might even become worser is asking player not to play. Meanwhile, it needs to be stated that Saiss injury has been serious than team medical team would not even allow him to play but it is reported that his injury wasnt as serious as it looked and Saiss would give his all to come out and show his best game as he should.

Sadly, we are seeing once again actions which being self-centred and aims to prevent for player to reach his dream as player and both team and player need to make decision without any outside matters.

Emre Mor has recovered from injury.

Fenerbahce player Emre Mor has recovered from his injury as he has attended whole training session with main team which without doubt is being seen as good development for side.

Even through Emre Mor is being unstable player with his performance, he does show very good performance and rise of seriousness both at Fatih Karagumruk on previous years and also continued to show imporvement with Jorge Jesus. Without doubt he is being very important player for the side and in some games even does get key role, so such development would certainly make Jorge Jesus happy for future games.

Emre Mor as been mentioned does show very good performance in recent period and hence this development is being positive one.

Bakasetas has won an award in his home country

Trabzonspor player Andreas Bakasetas has won an award in his country for being best Greek player to be playing outside Greece.

Without doubt, Bakasetas did provide great performance with Trabzonspor at the previous season playing an important role for title and also despite of whole team not being in good condition, he continues to show very good performance and possibly being best player at whole team right now and keeping chances for side to be on the race for top of the spot. Therefore, Bakasetas did deserve this award in his country and would also motivate him at Trabzonspor for rest of the season.

Bakasetas continues to be key player at the side and has potential to turn around many games and hence get important point in rest of the season.

In other news:

- Galatasaray has lost friendly game against Lazio with 2:1 scoreline

- Basaksehirspor has drawn against Toulouse with 2:2 scoreline at friendly game.

- Konyaspor has won friendly game against Ankaragucu with 1:0 scoreline.

- Central Referee Committee CEO Sabri Celik has stated that all referees who went through English language test has passed it successfully.

- TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi has stated that number of VAR referees would rise.

- Fenerbahce player Joao Pedro recovery is expected to be taking place for another 2-3 months while Ezgjan Alioski will take 2 weeks. Meanwhile, Cagday Kurukalp has resumed training sessions.

- Atalanta are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Haji Wright.

- Gaziantep head coach Erol Bulut states that club aims to sign 3 players during mid-season transfer window.

- Torino are interested to loan Fenerbahce player Diego Rossi.