What happened in Turkish football today? 30/03/2022

Turkey lost due of poor defensive game against Italy.

Turkey has lost to Italy during international friendly game with 3:2 scoreline and even through it wasnt much absent from opponent, it did provide pretty poor defensive game with conceding all goals from those mistakes.

To some extend, it could be even mentioned that Turkey did get into more dangerous opportunities but couldnt overpass Donnarumma who has been in very good form and to some extend has been least player who been affected from getting loss to Norhern Macedonia during semi-final game. It needs to be mentioned however that Turkey did get good opportunity to get its first win against its opponent due of Italy been demotivated more than them, coming with lots of young players and also finding goal on 4th minute but it did show poor defensive game as all conceded goals did come from those poor mistakes. Possibly 3-4-3 formation is not working well for this national team and Stefan Kuntz would need to go through with some revision.

Turkey had an opportunity to identify its weakest points during game and it did look like they been mainly defense. 

Mehmet Baykan resigns from his TFF post.

TFF adminsitrator Mehmet Baykan did resign from his post after arbitration committee has cancelled decision from Central Referee Committee cancelled taking away from list of 13 referees with 10 weeks left on the season.

Mehmet Baykan states that with being responsible for making such decision, he was among ones who didnt take into stance that this decision could be turned around by arbitration committee and hence this decision of not including 13 referees for last 10 weeks havent been done rightly. Since he was one of the responsible, failing to take this account has led for him for resignation since he finds himself not being able to make similar decision. To some extend, this decision could also give signs that there is issues within TFF administration and it would be interesting to see if some more resignation would be taking place in this administration.

Mehmet Baykan is being 1st name who accepts this process has been done in poor manner and time would show if some more would be taking similar stance.

Mesut Ozil is waiting for final decision from his club regarding his future.

Fenerbahce player Mesut Ozil agent Erkut Sogut  has announced that Fenerbahce decision to take way his player out of squad is being preliminary decision and they awaiting for final decision.

Decision for taking away from squad of Mesut Ozil as would been expected has become one of the most discussed issues at Turkish football and Erkut Sogut has stated that this is not yet being final decision and player is still being focussed into club continuing training seperately. Sogut adds that player is not considering to lesave side until his contract would not be over 2025 and right now club is expecting for final decision to be made between parties stating that sadly this kind of issues does happen within clubs. 

Therefore, it would be needed time now to wait what decision would Fenerbahce made regarding Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan and how this would effect into future of both players at club.

In other news:

- Here are winners from football sector at Gillette Milliyet Sports Awards:

-Player of the Year: Hakan Calhanoglu

-Like Gilette Smooth Move Award: Konyaspor and its head coach Ilhan Palut.

- Fan Engagement Award: Galatasaray

- MuratYazici has been elected as Goztepe CEO.

- Besiktas player Domagoj Vida has become injured during international team duty.

- Fenerbahce has offered 1.2 million euro+1 million euro signing money to Reims player GhislainKonan.

- FiratYigit considers to purchase Goztepe.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer RB Salzburg player Maurits Kjaergaard.

- Besiktas player Guven Yalcin has decline 5 million TL extension contract.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Sassuolo player Mert Muldur.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Lille player Burak Yilmaz.

- Juventus are interested to transfer Leicester City player Caglar Soyuncu.

What happened in Turkish football today? 29/03/2022

Turkey has lost to Italy with 3:2 scoreline at friendly game.

Turkish National Team has lost friendly game against Italy with 3:2 scoreline at home ground and despite of scoring goal on 4th minute, it needs to be stated that Turkey didnt provide good performance with making mistakes at the defence.

When looking at the scoreline, it could be seen that Turkey did provide performance in similar level as did Italy but when taking account that Italy did come to the game into much more demoralised manner and also opponent not coming with some of its key players, it could be stated that its been dissapointing result to Italy as it did lose opportunity possible to get its 1st win in its history. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey did continue making mistakes at the defence as it especially clear from conceded goals as they managed to provide too much prevention into opponent attackers to prevent getting opposition atackers to get some pressure. Therefore it does seem like Turkey defensive game is not being very confident and suitable to this side and it does look like Kuntz would need to go through. Positive aspect has been to find 2 goals even if it was friendly game.

Italy on their part did come out in difficult mental condition as it did lose to Northern Macedonia at semi-final game at this Final Four and this did affect with their performance even if did find 3 goals during game. To some extend factor of being differences between quality of side did has direct affect to scoreline.

Turkey did have good start to the game with Cengiz Under goal on 4th minute but as game developed Italy did get upper hand as it shown to be more quality side compare to Turkey. 

Ahmetcan Kaplan has become injured.

Trabzonspor player Ahmetcan Kaplan has become injured during youth national team duty as he did become injured during game against Israel and might not be able to play for around 1 month.

Ahmetcan Kaplan has been seen as one of the potential stars of the team in the future and did recieve some playing time in recent weeks at the Super League where it needs to be mentioned he did show some positive aspects, and hence this injury would be seen as dissapointing development from Trabzonspor without doubt as Abdullah Avci did have plans to provide lots of playing time in upcoming weeks with working into development of the player. Positive aspect is that there is expectation for Kaplan to recover before season is over and still could get some playing time in the side which is very likely would be arleady get its title in the end of the season.

Injury of Ahmetcan Kaplan surely would be seen as dissapointing news both for player and whole team but it would be important for him to have healthy and through recovery from this injury.

Galatasaray player Sofiane Feghouli has become injured.

Another player who has become injured during international national team duty has been Galatasaray player Sofiane Feghouli who has become injured prior to World Cup 2022 game between Algeria and Cameroon.

Sofiane Feghouli  is reported not to be attending to last training session of the national team side and is not taken into 18-team squad for game and is believed that reason for this has been that he did get injured during last training session which he did attend. This report has been given by Algerian National Team media and hence there is no actual report which states that he was injured but it does look like that. This would be unwanted news for Galatasaray which tries to end season at the highest spot it can during this season and Feghouli without doubt did show crucial improvement with his performance in recent weeks playing important with wins.

There is no official statement regarding of his injury so we would follow and provide information if there is any statements regarding this issue. 

Results:

International Friendly Game:

Turkey 2:3 Italy

In other news:

- Besiktas is going to have training session at Vodafone Park with its supporters on 1st April.

- Besiktas has set transfer fee of its player Ersin Destanoglu as 13 million euro.

- HullCity are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Miha Zajc and Galatasaray player Ryan Babel

- Arsenal are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Arda Guler.

- Monaco are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Marcao.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Lausanne Sport player Zeki Amdouni.

- OlympiqueLyon are interested to transfer Sivasspor player Kerem Atakan Kesgin.

- Galatasaray player Sofiane Feghouli has become injured during international duty.

- InterMilan and Roma are interested to transfer Besiktas-loaned player Miralem Pjanic.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/03/2022

Turkey mentally are in better condition then Italy.

Turkish National Team would be coming out to international friendly game against European Champions Italy as both sides did lose opportunity to get to the World Cup after losing to Portugal and Northern Macedonia.

It could be noted that in all fairness Turkey losing to Portugal cold be seen as expected performance, same should not be seen with Italy losing to Norhern Macedonia as it been treated as biggest surprise during Final Four qualifiyings. Hence, without doubt Italy would be coming more affected mentally and confidently compare to Turkey. In other hand, Turkey could be seen this game as revenge for losing to them during Euro 2020 with 3:0 scoreline during last summer, which could provide them some additional motivation. Stating that, it would be important how Italy would respond as either they would be having lack of motivation or would be aiming to prove point after such dissapointing loss.

Taking account to opponent which both sides lost at semi-finals, Turkey mentally is in better condition but for sure Italy is being better side.

3 Turkish National Team player have left side prior to Italy friendly game. 

Turkish National Team players Abdulkadir Omur, Yusuf Yazici and Serdar Aziz has been taken away from squad and will not be playing against Italy during international friendly game.

With taking account that it is friendly game, it could be mentioned that those players are very likely were taken away from squad due of having some light injuries or been called from their clubs for training sessions. Without doubt playing friendly game rather then World Cup qualifier final game has affected but it would be wrong to connect those only to this as much more players would been likely left club as been case with Italy. In addition, Stefan Kuntz could likely let some young players to get some playing time and hence did leave players who would not be playing during Italy game understandably.

Hence, its more likely for those players to be leaving side for feeling slightly unwell and focussed into being ready for respective clubs.

Galatasaray CEO election will take place either on 23rd April or 30th April

Galatasaray has announced that it would be having CEO election on 23rd April, if majority not gathered it would be moved to 30th April after club administrators didnt approve administration of Burak Elmas.

With Burak Elmas getting lots of criticism in recent weeks, there were expectation that his administration will not be approved and with Galatasaray current CEO acting fast with calling early election also didnt go to court as he did accept of being unsuccessful at the club or/and respecting decison of members of the club. Until now, only Meting Ozturk has announced his candidacy but more would are accepted as 8th April would be last day to announce candidacy which include names like Esref Hamamcioglu and Dursun Ozbek.

This is also, in similar manner as previous election, is expected to be closed one and in this period all candidates would need to prove their worther until election takes place.

In other news:

- UEFA has appointed Enea Jorgji as referee for international friendly game between Turkey and Italy.

- Galatasaray has won friendly game against its youth side with 3:1 scoreline.

- Besiktas players Josef de Souza and Miralem Pjanic have recovered from injury.

- Galatasaray expecting to stop working with Luis Campos.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Arsenal player Mohamed Elneny.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint Italian National Team head coach Roberto Mancini as club's head coach

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Kasimpasa players Umut Bozok, Eren Elmali and Dogucan Haspolat

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/03/2022

Galatasaray members didnt approve Burak Elmas performance.

Following 20 hours Galatasaray general meeting which been dominated by approving CEO Burak Elmas performance, members of the club didnt approve his performance and club would be going through new CEO election which is expected to take place.

Due of performance of the club in the Super League and also way club has ended contract with its head coach Fatih Terim and also performance of Domenec Torrent, among other shortcomings, has dominated into reasons for Burak Elmas administration not being approved by majority of club members. According to guidelines, Galatasaray would need to have an election in the short period of time, with its being called within 30 days and current members of adminstration will not be allowed to run as club CEO in the election.It needs to be mentioned that such decision has been expected as many people were not happy how Elmas has managed club with some administrators members resigning.

Hence, Galatasaray would be entering to new CEO election period which could be expected to be pretty contested.

Metin Ozturk has become 1st CEO candidate at Galatasaray.

Metin Ozturk, who has been running as CEO candidate and ended at 3rd spot in previous election, has once again stated that he would be running for CEO election hence becoming first announced candidate.

Its been known that Metin Ozturk has been focussing to become CEO of the club for long time and when looking financially could provide financial help which side does need as it being in the high amount of the debts as most of the club. Even through he is being first one to announce his candidacy, there is expectation for some other names to be announcing they candidacy which includes Abrurrahim Albayrak, Deniz Ozturk and Enes Hamamcioglu.

Galatasaray general meeting did take place for 20 hours without much break so it would be reasonable for most members have rest on 27th March with more names being announced shortly.

Arbitration Committee has canceled decision for not including 13 referees.

Arbitration Committee has cancelled decision for Central Referee Committee decision to not include 13 referees at the side, which once again rise competency issues of the committee members and TFF.

In fact, during past two days both Fenerbahce and Basaksehirspor has called for people who are involved in this issue to be resigning from their spot believing that they are being incompetent, and without Arbitration Committee proves that. Stating that committee might not going into most drastic decision in they perspective of going for resignation and could run in their position either with going through its own view of not including this referees or stay in post but start including those referees.

Hence, its not clear if they would be resigning or not but it is clear that they lost trust from football community in Turkey.

In other news:

- FatihKaragumruk has drawn friendly game against Istanbulspor with 3:3 scoreline.

- Galatasaray has called for TFF administration to resign.

- Altay has announced technical staff team:

- Head coach: Sinan Kaloglu

- Coach assistants: Sefer Yilmaz, Murat Uluc.

- Goalkeeper coach: Ferhat Odabasi

- Goalkeeper coach assistant:Ugur Karaosman

- Athletic and performance trainer: Yusuf Randa, Ramis Gazelci.

- Fenerbahce player Atilla Szalai has stated that he would recover from injury around after 2 weeks.

- Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kadioglu has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- UnalAysal has stated that he would not run for Galatasaray CEO position.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Kayserispor player Onur Bulut.

- YaroslavRakitsky has requested 2 million euro salary from Basaksehirspor.

- Corinthians are interested to transfer Besiktas player Josef de Souza.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/03/2022

Turkey is not on same level as Portugal.

Turkish National Team following 3:1 loss to Portugal did provide strong performance during 2nd half but did lose more or less not only due of missing penalty kick from Burak Yilmaz but also due of not providing enough pressure to opponent during 1st half.

It needs to be mentioned quite confidently that Turkey performance during 1st half hasnt been effective and even through argument tends to be that side didnt provide enough will to show top game, which is partly true, it is also clear that Turkey hasnt been able to provide enough pressure from opponent. It was also especially visible that defensively Turkey has been poor and let Portuguese players to fill comfortable in the attack which led them to find two goals. Hence, even through Portugal didnt provide its best performance for 90 minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo being especially and suprisingly ineffective, Turkey couldnt show strong response. Even through Turkey did look slightly better, it needs to be admitted that Turkey let them prior to goal.

Hence, Turkey is not being yet in level of Portugal and it would not be done overnight, but this area which needs  to be worked on by Stefan Kuntz for sure.

Fenerbahce has send message to other players that disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated via Mesut Ozil.

One of the most discussed issues in this week despite of national team is being getting out of squad of Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan as both players didnt provide good disciplinary action towards coach Ismail Kartal.

It should be specifically focussed to Mesut Ozil performance at the side as he didnt provide expected performance in his side in this season either due of injuries or not fitting into tactics which were on mind of Ismail Kartal. His actions when being substituted and also directly criticising Kartal at changing room shows that Fenerbahce would not tolerate such actions regardless of your name and status and hence did send very strong message to other players in the team. It is now reported that player would be sold during summer transfer window possibly to USA.

As been noted, such action from Mesut Ozil is not being tolerated quite rightly by Fenerbahce administration and send message to other players that such actions will not be accepted.

Adana Demirspor has set transfer fee of its player Samet Akaydin as 3 million euro.

It is been reported that Adana Demirspor has requested 3 million euro from Besiktas for its player Samet Akaydin.

It has been known that Besiktas are showing interest with Samet Akaydin and hence did start negotiations with Adana Demirspor, but taking account that club is having very successful season focussing into Conference League spots in the end of the season, it doesnt consider to sell any of its player with below of self-worth. It needs to be mentioned that Samet Akyadin did have very good season and hence did bring some interest from Besiktas and hence would quite naturally demand a price which could lead for side to find replacement for him during transfer window. Hence, setting 3 million euro does sound to be reasonable from Adana Demirspor and it would be interesting to see how Besiktas would respond.

Samet Akaydin is having good season and it would be interesting to see how Besiktas would respond for such conditions from Adana Demirspor as there is likely for other clubs to be showing interest to player in summer.

In other news:

- Kayserispor has won friendly game against Genclerbirligi with 1:0 scoreline.

- Goztepe will play friendly game against Menemenspor on 27th March.

- ArbitrationCommittee has cancelled Central Referee Committee decision to not allow 13 referees to referee games for last 8 weeks.

- Galatasaray has announced its debt to be 2,561,000,000 TL.

- Goztepe has terminated contract with its player Dzenan Burekovic.

- AstonVilla are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Mbwana Samatta.

- Altay player Deniz Kadah will not be able to play for 4 weeks due of injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/03/2022

 

Turkish National Team lost golden opportunity at penalty kick by Burak Yilmaz.

Turkish National Team has provided two different halves during World Cup Qualifiers Final Four semi-final Path C route game against Portugal as it shown poor game on 1st half but much more agressive attacking game on 2nd half.

It needs to be mentioned that Turkey did look like it didnt get into game from the 1st minutes with providing pretty slow and ineffective game during first 15 minutes which led for them to concede goal on 15th minute. During 1st half, Turkey defence did look to be weakest link without doubt as it also conceded pretty simple goal on 42nd minute with wrong standing on the field. During 2nd half, with Portugal providing bit more passive game, Turkey did find an important goal with Burak Yilmaz which provided some hope which been rose even more when side got penalty kick but Yilmaz didnt convert it with hitting ball outside of top post. Therefore, Turkey sadly didnt get into final game which it could been met with Norhern Macedonia surprisingly and lost another opportunity for World Cup 2022.

Now, Turkey would be meeting with Italy where Stefan Kuntz would be able to test some players but both sides would be out of mood without doubt.

Burak Yilmaz has ended his national team career.

Turkish National Team player Burak Yilmaz following World Cup qualifier Final Four semi-final Path C game against Portugal has announced that he would not continue at team.

It needs to be mentioned that this decision is unlikely to be taken by not converting penalty kick, as Yilmaz did state on previous day press conference that upcoming World Cup would be his last one, and as Turkey didnt enter to the tournament he did announce his resignation but sadly and despite of scoring goal during game, his missing penalty would be leading him to leave in bottom line. However, Burak Yilmaz did play 71 games for his team and did score 37 goals which is not bad statistics especially taking account that he did have ups and downs in his carreer. Without doubt, he is being one of the best attackers in Turkey for about last 10 years and it is dissapointing for him to leave in such note in all fairness.

37-year old Burak Yilmaz would continue his career at Lille where very likely he would be ending his football career at short period of time.

Salih Ozcan decided to carry on his international football with Turkey.

As Burak Yilmaz his international career, Koln player Salih Ozcan has stated he chosen Turkish National Team over Germany and has arleady joined to Turkey training camp.

With Salih Ozcan playing his junior years at Germany, there been lots of discussions which side he would be choosing. Salih Ozcan was born in Germany and live all his live in that country, but his parents are Turkish and player does have strong connection with Turkey. With this taking account, and known strong connection to Turkey culture for dispatches did led him to make such decision. In addition, Stefan Kuntz who did work beforehand with Ozcan on Under-21 German National Team did also play his part without part.

Salih Ozcan as player does have strong potential and would be expected to become one of the key player for national side without doubt.

In other news:

- Besiktas has appointed Valerien Ismael as club's head coach for 1+1 years.

- CSKAMoscow player Yusuf Yazici has been selected as best player at Russian Premier League for February and March.

- Goztepe ex-CEO Mehmet Sepil has set selling price of club to Roman Abramovich as 80-100 million dollars during one-on-one negotiations with Abramovich representatives.

- Trabzonspor player Marek Hamsik has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- EnesMemis is interested to purchase Goztepe.

- Galatasaray considers to sell its player Marcao for no less than 25 million euro.

- Fenerbahce and Besiktas are interested to transfer Shakhtar Donetsk player Vitao.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Eren Elmali, James Rodriguez

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Daryl Dike.

- Besiktas has started negotiations with Valerien Ismael for head coach position.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Besiktas-loaned player Miralem Pjanic.

- Lille are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Mostapha Mohammed

- CSKAMoscow player Yusuf Yazici has stated that he would stay at his club until end of the season.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/03/2022

Turkey lost its World Cup chance after losing to Portugal

Turkish National Team lost to Portugal with 3:1 scoreline during World Cup 2022 qualifier FInal Four Path C game with turning point behind of Burak Yilmaz not converting penalty kick which could bring game into 2:2 scoreline in that moment.

It needs to be noted that Turkey did have trouble into getting fully to the game from start of the game with letting Portugal to show much more stronger and effective game which without doubt did lead for them to score goal from Octavio on 15th minute. After conceding that goal, Turkey did show some reaction with providing much more organised game in the front but did concede pretty simple goal on defence from Diego Jota with all defenders being on the stop but standing at wrong spots. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey during whole game didnt provide very good defensive game making with some simple mistakes and being too much from opponent attackers. However, we did see better Turkey in attacking game during 2nd half and did find crucial goal on 68th minute from Burak Yilmaz which has led positive aspect as Turkey did get well-deserved penalty but sadly Burak Yilmaz didnt convert it. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey did provide strong ressistance but there were visible gaps of the level between both sides.

Portugal did come out in the field with focus to provide pressure into opponents goal which led them to get early goal but when looking into game neutrally it could be noted that Portugal didnt necessarily provide its strongest game with Ronaldo being pretty ineffective.

Turkey did provide some fighting spirit and occassionally did show good game but it needs to be noted that reason for this outcome mainly been due of defence game especially standing at wrong spots.  

Altay has appointed Serkan Ozbalta as club's head coach.

Altay has appointed its ex-player Serkan Ozbalta as club's head coach as he would be having difficult task at keeping side at the Super League despite of the fact that side is showing poor performance in recent weeks.

It needs to be mentioned that Altay did have pretty good strong start of the season with being at the top 3 and even getting into top spot but didnt manage to carry on its performance around mid of the 1st half and went into big free fall in the table to which it wasnt able to recover with Mustafa Denizli, Mert Nobre but would be focussed into showing huge rise of its performance with Serkan Ozbalta. It needs to be mentioned that Ozbalta doesnt have much experience in this level which does look to be main downside of the side and once again Altay is risking with such decision. Altay now needs to provide strong support to Ozbalta as task is being very difficult.

Altay is getting into diffifcult task of staying in the league as it is unclear if it would be able to achieve it due of morale of players.

Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan been put out of squad.

Fenerbahce in surprising manner has put its players Mesut Ozil and Ozcan Tufan out of squad as it is reported that reasons are being for players being injured and showing disresct to coach in previous games.

According to reports, among both players being injured for long time and not being entirely ready to provide top level game, one of the reasons has been for Ismail Kartal which is being also connected to this issue is that he doesnt consider to give much playing time to both players for rest of the season. Still it needs to be mentioned that those two players one of the most experienced and effective players in the squad so such action would be surprising. In same time, this is still message to rest of the players that regarding your status respect towards coach should be given and nwould not be tolerated regardiless who are you and your status.

This might be temporary decision as both players apologuising on this matter could bring this decision time but it is being unexpected for sure.

Results:

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Final-Four, Semi-Final, Path C:

Portugal 3:1 Turkey

Italy 0:1 Northern Macedonia

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Besiktas and Fenerbahce has recieved 32,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Gaziantep has recieved 57,000 TL and section of stands for events on field and not leaving stairs empty.

- Goztepe has recieved 132,000 TL and blockage of stands for events on field and behaviour of fans.

- Fenerbahce recieved blockage of stands due of behaviour of - Fenerbahce player Kim Min Jae has become injured during international team duty.fans.

-Yeni Malatyaspor player Sadik Ciftpinar has recieved 4-game ban and 26,000 TL fine for action towards fans.

- ValentinIsmael has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one negotiations with Besiktas for head coach position.

- Basaksehirspor considers to transfer Benfica player Pizzi who is being currently loaned to club.

-Galatasaray player Marcao has travelled to Italy for transfer negotiations with Italian clubs. 

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/03/2022

Turkey would be aiming to get surprising result against Portugal.

Turkish National Team are going to meet against Portugal during World Cup Qualifiers Final Four Patch C game at the semi-final game as it would be playing against side which is being strong favourite.

Without doubt, Turkey does need to come out into the field with being aware who are they opponents and hence provide strong respect to Portugal which in other words means that it needs to provide strong confident game but not over exerating. It needs to be mentioned that even through Galatasaray has been relegated from Barcelona, it did provide confident strong performance which did come from such tactical game and similar game could be key, as its been 1-game also could even opportunity to get winning scoreline during 90, 120 minutes or even at penalty. As been noted, beforehand Portugal is being side which would be feeling under pressure and to some extend with strong organised game from Turkey, Portugal would even feel from much more pressure in this fixture.

Turkey are coming out as underdogs but there is small opportunity for them to get surprise from this game for sure.

Turkey has announced its bid for Euro 2028.

Turkey has announced its candidacy for Euro2028 as host country as UEFA started accepting candidate countries for election which would be taking place on at the end of 2023.

Turkey has provided candidacy to run either Euro or World Cup for long time and even through there were times when it got closer at winning bid, it didnt yet host any of this tournaments but does history of Istanbul hosting Champions League and Europa League finals. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey does have strong infrastructure at its disposal but even through our blog one of aims is to get interest of Turkish football we need to admit that there some negative aspects. Turkish football performance in recent years has been in decline which would not be looked war by UEFA. Even through there been times when tournament been hosted at countries which might not be referred as football nations, it did show preferance to them for long time.

Turkey does have some advantages for this bid but it needs to improve on its disadvantages without doubt.

TFF has allowed to sign foreign players from Ukraine and Russian league until 7th April

TFF has went into FIFA rule of allowing foreign players who are currently among Russian and Ukrainian clubs to sign new contracts outside of country until 7th April.

The decision did come with 2 parts which is being for stoppage of Ukrainian leagues and other sport activities to be stopped in whole country as expected due of ongoing war taking place in country, while Russia move has been due of most of foreign players and also FIFPro suggesting for many foreign players leaving country as sign of protest. Even through high number of players did stay, Krasnodar is currently being without foreign player as sign of content. Due of this, FIFA and UEFA has provided such exception to transfers so players will not be left without club. TFF even through with delay, did announce that it would be running with such decision. 

Even through there been some rumours of players from that countries coming to Turkey, it still not being clear if Turkish clubs would sign any players from Ukraine and Russia during this period.

Schedule:

World Cup 2022 , European Qualifiers, Path C, Final Four, Semi-Final:

22:45 Portugal- Turkey

22:45 Italy-Northern Macedonia

In other news:

- Fenerbahce will have administrative board CEO election on 9th April.

- Galatasaray player Erick Pulgar has got positive Covid 19 test result.

- Besiktas will appoint assistant coach Adam Murray, performance athletics Jack Riley and spor science trainer Johnny Northeast if Valerien Ismael will be appointed as club's head coach.

- PSVEindoven are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Andreas Cornelius.

- Sampdoria has made transfer deal with Galatasaray player Alexandru Cicaldau.

- According to reports, Goztepe ex-CEO Mehmet Sepil had started negotiations with Roman Abramovich assistants regarding of selling club.

- Fenerbahce has set transfer fee of its player Miguel Crespo as 8 million euro.

- Besiktas considers to sell its player Ridvan Yilmaz during summer transfer window.

- Altay are interested to appoint Sinan Kaloglu as club's head coach.

- Galatasaray considers to offer Alpaslan Ozturk and Baris Alper Yilmaz to Kasimpasa in return of Umut Bozok,

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Dinamo Zagreb player Bruno Petkovic.

- RasmusAnkersen is having negotiations with Goztepe for buying club for about 6 months.

- Turkey has announced its candidacy to host Euro2028

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/03/2022

Besiktas has made deal with Valerien Ismael.

Besiktas are reported to make 1+1 year contract with Valerien Ismael for head coach position after club CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has approved this candidacy name following meeting regarding of new head coach candidates.

With Omer Karaveli showing some decline in recent weeks with performance and also results, as side started getting high number of draws and not converting opportunities, Besiktas has begun looking for new coach in much more active manner. It is reported that Besiktas did make deal with Valerien Ismael on 19th March and even made deal with coach for 1+1 years but needed to get approval from Ahmet Nur Cebi as he had some other names, but due of some experience of the coach and him requesting 750,000 euro has made him as number one choice for such position.

It is reported that Ismael would arrive to Turkey within 2-days but there is still awaiting of official announced from club.

Turkey would have some opportunity against Portugal if they stay focus.

As would been expected, Turkish football is being focussed into World Cup Qualifier Final Four Patch C semi-final game against Portugal where Portugal are coming out as strong favourites.

It does need to be mentioned that Turkish players, especially playing outside country, are showing strong performance in recent weeks and also they been impressive improvement with performance since Stefan Kuntz as when he joined there wasnt much belief side even make into this games. Therefore, there has been some trust and it could be expected for Turkey to provide some difficult time towards Portugal but it would be difficult to provide strong enough pressure when looking into differences of quality between two sides. Only opportunity for Turkey is to stay in this one-game fixture and use advantage of Portugal feeling more under pressure.

Turkey would be coming into difficult fixture but if they stay focussed and provide some pressure to Portugal it could have some chance.

Trabzonspor is getting ready to celebrate its title within 3 weeks.

Despite of losing on previous week to Rizespor, Trabzonspor still believes it could get title latest after 3 games with city doing all preparation to celebrate this long-awaited title.

Trabzonspor are having opportunity to celebrate earliest title in history of the league, if it manages to win next 3 games even if Konyaspor wins during this period as side is being into high morale and confidence to do so. It is true that with title almost being confirmed there is slightly drop of performance which did also affect into getting wins for Trabzonspor but still this awareness of getting title so early and also ending its long run of not winning title since 1984.

Hence, Trabzonspor is believing into its strength and it could achieve that in upcoming 3 months and provide huge party at home city.

In other news:

-PFDK referalls:

- Yeni Malatyaspor, Besiktas has been referred due of events on field.

- Yeni Malatyaspor player Sadik Ciftpinar has been referred for action.

- Goztepe and Fenerbahce has been referred for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Gaziantep has been referred for events on field and not leaving stairs empty.

- Altay has announced that it has terminated contract with its head coach Serkan Ozbalta even through there was offer to continue contract.

- TFF has added section at Transfer Guideline which allows to transfer foreign players from Russian and Ukrainian leagues until 7th April.

- Goztepe has put its player Irfan Can Egribat out of squad due of heated argument with supporters during Super League 30th week game against Alanyaspor. Player states that supporters has used some impolite expressions regarding his daughter who passed away

- UEFA has announced referee of World Cup 2022 qualifier Final-Four Path C semi-final game between Portugal and Turkey will be Daniel Siebert. 

- Galatasaray has signed sponsorship deal with Enerjisa Enerji.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Umut Bozok

- Sivasspor administrator Serkan Aydin considers to become Goztepe CEO.

-Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/03/2022

Fenerbahce is focussed into getting 2nd spot.

Fenerbahce has reduced point difference with Konyaspor to 2 points as it has won its direct opponent for 2nd spot with providing top level performance during 2nd half and has deserved game for sure.

In fact, Fenerbahce didnt lose for 5 games with taking account that it did play with strong opponents and such positive transformation could be related for Ismail Kartal which changed positively mentality of the players. Fenerbahce did provide especially during 2nd half an attacking high tempo game which led them not only show strong comeback from 1:0 scoreline but also being one dominating side even through it needs to be admitted that performance from Konyaspor did also affect to Fenerbahce positive game. With such result Fenerbahce without doubt would be having good national team break as it would be waiting to win rest of the 8 weeks left during this season and end season as runners-up position, while Konyaspor would need to focus to show strong reaction after this loss.

Fenerbahce has set an eye for 2nd spot as it proven that with level side is performing right now in the league for sure.

Galatasaray mentally ended season.

Galatasaray following loss to Barcelona at Europa League and hence relegation from tournament had without doubt negative impact to Gaziantep game as side would be ending season without any targets and aims.

Without doubt Galatasaray did come to the Gaziantep game in difficult physical and psychological condition which did affect partly into performance even through side did get some opportunities and got in fact into lead with Gomis goal but couldnt stop Gaziantep player Maxim during 2nd half. It does need to mention that protest towards referee from Galatasaray towards Kerem Akturkoglu position is being rightfully as player did go harshly which would be at least yellow card but interestingly referee didnt even give foul. Still, it is  hard to note that Galatasaray would get win even with this position as it did break during 2nd half and that factor has been used by Gaziantep which did show improvement on their part and found 3 goals.

Galatasaray has ended season as it looks to be safe from relegation for sure and would have difficulty to focus into upcoming games.

Mehmet Sepil resigns as Goztepe CEO 

Goztepe CEO Mehmet Sepil has resigned from his post after 8 years of taking that position which does rise possibility of Roman Abramovich rumour of buying club which been circulating on 19th March both in British and Turkish media.

It needs to be stated forefront that even through Goztepe is having poor season, Mehmet Sepil did have good period at the club which led side to get into Super League and also show some good performance with some good transfers but occasionally failing to show result. Now, with Roman Abramovich future at Chelsea is being over for certain due of Russian invasion to Ukraine and also Turkey taking neutral stance of this conflict despite of being NATO member and hence no sanctions towards Russia is leaving open door for Abramovich. With taking account into what condition been Chelsea when Abramovich bought them in 2003, this could lead to some changes into club if he buys it.

This is uncertain rumour however but with Mehmet Sepil resigning after 2 days of this rumour coming out does raise some speculations. 

In other news:

- TurkishNationalTeam has arrived to Portugal for World Cup 2022 qualifiers Final Four games.

- Giresunspor: Club has called its player Souleymane Doukara to defend himself as following Super League 30th week game against Antalyaspor opponent supporters has called him into stand and he had shown celebration with them following our loss.

- Besiktas players Cyle Larin and Atiba Hutchinson and Hatayspor player Samuel Adekugbe has been selected to Canadian National Team for World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

- Stuttgart player Atakan Karazor has stated that he would like to play for Turkish National Team

- Fenerbahce player Atilla Szalai has become injured.

- Fenerbahce has made extension deal with its player Altay Bayindir for 5-years.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Espanyol player Adria Pedrosa.

- Benfica has declined rumours that it made transfer deal with Fenerbahce player Berke Ozer.

- AndriyShevchenko has requested 1,200,000 euro from Besiktas for head coach position.

- Chinese and Arabic has offered 5 million euro to Besiktas player Alex Teixeira.

- Besiktas has offered 1.5 million euro salary offer to Al Sadd player Anderson Talisca with 2 million euro signing money.

- Besiktas head coach Onder Karaveli has send resignation letter to club CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi but he had declined offer.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/03/2022

Fenerbahce provided strong game during 2nd half against Konyaspor

Fenerbahce has reduced point difference with Konyaspor to 2 points after beating them with 2:1 scoreline as both clubs are fighting for runners-up spot which would lead for Champions League spot and didnt lose 5th game back-to-back.

Even through Fenerbahce did have pretty slow start of the game without creating much opportunties with game being played in low tempo and to addition conceding from Bytiqi, Istanbul giant has provided pretty confident and dominant game during 2nd half. Fenerbahce did have advantage of being more experienced and stronger side than Konyaspor, and this played crucial role as Konyaspor did show slightly slow and worrrying game especially during 2nd half which been related of being unusual at fighting for top spots, in fact this been main reason for getting so behind from title race and losing its advantage of 2nd week. It needs to be noted that momentum is on Fenerbahce side on recent week which could help them to get 2nd spot in the end of the season.

Konyaspor needs to be mentioned did start game in organised manner without letting Fenerbahce to get full control but it is hard to state that its been one which clearly dominated game. With Fenerbahce improving game on 2nd half, Konyaspor didnt manage to respond strongly and lose game.

Meanwhile, this outcome did go into hand for Trabzonspor as even through it did lose this week, it still needs 3 wins until title with 8 weeks left if Konyaspor even wins all games.

Galatasaray has lost to Gaziantep as it lost concentration once again to league.

Gaziantep has managed to get win against Galatasaray with 3:1 scoreline as Istanbul giant side did show some signs and loss of confidence as it lost to Barcelona at Europa League and being without target has led side to lose 3 points.

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray didnt provide poor start of the game with keeping control of the 1st half and looking for opportunities and also scoring goal with Bafetembi Gomis but rather then continuing showing strong game, it has conceded goal in the end of the game with Djiboudji. In addition, Gaziantep has added much stronger and confident performance as Maxim has provided confident attacking game with looking for opportunities and has won penalty kick which he did converted it and has played important role with 3rd goal. Galatasaray with losing to Barcelona and being out of Europa League did lose concentration and motivation and it does look like it would be mentally hard weeks for last 8 weeks for side.

Gaziantep did come as underground due of poor performance in recent weeks but did provide high focus and strong performance especially during 2nd week and certainly such win would lead side to get some good results in upcoming weeks.

Galatasaray hence did lose game after being relegated from Barcelona and hence did show signs that it did lose focus as it being aimless in the league.

Besiktas has drawn once again in the league.

Besiktas continues losing points in recent weeks due of not converting its opportunities and also wrong choice of players as this time it did lose 2 points against Hatayspor which does show strong performance in recent weeks.

With losing another 2 points, Besiktas is getting further for 2nd spot and also to the top 4 spots which would mean European football next season as it has dropped to 8th place. It needs to be mentioned that scenario of the game has been very similar to previous game as Besiktas did provide an attacking game with creating high number of the chances but did lack with having last touches. Which includes Michy Batshuayi, who even through did score on start of the game, continued to be missing opportunities. Besiktas are continuing to be losing points and it looks to be continuing in upcoming weeks sadly for them.

Besiktas continues to be losing points and reduces arleady low morale and confidence even more by each week.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

Antalyaspor 4:1 Giresunspor

Sivasspor 2:1 Altay

Gaziantep 3:1 Galatasaray

Fenerbahce 2:1 Konyaspor

In other news:

- Altay head coach Serkan Ozbalta: I have been working on this team for 2 months almost. I did my best. Tomorrow I would provide my resignation to administration.

- Fenerbahce considers to rise salary of its player Altay Bayindir of 500,000 euro

- Fenerbahce are interested to loan Lazio player Vedat Muriqi.

- Galatasaray administrator Nihat Kirmizi has stated that club considers to loan Barcelona player Inaki Pena for 1 more season.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/03/2022

Besiktas continues losing points with losing 2 against Hatayspor this time.

Besiktas continues losing points in the Super League and hence putting into difficult 2nd spot aim and also putting into difficulty for top 4 spot as it drawn with Hatayspor with 1:1 scoreline as weather been played in difficult conditions.

IT needs to be mentioned that once again Besiktas did start game in high tempo with creating some opportunities with finding goal from Michy Batshuayi on 16th minute. When looking into statistics Besiktas has been side which been dominating game with controlling ball but has failed to win game again as main reason has been due of lacking converting its opportunities as even through Batshuayi did score goal, he continued without scoring goal despite of getting very clear opportunities but it needs to be mentioned that Besiktas did failed to do so. With taking account that Hatayspor is being in good form in recent weeks did also provide issues to Besiktas as side been providing some positive performance. One of the sides which would be happy for national team break as it would need to work on with getting wins in upcoming weeks.

Hatayspor on they part did provide good performance with pretty organised defence and also did look for some possibilities in the front which included great free-kick goal from Lobjanidze and did regain important confidence for upcoming weeks.

Besiktas has lost points in another game and even through it does show an attacking game it continues having issues with converting opportunities and needs to work on this during this break.

Rizespor has wanted to win game more than Trabzonspor and hence got such result.

Trabzonspor has ended with its winning streak of 13 games this time losing to Rizespor which has shown strong fighting spirit towards end of the game and also game has been played at heavy snow conditions and affected field which made things difficult for Trabzonspor.

Stating that, it needs to be mentioned that Trabzonspor didnt also provided confident and strong performance with showing signs that its been slighly relaxed as it did come out with 15 point advantage over 2nd spot Konyaspor and with Rizespor needing to win game much more to keep its chances arrive to stay on the league did affect performance of both sides. It needs to be mentioned that ironically goal scored by Abdulkadir Omur did provided some strong reaction from Rizespor which did find 3 goals thanks to penalties from Pohjanpilo. It needs to be mentioned meanwhile that even through goals did come from penalties, Rizespor been better side for last 30 minutes and did look side which wanted to get win more than Trabzonspor. 

This result would not affect much to Trabzonspor as it still needs 3 games for title as long as it stays focussed to its games while for Rizespor it does provide some hope to stay in the league. 

Result between Konyaspor and Fenerbahce would define fight for runners-up spot for rest of the season.

One of the most anticipated games during this week has been without doubt game between Konyaspor and Fenerbahce as both sides are aiming right now for 2nd spot which would mean Champions League qualifiers.

With Fenerbahce being 5 points behind Konyaspor, it would mean that difference with both sides would be reduced to 1 game while if Konyaspor manages to get win it would raise point difference to 8 points. It also needs to be mentioned therefore that draw for Konyaspor in a sense of 2nd spot would not be affected to much, so it is being more important for Fenerbahce to get win which could mean that it would be providing much more attacking game compare ot opponents. Stating that Konyaspor did provide pretty aggressive game and good results against top clubs which is being without doubt one of the main reason why its been located at 2nd spot for long time. Hence, Konyaspor is expected to continue providing strong and confident game but is risking much less.

It also needs to be mentioned that this game would be also interest for Trabzonspor as result of this game could mean if it has possibility to celebrate title in duration of 3-4 weeks or not.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

Yeni Malatyaspor 0:2 Kasimpasa

Goztepe 0:2 Alanyaspor

Adana Demirspor 2:1 Basaksehirspor

Besiktas 1:1 Hatayspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

13:30 Antalyaspor - Giresunspor

13:30 Sivasspor - Altay

16:00 Gaziantep - Galatasaray

19:00 Fenerbahce - Konyaspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray player Omar Elabdelloui has asked Norwegian National Team not to join them due of health issue as he had eye operation.

- Goztepe player Wilker Angel has ended season due of injury.

- Fenerbahce considers to extend contracts with its players Altay Bayindir, Serdar Aziz, Enner Valencia and Miha Zajc.

- AdanaDemirspor are having transfer negotiations with Lille player Burak Yilmaz.

- Galatasaray considers to loan Barcelona player Inaki Pena for another season.

- RomanAbramovich is interested to buy Goztepe.

- Fenerbahce has set release clause of its player Arda Guler as 30 million euro.

- Gaziantep are having transfer negotiations with unnamed Ukrainian players from Ukrainian league. It is reported that club looking for ways to bring players to Turkey from warzone currently.

- Besiktas are close to appoint Valerien Ismael for 2-years for head coach position.

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/03/2022

Pohjanpoli led for 2nd defeat to Trabzonspor with penalties.

Trabzonspor loses its 2nd league game during whole season as it lost to Rizespor with 3:2 scoreline as Pohjanpoli has scored all goals through penalties as game been played for most amount of time under the snow.

It needs to be mentioned that when looking into whole game, Trabzonspor did come out to win game and did provide strong performance but weather conditions, condition of the field and also Rizespor coming to the game which certainly needed did provide some difficulties towards Trabzonspor. It needs to be mentioned that until Abdulkadir Omur didnt score at 49th minute, game has been played at low tempo without much opportunities but as Rizespor conceded goal it started providing lots of pressure towards Trabzonspor goals and did find goal within 30 minutes through penalties. Even through all goals did come on penalties, it needs to be mentioned that Rizespor did provide lots of pressure towards Trabzonspor goal and did provide some difficulty moment to which Trabzonspor couldnt provide much response but still showed some attacking game but did have difficulty at the field also to some extend. Trabzonspor hence did play for win but it needs to be admitted that Rizespor did want to win game even more with probably due of factor that it needed win even more compare to Trabzonspor which has secured more or less its title.

Rizespor didnt show very strong performance during first half in similar manner as did Trabzonspor with possibly for factor that it did focus into draw but after conceding it did show high focus into attacking game and as been noted as goals came from penalties, Rizespor still been one who has pressured for last 30 minutes and got deserved win.

This loss would only delay for its getting title to 1 week possibly for Trabzonspor and also getting 2nd loss would not look in the final standings but apart of that it still being side which has big advantage for title.

Galatasaray showed brave game against Barcelona.

Galatasaray could be relegated from Europa League after losing to 2:1 scoreline but it could be stated during 2 leg games it has shown strong and confident performance against them without showing much fear.

As it is known providing an attacking game against Barcelona, even if you are another giant side, is being too risky as it being always strong attacking game with high amount of possession of the ball in each game. Therefore, Galatasaray has been looking for providing defensive game and it did manage to do so during 1st leg and also in the beginning of 2nd leg during which period it did find goal from Marcao from corner. However, such conceded goal did led Barcelona to provide much more attacking goal and being much more brave which led for simple goal from Pedri and after conceding goal from Aubemayang. Afterwards, Barcelona did play its last 30 minutes for wasting time which even through is being unpleasant for Galatasaray perspective is being smart and tactical game.

Galatasaray could be relegated but it did lose from one of the top sides at whole Europe with showing strong confident performance. 

Hatayspor is coming out as favourites Besiktas.

Besiktas is going to play against Hatayspor during Super League 30th week which also would been direct opponent for them for top 4 spots and also would be looking to regain confidence after losing derby game.

Besiktas is being on decline right now with Onder Karaveli and would be looking to turn around its level of performance with looking to get win against one of the strongest sides in the league. As been noted for weeks main issue for Besiktas is being with converting opportunities and this being without doubt its main issue for losing points in recent weeks and also improve its performance for last 30 minutes. With Hatayspor liking to show themselves attacking game and despite being also in decline in recent weeks, is to some extend is being favourite for this game as it does show strong confident game.

Basaksehirspor hence would be providing aggressive attacking game to Besiktas and with better convergence would be seen as favourite.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week

Fatih Karagumruk 3:0 Kayserispor

Rizespor 3:2 Trabzonspor 

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

 13:30 Yeni Malatyaspor - Kasimpasa

16:00 Goztepe - Alanyaspor

16:00 Adana Demirspor - Basaksehirspor

19:00 Besiktas - Hatayspor

In other news:

- AdanaDemirspor has terminated contract with its players Ferhat Kaplan, Kaan Kanak and Tarik Camdal.

- Besiktas player Michy Batshuayi has been selected to Belgian National Team.- Atalanta player 

-Merih Demiral has been selected as best player for Europa League last 16 2nd leg games.

- Trabzonspor player - AlHilal head coach Leonardo Jardim has requested 4 million euro from Besiktas which led club to end negotiations without agreement.

- Fenerbahce is declined all transfer offer for its player Bright Osayi Samuel

- AlNassr player Anderson Talisca has requested 4.5 million euro salary from Besiktas.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Berke Ozer

Andres Trondsen will not be able to play for month due of injury.

- Konyaspor player Abdulkadir Bardakci has become injured.

- Ajax has tranfer negotiations with Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/03/2022

Galatasaray could be relegated but provided strong performance against Barcelona without doubt.

Galatasaray has been relegated from Europa League with losing to Barcelona at home ground with 2:1 scoreline but it needs to be noted that side did provide pretty impressive performance against football giant and could end this tie with heads up.

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray has shown strong and confident performance with being organised at defence but same time showing brave game in the attack preventing Barcelona to get entire dominance for the game. In fact, Galatasaray has been side which has found goal first on 29th minute from header of Marcao from corner kick as it been come from pretty top level corner kick from Cicaldau as Marcao has shown from flying to ball. However, as it would been expected Barcelona did provide strong reaction as it did found goal from Pedri on 37th minute and after with Aubameyang scoring winning goal on 49th minute. Galatasaray despite of being relegated did have memorable Europa League competition with getting out from group without loss and provided strong and confident performance against Barcelona. 

Barcelona compare to 1st leg game did come out with much more ideal squad but it wasnt an easy task for them as Barcelona needed to find and did get confident win which been expected by man including in Turkey.

Galatasaray as been noted did provide strong and confident performance against with showing two different performance at Europa League and Super League. 

Trabzonspor would focus win against Rizespor as it wants to get title as soon as possible.

Trabzonspor would be aiming to make another important step for title as it would be meeting with Rizespor at Rize in the game which is also known to be Black Sea derby.

Even through the game could be expected to be played at the derby atmosphere, Trabzonspor as been expected would be coming with strong motivation and confidence as it is only 4 games away from title if Konyaspor would win all of its games. Its easy as it is known to lose motivation with having such huge lead, being 15 points right now with 9 games left, but team managed to keep its on top with an aim to become earlier title winners in league history with mathematically there is even possibility to win title next week, if Trabzonspor wins this 2 games while Konyaspor loses 2. Therefore, Trabzonspor would provide once again confident game with providing lots of pressure to Rizespor. While Rizespor with showing respect to opponent would be looking ways to prevent Trabzonspor to reach its aim.

Trabzonspor currently wants to get title as early possible and hence would perform according to that during game against Rizespor.

Fenerbahce has extended contract with 6 young players.

Fenerbahce has signed extension contract with 6 of its youth players namely: Muhammed Gumuskaya, Ferdi Kadioglu, Arda Guler, Melih Bostan, Osman Ertugrul Cetin and Isak Vural.

Hence, club has made it once again clear that it aims to be working and developing its young players for future of the club as they become one of the best players, especially Ferdi Kadioglu, Arda Guler and Muhammed Gumuskaya during this season. Even through Victor Pereira performance during this season is being questionable until he has been sacked, he did provide lots of playing time to this youngsters and did play an important role with those players development which also been continued with Ismail Kartal since he joined. Without doubt this aim is to let those players to continue getting playing time in the club and sell them for good price in future.

Fenerbahce is doing right thing but it needs to show lots of work and patience to this youngsters and once who would be coming in the future. 

Results:

UEFA Europa League, last 16, 2nd leg:

Galatasaray 1:2 Barcelona (agg: 1:2)

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

20:00 Rizespor - Trabzonspor

20:00 Fatih Karagumruk - Kayserispor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Kayserispor has recieved 32,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Galatasaray has got section blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Besiktas assistant coach Anil Demirci recieved 1-game ban and 13,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

AdanaDemirspor recieved 64,000 TL fine and section blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc recieved 125,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.

- Fenerbahce recieved 100,000 TL for anti-sportmanship

- Altay recieved 375,000 TL for not having coach at changing room

- Sivasspor player Pedro Henrique has become injured during training session. 

- Goztepe player Adis Jahovic has been selected to Northern Macedonian National Team for World Cup 2022 qualifier Final Four games while Kenan Piric has been selected to Bosnia Herzegovian National Team for international friendlies.

- Trabzonspor player Marek Hamsik has returned to Turkey from Slovakia.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Goztepe player Halil Akbunar

- SenolGunes would consider for head coach role at Besiktas during summer transfer window.

- Barcelona are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Arda Guler.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/03/2022

Galatasaray would be coming out to Barcelona game with strong self-belief.

Galatasaray would be coming out to 2nd leg game against Barcelona at its home for Europa League 2nd leg game at home ground with high optimism as it showed good performance against Besiktas and also ended 1st leg with 0:0 scoreline.

Its been known for long time at Turkish football, that due of strong supporters its been advantegous for Turkish clubs to play 2nd leg at home ground as long as it gets good scoreline from 1st leg and this been case in this game without doubt. Galatasaray is showing strong improvement in recent weeks especially at defence which it would need to provide at high level without doubt as Barcelona would be expected to show strong attacking game in similar manner which it did during previous round against Napoli. Galatasaray would need to provide hence strong defensive game which been case against them during 1st leg game and possibly use opportunity attacking opportunity if its gets one.

Galatasaray would be coming out with strong self belief hence against Barcelona but it needs to be respectful to giant opponent to get good result.

Yeni Malatyaspor CEO Adil Gevrek calls for this season not to be registered.

With 12 referees been taking away from list for last weeks in the Super League, Yeni Malatyaspor CEO Adil Gevrek has stated that this ongoing season should not be registered as those referees affected to final standings.

It still been unclear and unexpected by many decision to not accept 12 referees and quite understandable provides ongoing reactions from various sources, with Adil Gevrek stating that side has lost many points and its been affected to all clubs including Trabzonspor with standings would be different right now. Stating that with due respect of Trabzonspor and this statement has nothing to do with them, it would be unfair to register this season as this decision has affects entirely to final standings.

It would be interesting to see how TFF would respond as there possibility he would recieve some fine as did Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc for similar statements.

Burak Elmas considers to leave Clubs Union due of misunderstandings.

Galatasaray CEO Burak Elmas has stated that he could be leaving Clubs Union as there is lots of misunderstandings been club and Clubs Union and it does look to be being case in the future.

Burak Elmas statement is related to the issues with referees, broadcasting rights issues and other matters and states that club doesnt take same stance with union and hence it would not be useful for them to stay there. Without doubt its not clear if Elmas is really considering for such action or is being strong message to Clubs Union but if such decision would be made if would provide harm both to Union and to the club without doubt as it aims to part to provide interests of clubs to TFF with providing some pressure to them.

It would be interesting how this statement would develop into relationship between parties which we would be following. 

Schedule:

UEFA Europa League, Last 16, 2nd leg:

Galatasaray-  Barcelona (agg: 0:0)

In other news:

- Besiktas has signed 2-year sponsorship deal with Rain for 12,500,000. For 2 years one of the stands would be known Rain Stand and from next season it would get shirt sponsorship.

- OlympiqueLyon is willing to pay 20 million euro for Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu.

- Arsenal are interested to transfer Besiktas player Cyle Larin

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Menemenspor player Ahmet Sagat.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Bayern Munich player Joshua Zirkzee.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Kerem Akturkoglu as 35 million euro. 

-Galatasaray CEO Burak Elmas states that club would consider to leave Clubs Union if there would be misagreements between parties.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/03/2022

Galatasaray shows good game in recent weeks.

Galatasaray has shown one of its best performance during this season as it got 2:1 scoreline win at the derby game against Besiktas with especially showing impressive game during 1st half.

There were some expectations that Galatasaray could be showing signs of tiredness following game against Barcelona but quite opposite it did look more fresh compare to its opponents with providing strong pressure and aggressive game in the attack which led for 2 great goals from Kerem Akturkoglu which he did score from 2 asissts from Mustafa Muhammed. Even through Galatasaray did show signs of tiredness during 2nd half, it still controlled game with conceding goal from Besiktas from only on shot target for opponent in whole 90 minutes. This game and result without doubt did provide both motivation and hope for game against Barcelona but this performance could not be enough but if it does come out with same mind-set as it did against Besiktas it can provide unexpected result.

Galatasaray without doubt does provide better game in recent weeks as it did come in the time which is most important as it plays against Barcelona on 17th March.

Besiktas didnt show good start of the game with some wrong players at starting 11.

Besiktas quite opposite rather then looking to be more fresh did look to be tired for 90 minutes with also coming into not strongest squad as Cyle Larin and Michy Batshuayi were waiting at substitutions.

There were some signs of drop of performance with Onder Karaveli during recent weeks which also affected into teams result and hence this did affect into this game with only issue that Besiktas tended to show good game in start of the game but later has declined but this time been quite opposite. Besiktas has been better side during 2nd half but did only have one shot into goal for 90 minutes which been goal from Ridvan Yilmaz. Meanwhile, there is rumours that Besiktas would speed up negotiations with possible coaches for the position following this result. In fact, hence it is known for next season would be new head coach it would be important for them to have talks in upcoming weeks.

With Besiktas being 10 points from 2nd spot it does look like more realistic target right now could be Top 4 spot for Conference League.

Giresunspor got transfer ban for not paying debt to its ex-player

Giresunspor has announced that it got transfer ban for not paying debts to its player Andrea Flaccio on the time.

Payments to the players continues to be continuing in all of the Turkish clubs with some teams managing to make deals with clubs to solve out payment issue and hence get rid of fines but it does look, especially since its being ex-player FIFA rightly went into side for player and did provide hence transfer ban to the Giresunspor for upcoming transfer window. This example once again shows how important for Turkish clubs to control its finances when paying salaries and making deals to avoid such issues in near future for sure.

Giresunspor hence will not be able to strength its squad for upcoming future and sadly has repeated its own mistake once again.

In other news:

PFDK referalls:

- Rizespor player Fabricio Santos de Jesus has been referred for breaking rules.

- Kayserispor, Adana Demirspor has been referred for events on field.

- Sivasspor, Altay has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Galatasaray has been referred for behaviour of fans and not following guidelines.

- Besiktas administrator Anil Demirci and Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Fenerbahce for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- UEFA has appointed referee for Europa League game between Galatasaray and Barcelona as Danielo Orsato

- Galatasaray player Omar Elabdelloui has been selected to Norwegian National Team - Galatasaray player Victor Nelsson and Trabzonspor player Andreas Cornelius has been selected to Danish National Team. - Giresunspor player Flavio has become injured.

- HullCity are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Ryan Babel.

- Fenerbahce player Diego Rossi has stated that he didnt recieve transfer offer from Flamengo.

- Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir has accepted extension deal with his club.

- Trabzonspor has started transfer negotiations with Bologna player Stefano Denswil.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/03/2022

Galatasaray showed one of its best game during this season against Besiktas.

Galatasaray wins derby game against Besiktas with 2:1 scoreline and possibly providing one of its best performance during this season while its opponents did show lack of concentration in the start of the game.

Galatasaray has shown probably one of the most organised game during this season in the league and for sure its best one since Domenec Torrent as in fact it didnt look to be side which become tired from Barcelona game at Europa League and also from travelling from Barcelona to Izmir and after that to Istanbul in duration of 4 days. To some extend, this game has also been seen as practice and test game for 2nd leg for Barcelona, and it needs to be stated that it has passed test especially during 1st half as it controlled game but still some signs of tiredness were clear during 2nd half when Besiktas provided strong pressure to Galatasaray and also created high amount of the opportunities with also finding goal in that period of game. Meanwhile, best player of the game has been Kerem Akturkoglu with finding 2 great goals and provided positive note for both Barcelona game and also generally as he likely to be moved to Europe this summer.

Besiktas on their part didnt have very good start of the game with providing pretty passive game and not being able to get control of the game an dyet to provide any pressure to Galatasaray goal and did look more tired compare to Galatasaray as possible issue if game would not be postponed or not did provide pressure to its players even through its been accepted to be case as Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has provided needless statement regarding this issue. It needs to be mentioned that Besiktas did look to be more willing with using signs of tiredness of opponent but still didnt manage to get too much pressure again to Galatasaray even through it did find winning goal. This result meanwhile now means that Besiktas finds itself 10 points behind runners-up Konyaspor with 9 games left until end of the season but 4 points from top 4 spot, and this likely would become side new aim for rest of the season. 

To some extend this win didnt provide much change in the standings for Galatasaray but provided very important confidence and self-belief for game against Bacelona which would take place on 17th March, while Besiktas reducing its chances for 2nd spot.

Fenerbahce got crucial win against Alanyaspor and rose confidence.

Fenerbahce has got crucial win against Alanyaspor with confident scoreline of 5:2 even through there were moment in middle of 2nd half where it could have lost points as Alanyaspor had momentum of the game.

It needs to be noted that Fenerbahce as side does provide some improvement with its performance which is being pretty crucial for its fight for 2nd spot as it would be meeting with Konyaspor with who its being 5 points behind right now. But it needs to be noted that coming to this game it did have decline of performance as it got behind from 2:0 leadership to 2:2 but also thanks to the good game from Altay Bayindir and towards end of the game rise of performance did got win. Without doubt, key player has been 17-year old wunderkind Arda Guler who to some extend did find winning and crucial goal as side went ahead with 3:2 scoreline and provided confidence to whole side. Without doubt, Arda Guler would need to carry on recieving some playing time until end of the season as despite of young age he is being best player during recent weeks.

Fenerbahce got very important win and got crucial motivation for its fight for 2nd spot without doubt.

Basaksehirspor are having transfer negotiations with Yaroslav Rakitsky

Yaroslav Rakitsky has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Basaksehirspor as he used release clause from Zenit as UEFA allowed to terminate foreigners with Russian and Ukrainian clubs.

As it is known, on-going Russian invasion to Ukraine had also affected as all spheres to football too and UEFA decisions did allow foreign players to freely to leave side and make deals with other clubs. In this period, first player which did use this release factor towards Turkish clubs is Ukrainian player Yaroslav Rakitsky who is reported to be having currently negotiations with Basaksehirspor. Being strong defender it would also for sure provided needed strength to Basaksehirspor and time would show how negotiations would be continuing between side.

Our blog would follow this transfer talks and there is possibility some more foreigners would be moving to Turkey from Ukraine and Russia in upcoming period.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Basaksehirspor 0:1 Antalyaspor(Game been postponed to today due of Antalyaspor not arriving to Istanbul due of heavy snow)

Giresunspor 2:1 Gaziantep

Galatasaray 2:1 Besiktas

In other news:

- Everton player Cenk Tosun has completed season due of injury.

- Sevilla and Espanyol are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Miguel Crespo.

- NewcastleUnited and Milan scouts will be viewing Galatasaray player Victor Nelsson during game against Barcelona.

- RealMadrid are interested to transfer Atalanta player Merih Demiral.

- Galatasaray has set bonus for getting through Barcelona as 12 million TL.

- NewcastleUnited considers to offer 25 million euro for Trabzonspor player Ugurcan Cakir.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/03/2022

Fenerbahce showed strong willingness against Alanyaspor with scoring 5 goals.

Fenerbahce wins Super League game against Alanyaspor with confident scoreline of 5:2  even through its opponents did get scoreline 2:2 while losing with 2:0 scoreline and hence has reduced point difference with 2nd spot Konyaspor to 5 points.

It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did provide strong and focussed game performance for win and even through it did lose tempo of the game in some moments of the game in overall it did look to be controlling game for most amount of the game. Hence, this game does show that Fenerbahce is showing improvement in recent games in the league and also is being highly focussed to get into runners-up spot which would mean qualifier of Champions League. Coming to the game, it also been important for Fenerbahce for all goals to be coming from different players which especially been pleasant for 17-year old Arda Guler who in fact has scored most important goal as he did got 3:2 scoreline ahead of the game. Only issue for Fenerbahce during this game is to let Alanyaspor to get from 2:0 to 2:2 scoreline especially not prevent Tayfur Bingol but on other hand it showed strong reaction after 2:2 with finding 3 goals in last 25 minutes.

Alanyaspor didnt provide its best performance when looking into whole season but it did show some willingness with some good opportunities while Tayfur Bingol has been best player on the side leading game from 2:0 to 2:2. However, Alanyaspor is being on decline and getting further from top 4 so its important for side to solve this issue.

Fenerbahce did get important goal and now been focussed into runners-up spot as it got into confidence and motivation with showing good performance. 

Trabzonspor is getting closer to title.

Trabzonspor continues to be dominating with its performance as it only needs to get 4 wins out of 9 games to get its historical title which would mean it would become earliest title winners in league history.

It needs to be mentioned that both sides especially after Halil Akbunar goal on 30th minute has provided strong and positive football game as both sides did come out for win but due of differences of the squad, Trabzonspor has shown an upper hand. Even through it did lead Trabzonspor to concede to show top level game, it comeback from 1:0 and after from 2:2 where it has won with 4:2 scoreline does show into seriousness of the side as it aims to continue its top performance and get title race as early as possible, and as we keep saying it does need 4 wins ,it could come earlier as Konyaspor could be losing games in upcoming weeks. Trabzonspor are moving to historical title right now and nothing seems to be stopping them.

The question turned from not who going to win but when it would be won and Trabzonspor aims to do it as early as possible.

Derby game so far been dominated with talks about postponing game or not.

Prior to derby game between Galatasaray and Besiktas during Super League 29th week game has been mainly dominated by talks if game would be postponed or not as Galatasaray did arrive to Istanbul from Izmir tonight.

It needs to be mentioned that derby game talks prior to start of the game on 14th March sadly been dominated from talks if it should be postponed due of conditions of the field, weather conditions and Galatasaray failing to arrive which went into criticism from each other between two clubs. This such talks without doubt could affect into performance of both sides as main focus been there but it needs to be mentioned that Besiktas does have advantage of providing better game domestically, having top 4 spot in the league and also staying in the Istanbul for week while Galatasaray first travelled to Barcelona where it had tough game, later travel to Izmir and now arrived so it would be feeling more fatiqued which could affect negatively to the side. 

This issues mentioned does put Besiktas favourite to win game but still its close to call as with all derby games.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Kayserispor 2:3 Konyaspor

Basaksehirspor P-P Antalyaspor (Game been postponed as Antalyaspor didnt manage to arrive to Istanbul due of heavy snow)

Adana Demirspor 2:3 Sivasspor

Alanyaspor 2:5 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

16:00 Basaksehirspor - Antalyaspor((Game been postponed as Antalyaspor didnt manage to arrive to Istanbul due of heavy snow)

20:00 Galatasaray - Besiktas

20:00 Giresunspor - Gaziantep