What happened in Turkish football today? 29/04/2023

Fenerbahce has ended game after 1st half despite of some difficulties during game.

Fenerbahce has got a very important win against Sivasspor at what has been expected to be difficult game especially when taking account that Fenerbahce did play with 10 men for more than 2nd half and now would be waiting result from derby game.

Fenerbahce has ended game during 1st half with finding 3 goals with especially two goals from Ferdi Kadioglu during additional time of 1st half as it needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did take some time to get into mood of the game. It needs to be mentioned that when looking at the some aspects of the game didnt go well as Enner Valencia has become injured and been taken to hospital, even through it is reported that his condition is not being very serious and also red card of Irfan Can Kahveoglu. Still, with red card coming during 2:0 scoreline and also Kadioglu scoring 3rd goal in short period after red card did make game easier. Fenerbahce did mainly defend during 2nd half but when taking account of scoreline and being one less men it could be well understood.

Sivasspor meanwhile did fail during 1st half as it couldnt get any organised attack yet to provide some danger which did come both from good defensive from Fenerbahce and also side not being at its best form. 2nd half of the game did go more into their control but as been mentioned this mainly due of Fenerbahce allowing them to some extend.

Fenerbahce hence did get its aim which it seeked for during whole game and has managed to reduce point difference to 3 points and would be accepting present from Besiktas against Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor continues showing poor performance in the league

Trabzonspor is continuing ineffective performance at the league and got 0 points with Nenad Bjelica as red card of the side did affect them to lose to Konyaspor with 2:1 scoreline.

As it been expected, Trabzonspor are now focussing into upcoming season and hence not focussed into result wise due of being far from European spots and also far from relegation zone. Hence, such performance could be understandable even through as would be expected will not be highly accepted by supporters. It needs to be mentioned that Trabzonspor didnt necesarilly provide poor performance during 1st half where it did find goals but after red card it did lose concentration and game went into directly to Konyaspor hand. Hence, it could be expected that Trabzonspor with Nenad Bjelica would get such results as he would study team for upcoming season.

Konyaspor on other side didnt start game in good way but as game went on it got into more control and did provide some good aggressive game and after red card did went entirely into their own hand as Konyaspor is start showing strong game and would aim to do so until end.

Trabzonspor hence is being not in very good condition and it would not be expected to get lots of points until end of the season for sure.

Outcome of Galatasaray and Besiktas will have direct impact at title race.

Without doubt, derby game between Galatasaray and Besiktas is being very important for title aims for both sides and also Fenerbahce as result would provide chances for all sides.

It needs to be mentioned that if Galatasaray does succeed at winning Besiktas it would make an important step for title as it would once again rise point difference with Fenerbahce to 6 points and also to 11 points with Besiktas with latter having 4 games left of the season. Fenerbahce without doubt would be hoping for Besiktas to get present to them as for Galatasaray point difference would be reduced to 3 points, while win for Besiktas would lead for side to reduce point difference to 5 points with 1 game one more and hence would lead for side to have some hope for title race and provide strong fighting for last games in the season. Coming to favourite, Besiktas would be favourite due of playing at home but on other side Galatasaray does generally provide very good performance during whole season.

Hence, this has been very important game for title contenders as it would identify for aims and tasks to achieve for rest of the season for all 3 clubs.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Fatih Karagumruk 0:1 Antalyaspor

Konyaspor 2:1 Trabzonspor

Ankaragucu 0:0 Kasimpasa

Sivasspor 1:3 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

19:00 Besiktas - Galatasaray

In other news:

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/04/2023

 Fenerbahce will play against problematic for them opponent at must-win game.

Fenerbahce would be coming to crucial game against Sivasspor as it would be aiming to get through psychological impact it following draw against Istanbulspor and would be looking for a win as there is possible chance for league leaders to lose points against Besiktas.

Fenerbahce as it is known did have some unwanted outcomes at away game against Sivasspor including losing title so therefore it would be important for side to get concentrated in that away game as it is problematic for them. It would need to mentioned that in case of losing points for Fenerbahce, would almost mean for them to reduce their chances for title significantly regardless how derby game would be ended. Meanwhile, as been noted Sivasspor tends to provide an additional effort against Fenerbahce and does get some good results especially against Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce will not have much issues at front but would need to focus into defence for sure.

Fenerbahce hence would be coming out as favourite due of its position but it would be pretty difficult game for them without doubt.

Trabzonspor focusses into future rather then current performance.

Trabzonspor would be meeting with Konyaspor as side is getting through adaptation period for Nenad Bjelica as it start making plans for next season.

As been mentioned by Bjelica himself, current period of game is more or less to provide some playing time to all its players including young players and to analyse whole team rather then focussing into results as it both being far from top and bottom side of the table. Konyaspor would hence come out to game with aiming to get win against team which struggles to get some good results.

Hence, Konyaspor would be coming out as favourites when looking at form and also aims for rest of the season.

Besiktas has won case against Kayserispor regarding Onur Bulut purchase.

Besiktas has won case against Kayserispor regarding of paying transfer fee to them for transfer of Onur Bulut as there has been lots of arguments between both clubs.

An issue here is regarding of contracts since there is contradiction in sense that Besiktas did transfer player when contract has been over while Kayserispor does request release clause and it TFF committee in this matter has announced that Besiktas is being right in such matter and it doesnt need to pay any fee or compensation to Kayserispor. Even through Besiktas side and player agent has stated that case is won and is closed, Kayserispor did  state that it would go to arbitration committee in this matter.

Hence, Kayserispor would fight until end but this decision does show that Besiktas are likely would be side to be right in this confusing matter regarding Onur Bulut transfer and contracts.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

Alanyaspor 1:0 Umraniyespor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

16:00 Fatih Karagumruk - Antalyaspor

16:00 Konyaspor - Trabzonspor

19:00 Ankaragucu - Kasimpasa

19:00 Sivasspor - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- Besiktas player Omar Colley has become injured.

- Trabzonspor player Naci Unuvar has become injured.

- Galatasaray administrator Erden Timur: An issue with Bafetembi Gomis has been solved in good manner. This things happen in family. He always been good towards other players, so players has shown support towards him

- Umraniyespor has extended sponsorship deal with Bodymax for 1-year.

- Corinthians are interested to appoint Fenerbahce head coach Jorge Jesus as club's head coach

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Barcelona player Eric Garcia.

- Fenerbahce has offered 3-year extension deal to its player Miguel Crespo.

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/04/2023

TFF and GoArt Metaverse will create virtual stadium at metaverse world.

TFF has also entered to metaverse vagon which is taking place around world as it has made joined project with Turkish company GoArt Metaverse which would create a virtual stadium with museum and also playng area.

Most pleasant development in this project that all profits which would be coming from game would be sending to victims from devastating earthquake which took place at Kahramanmaras epicentre on 6th February. This project have some big potential as it also focusses into history of TFF and other areas at each museum area. Only issue which needs to be considered that excitement regarding of metaverse both in world and Turkey has been reduced and we are seeing decline of visitors to an extend that some events has been ended empty. Hence, it would be hopeful that such great project would get return.

Another aspect here for project to be successfully as been noted would be to provide lots of support to people affected by earthquake.

Trabzonspor has terminated contract with Bruno Peres.

Trabzonspor has terminated contract with its player Bruno Peres as this has been 1st action from CEO Ertugrul Dogan and head coach Nenad Bjelica since both has joined side into their own position.

It needs to be reminded that Peres contract due of injury in the start of the season has been frozen while for 2nd half licence has been renewed and he did come out on the field. It is reported that both sides has made termination in mutual agreement and Trabzonspor did honour player contribution to team which shows that there has been mutual way of leaving club. It is likely that economical condition in the club and also player wanting possibly to leave has made such deal between both parties to be made in such friendly manner.

Bruno Peres did provide some good performance during his stay and did play without doubt an important role with title during previous season. 

Michy Batshuayi has resumed training sessions

Fenerbahce player Michy Batshuayi has resumed training session after recovering from injury and would be important addition to the team as we are getting in the end of the season and Fenerbahce still fights for title and also Besiktas getting closer to them for 2nd spot.

Michy Batshuayi it needs to be mentioned did provide strong and great attacking game with playing an important role for team having very good period both domestically and in Europe prior to World Cup 2022 break and would be focussed once again without doubt to provide similar performance after coming out to the games. It needs to be reminded that poor results in recent games did come without doubt for poor performance from defence, but having another player at attack who can find goals would be important advantage for them in this stage.

Hence, Batshuayi might not solve current issue which club is going through right now but it would be pleasant addition to squad for sure without doubt.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 32nd week:

20:00 Alanyaspor - Umraniyespor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Besiktas has recieved 250,000 TL and blockage of stands fine for behaviour of fans.

- Galatasaray and Fenerbahce has received blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Giresunspor has received 56,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Kayserispor has recieved 84,000 TL and blockage of stands for events on field.

- Hatayspor head coach Volkan Demirel has stated that club considers to play its home games at Mersin or Akhisar during next season, adding that Mersin is being more suitable as 400,000 citizens from Hatay has moved to city after earthquake.

- Istanbulspor player Mehmet Yesil has become injured.

- Sivasspor players Ugur Ciftci, Leke James and Alaadin Okumus has resumed training sessions.

- Besiktas has set bonus for win against Galatasaray as 150,000 TL while Galatasaray has set it as 10 million TL for same game.

- Bordeaux are interested to transfer Antalyaspor player Haji Wright.

- NewcastleUnited are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Arda Guler.

- Giresunspor player Robert Mieja has become injured.

- Trabzonspor has set transfer fee of its player Ugurcan Cakir as 15 million euro.

- BocaJuniors are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi.

What happened in Turkish football todat? 26/04/2023

Besiktas has requested for referee to be selected via AI.

Besıktas has requested from Central Referee Commıttee to appoint referee for Super League 31st week against Galatasaray through artificial intelligence as it has been case for rest of the season but there has been exception.

As it would be remembered, TFF for unannounced reason has appointed Halil Umut Meler as referee of Fenerbahce and Besiktas manually which did raise some question as AI has been programmed to be selecting best name via some critirias. Therefore, it would be right to appoint referee through AI system, and it needs to be mentioned that there is big expectation that even like this Halil Umut Meler would be selected as he is being best referee right now.

With referee to be expected to be announced on 26th April, there is big expectation for Halil Umut Meler to be selected as he was referee for all other derby games so far during this season.  

Maybe an issue is with Ali Koc and not Jorge Jesus.

Once again Turkish sports community is throwing blame of poor recent results at Fenerbahce towards coach Jorge Jesus, once again throwing some kind of fear at criticising CEO Ali Koc.

Since Ali Koc has become CEO, Fenerbahce didnt win any tournaments, provided some poor performance at home ground especially at derby games and has been changed in high number of times its coaches. Therefore, this factor does provide question if issue is really with Ali Koc management or Jorge Jesus among other coaches. With so many coaches being appointed and sacked, it does raise questions if an issue is really with coaches since not all of them could be poor. In fact, if selected coaches are being unsuitable for Fenerbahce successes in those years, than even in this case fault would go to administration as they are one who is appointing coaches. Therefore, blame possibly should be send to right addresee.

This blog has opened this viewpoint for long time, in fact writing similar text in previous years and it does look like it would continue to do so as long as Ali Koc would be CEO.

Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Anthony Martial

Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Manchester United player Anthony Martial who is reported to be wanting to leave club but it is unclear if he would consider to move to Turkish club this summer.

It needs to be mentioned that even through Martial is not on same level as he was in few years ago, but very likely there would be lots of clubs from top league but mediocre sides who might show to still potential players including from England itself. Hence, Fenerbahce possibly would need to move in fast manner to convince player this summer but it doesnt look to be as simple. Hence, it does look that Fenerbahce negotiations if would take place would also depend if other clubs will show interests towards him.

We would as always follow all latest in this transfer rumour among others in our accounts.

In other news:

- TFF are having sponsorship negotiations with Trendyol for 2023-24 Super League season

- Fenerbahce player Atilla Szalai has become injured.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Southampton player Mohamed Elyounoussi.

- Samsunspor are interested to transfer Espanyol player Matias Vargas.

- Trabzonspor player Yusuf Yazici agent Adem Cebici has stated that CSKA Moscow is being one of the options for player for next season.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Mainz 05 player Aaron Martin.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/04/2023

Fenerbahce lost an opportunity to reduce point difference with leaders.

Fenerbahce has lost an important opportunity to reduce point difference with league leaders Galatasaray to 4 points against struggling Istanbulspor especially as it was winning game with 2:0 scoreline. 

Even through Fenerbahce did start game with a mind to find goals and get game into its own control, it hard to state that it did full dominance of the game as it did struggle to get dangerous chances even through it did find goal early on game but been disallowed questionably but referee. As game progressed, Arda Guler did manage to get 2 goals especially with extraordinary 2nd goal but interesting it got penalty after scoring 2:0 due of lack of concentration and after that goal been converted, Istanbulspor did find 2nd goal in short notice. Fenerbahce with getting ahead again but conceding in the end of the game show by the time lack of providing organised defensive game and did lose an important opportunity at its title race.

Galatasaray as would be expected for leaders doesnt loss points very often but when it does its important for Fenerbahce to win games and if it doesnt achieve that it can forget its title.

Referees are being under huge pressure.

Fenerbahce meanwhile did send a letter to TFF calling for some conversations between VAR and main referee to be announced due of poor performance and questionable decisions from referee at game against Istanbulspor.

It needs to be mentioned that referees are being under pressure a lot in this period of time which without does affect into how their perform, concentation and decisions which their made and we would argue that such statement from Fenerbahce and other clubs does more harm than solution. Issue here that every team is providing complaint regarding referees and hence it affects they decision making. It is true that referee performance is not being very good, but it would be more productive to look for solution to this issue rather than keep throwing dirt towards them. 

Possibly reducing such amount of pressure towards referees could also provide relaxation and also improve their performance as they could focus more towards game.

Yamak convinced Keles to stay as head coach at Giresunspor

Giresunspor CEO Nahid Yamak has managed to convince club head coach Hakan Keles to stay at the club after he has provided letter of resignation.

Despite of poor performance of the team and also being in danger for relegation, Giresunspor does provide full trust towards Keles but when taking account that coach does consider to leave, it would without doubt affect his performance as he would feel under pressure. It needs to be mentioned that one of reasons also why club doesnt look warm to terminate contract is due of financial situation as it could be having difficult time to find replacement for him. In addition, Hakan Keles does have good connection with club and despite of protests in recent weeks, generally has also good connection with its own fans.

Administration of the club without doubt has showed trust towards him despite of poor results and now Keles would need to find ways to move this forward and improve its results in upcoming weeks.

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Kasimpasa player Papy Djiloboudji and Adana Demirspor player David Akintola will not play for 2-weeks due of breaking rules.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 27,000 TL for events on field.

- Basaksehirspor recieved 26,000 TL for anti-sportmanship action of team.

- Basaksehirspor administrator Murat Yaman has recieved 7-game ban and 39,000 TL fine for statements and actions towards referee.

- Fenerbahce has received 280,000 TL and blockage of stands fine for actions of the fans.

- Istanbulspor received 24,000 TL for teamwise anti-sportmanship actions. 

- Galatasaray recieved 160,000 TL for behaviour of fans.

- Adana Demirspor recieved 56,000 TL for events on field.

- TFF has announced that Ankaragucu-Kasimpasa kick-off has been moved from 30th April to 29th April 19:00.

- Umraniyespor has requested VAR conversation to be made public for 8 games from TFF.

- Konyaspor player Robert Muric will not play for 2-weeks due of injury.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Fatih Karagumruk player Fabio Borini.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Juventus player Leandro Parades.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/04/2023

 

Fenerbahce has lost an important point difference with Galatasaray.

Fenerbahce has lost a golden opportunity to reduce point difference with Galatasaray to 4 points as it has played struggling Istanbulspor as it ended game with 3:3 scoreline despite of winning game 2:0.

Fenerbahce it needs to be mentioned didnt specifically get full control of the game during 1st half but still looked to be side at controlling tempo more to the Istanbulspor providing more passive defensive game and with defending game. Looking retrospectivelly it did look like to some extend Istanbulspor would be struggling to find single goal and hence when Fenerbahce did get ahead of 2:0 in start of 2nd half it did look like job to be done. However, after 2:0, Istanbulspor suddenly started providing much more attacking game which led for penalty kick after conceding goal and then finding 2nd goal. Fenerbahce during that time didnt provide neded game with looking not very effective at defensive and also some substitus from the field and led for Istanbulspor to show. It has been important for Joao Pedro to make scoreline at 3:2 but rather then providing more organised game especially in defence it has conceded goal at extra time

Istanbulspor on their part did make an important comeback with ending game while losing 2:0 and afterwards 3:2 and this point would provide an important extra point and also important confidence boost as Istanbulspor is focussed to stay at the league.

Fenerbahce has used its golden opportunity to reduce point difference with leaders to 4 points as Galatasaray would meet with Besiktas in upcoming week.

Galatasaray lost 2 points due of poor defence performance

Galatasaray has managed to get 1 point against Fatih Karagurmuk from losing game 3:1 but it did provide some worrying performance of defence which did cost them 2 points as time would show how much this would affect them at title race.

Galatasaray did have pretty good start as it did get an early goal, but it needs to be stated that with positive game of Fatih Karagumruk in general as team and also how it started game, it was seen that they would find some goals even through not with 3:1 scoreline possibly. It needs to stated that conceded goals did come from pretty simple mistakes which Okan Buruk likely has identified and would go through in upcoming training session as it being main negative aspect. Meanwhile, even through Mauro Icardi introduction to field did provide strong attacking game, his penalty has been pretty poor as it wasnt clear if it was Panelka and did go right into hand to goalkeeper, very simple penalty taking account into crucial aspect of that goal if it did come.

Still, Galatasaray did get crucial 1 point but it need to take this game as reference as despite of 6 point advantage it cant afford to repeat such performance.

Bafetembi Gomis contract likely to terminated after Gomis not wanting to play anymore for team.

Without doubt, one of the most surprising development from Galatasaray did actually come following game as Okan Buruk has announced in press conference that team player Bafetembi Gomis considers to leave club as he doesnt get lots of playing time. 

Without being selected for recent games and always being substitute and also Nicolo Zaniolo becoming 2nd attacker behind Mauro Icardi did make Gomis unhappy and being aware that he is unlucky to get lots of playing time, did make such decision and statement. Even through in sense of empathy this behaviour could be understood, professional wise its not very healthy action and very likely his contract would be terminated by administration due of such action, and if Buruk statements show view of Gomis, than he would not be showing too much resistance to stay neither.

Therefore, 25th April would be critical day where administration would decide his future in the club.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 31st week:

Giresunspor 2:4 Basaksehirspor

Antalyaspor 1:2 Sivasspor

Fenerbahce 3:3 Istanbulspor

In other news:

- - IstanbulMunicipalitySecurityCommittee has announced that Galatasaray fans will not be allowed to enter Super League game against Besiktas.

- Konyaspor has send request to TFF to announce conversation at VAR during game against Adana Demirspor.

-Besiktas player Rachid Ghezzal will not play for around 3 weeks due of injury.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer NK Osijek player Mihael Zaper.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Juventus player Denis Zakaria.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/04/2023

Galatasaray has gained 1 point at game it was losing 3:1 

When looking at the standings and how game developed it could be noted that Galatasaray has gained 1 point against Fatih Karagumruk as game has ended game with 3:3 scoreline as opponent did provide an attacking game as expected.

Galatasaray in fact did start game in positive note as it had find goal on 3rd minute with Kerem Akturkoglu as both sides did start game with high number of the chances. It needs to be mentioned that scored goal in fact went into hand as it did have control of game until Mbiagne Diagne have scored goal on 18th minute which led for game to go into hand towards Fatih Karagumruk as Galatasaray didnt provide right reaction but it needs to be mentioned that Oliviera did provide some hope. That goal to some extend did have a positive note, as Galatasaray did provide much more pressure and dangerous chances in 2nd half with also introduction of Mauro Icardi who by the way has missed penalty by very simple and needless Panelka shot in sense of moment of the goal. Still, Sacha Boey did score an important goal which possibly got an important 1 point but it wasnt outcome it looked before derby game.

Fatih Karagumruk did provide once again pretty poor performance in defence as it did concede 3 goals, but when looking in the attacks it has shown once again confident an attacking game and with such game has got well-deserved 1 point without doubt.

Galatasaray possibly did lose its 6 point advantage, as Fenerbahce will meet against Istanbul on 24th April, but in other hand this point could bring title in the end of the season.

Besiktas got an easy win against Umraniyespor but needs to improve on some areas still.

Besiktas has got relatively an easy win against last-place Umraniyespor as it got motivation and confidence back from previous week draw against Trabzonspor and also optimism for Galatasaray derby game next week.

Besiktas as been noted didnt have much issues against opponent as Umraniyespor didnt manage to provide to much pressure even through there were some chances which team get but still game has been played at the tempo and control of Besiktas even through it is difficult to note that it did provide full dominance and has been slow at tempo for most amount of time. Without doubt, a goal from Nathan Redmond on 14th minute during 1st half has also made things easier as it let for Umraniyespor to be discouraged to be affected from game.

It still however needs to be mentioned that Besiktas would need to provide much more stronger and organised game against Galatasaray next week if it wants to keep its title hopes vaguely alive.

Fenerbahce will aim to get game in much less stressful condition compare to previous 2 games.

Fenerbahce would be continuing its title race as it would be meeting with struggling Istanbulspor as it would be aiming not to get a win but in less stressful conditions as it did during previous weeks.

Even through Istanbulspor is being close to relegation zone and is playing for survival, it needs to be admitting that team is providing very positive and attacking game and providing difficult period for its opponents and also getting important points. Therefore, this game would not be an easy game and Fenerbahce would be needed to provide high tempo game. Still, stating that it would be expected for them to have much more less stressful game compare to previous two where it got 3 points due of great comebacks in last minutes of the game. Istanbulspor would be expected to provide focus into defence during game but would be aiming to create and use effectively some counter-attacks and hence Fenerbahce defence would need to be focussed for whole game.

Fenerbahce are coming out as favourites but Istanbulspor are expected to provide difficult game to them for sure.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 31st week:

Kasimpasa 1:2 Konyaspor

Adana Demirspor 5:3 Kayserispor

Galatasaray 3:3 Fatih Karagumruk

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 31st week:

17:00 Giresunspor - Basaksehirspor

20:00 Antalyaspor-Sivasspor

20:00 Fenerbahce - Istanbulspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has stated that Bafetembi Gomis has told him that he doesnt want to stay at club as he doesn't receive lots of playing time. Buruk adds that he couldn't play today also due of complaint of back pain prior to training session on 21st April

- Besiktas player Rachid Ghezzal has become injured for 2 weeks

- TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi has stated that he does consider to announce his candidacy for upcoming CEO election

- It is reported that Besiktas has made 3+2 years stadium name sponsorship deal with Gazprom for 61.5 million in total

-Galatasaray are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund player Raphael Guerrero, Bayern Munich player Noussair Mazroui and Borussia Monchengladbach player Marcus Thuram.

- NewcastleUnited scouts will be viewing Fenerbahce players Arda Guler and Ferdi Kadioglu during game against Istanbulspor

- Besiktas has started transfer negotiations with Troyes player Jean Lucas

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/04/2023

Besiktas got good results against Umraniyespor after losing 2 points on previous week.

Besiktas has got pretty confident win against last-spoted Umraniyespor as it has got some morale prior to derby game against Galatasaray in upcoming week and also kept its chances for title arrive even through are been very low as 5 games left in season for side.

Without doubt, not playing at midweek and with losing 2 points against Trabzonspor on week before that, it has been important for them to get good outcome against Umraniyespor and it has done that with showing a confident and strong performance and it needs to be mentioned that it could have won game in much confident manner if it has converted its chances more but it needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray didnt necesarilly rise tempo of the game. Prior to game, it was expected that with players like Nathan Redmond and Vincent Aboubakar showing very good performance at recent games, it was expected for a win to get 3 points with help of them. Only issue that team is still lacking to provide collective game.

Umraniyespor meanwhile did come to first game with new head coach Mustafa Er who did come to such difficult game after only few days being appointed and playing against Besiktas such outcome would be expected. Positive that playing against such opponent has helped him to figure out issues of the whole team for Er.

Besiktas did get an important win prior to derby game but performance-wise it still needs to improve if it wants to win Galatasaray next week.

Galatasaray would aim to carry on good performance against Fatih Karagumruk.

Galatasaray would continue its aim to get a title in this season at home ground against Fatih Karagumruk which would be expected to be tough game for them compare to recent games as their opponents are in good form and still aiming for top 4 spots. 

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray will be coming out in good condition both mentally and physically as it has scored 10 goals in last 2 games which without doubt would provide an important confidence and motivation for upcoming games and this would provide also needed motivation against Fatih Karagumruk game. It also needs to be remembered that in all fairness Galatasaray does have strong squad in level of this league and this by themselves provide confidence. However, it needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray needs to stay focus as this confidence could provide false view that they can win at each game. Fatih Karagumruk does have good form in recent games and would provide extra motivation with playing against league leaders and they can make surprise if they focussed into giving positive game. 

Galatasaray hence would be coming as favourites and would be playing at home but they need to carry on concentration as club states during this season for long period of time.

Central Referee Committee provides rest to some of Super League referees.

Central Referee Committee has announced that some of the referees would be giving rest in upcoming weeks due of making some out of form performance and this could be seen as mental issues of referees.

Central Referee Committee with giving general statement and not giving exact examples and names of referees which would be given rest, it is clear that there were cases when referees did make unexpected mistakes and has got lots of criticism. It needs to be mentioned its not exact clear if committee expects that those referees has been given rest due of those rest has been made due of outside factors or its purely done physically but it needs to be mentioned that it would be expected TFF would carry on investigation in such case and would get back with refereeing some games after some time.

Hence, Central Referee Committee has admitted that referee performance has been poor in recent weeks of some referees and has given break to them with studying why those issues has been taken place. 

Results:

Turkish Super League, 31st week:

Umraniyespor 0:2 Besiktas

Schedule:

13:30 Kasimpasa - Konyaspor

16:00 Adana Demirspor - Kayserispor

19:00 Galatasaray-Fatih Karagumruk

In other news:

- Alanyaspor has appointed Omer Erdogan as head coach for 1.5 years.

- FatihKaragumruk player Batuhan Sen has recovered from injury.

- FatihKaragumruk player Matteo Ricci has become injured.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Napoli player Giovanni Simeone.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bayern Munich player Sadio Mane.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Udinese player Roberto Pereyra.

- Fenerbahce aims to reduce transfer option of Goztepe player Irfan Can Egribat from 1.2 million euro to 750,000 euro.

- Fenerbahce are interested to appoint Marcelo Gallardo as club's head coach.

- TottenhamHotspur and Newcastle United are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Nicolo Zaniolo.

- InterMilan are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/04/2023

Trabzonspor continues its ineffective performance.

It would be entirely wrong to provide any blame for loss against Sivasspor towards Trabzonspor head coach Nenad Bjelica where team has lost with 4:1 game and all blame should be given to players who didnt give game seriously.

It needs to be mentioned that even through it has been at the end of the game, Trabzonspor players did provide strong confidence and motivation playing like team where they are at against Besiktas but it needs to be questioned why similar performance wasnt visible at game against Sivasspor. With finding an early goal and also red card, it could have provided much more stronger willingness but apart of losing game, it didnt provide much reaction towards game. Meanwhile, it needs to be mentioned that with taking account that Trabzonspor will not play game for week and half,it would be more reasonable to appoint Nenad Bjelica after one day of Sivasspor game, in other words, today as he would have more time to get used to team and figure out its capacity.

Trabzonspor hence likely would end this season at low note and Bjelica for rest of the season would identify strengths and weaknesses for upcoming season.

Besiktas could lose motivation for game against Umraniyespor.

Besiktas would be playing against Umraniyespor after 1 week off, as it being 10 points behind Galatasaray with an extra game and hence are being far away from league title as it would meet last place Umraniyespor.

Besiktas still has mathematically chances for title, but when looking at realistic manner it could be stated that it did lose its chances after drawing with Trabzonspor but still has some chances for 2nd spot. Besiktas needs to be note also provided poor performance against Trabzonspor on previous game and this could be seen as game to get its chances. Event through it does come as favourites, Umraniyespor should not be undergraded and would be coming to very important game for them and hence could be more focussed when game starts.

Besiktas would be aiming to get wins back-to-back but with getting further from top 2 spots would affect its motivation for this game.

Galatasaray has 2 offers to Norwich for Milot Rashica

Galatasaray are reported to offer 7,500,000 euro to Norwich City to purchase its loaned player Milot Rashica or alternatively offer a loan with transfer option.

It needs to be mentioned that Milot Rashica has become one of the key players at the team especially during recent games and does play an important role for Galatasaray to be main favourite at title race, and hence it should be seen quite naturally for Galatasaray to be showing such willingness towards player. With player wanting to stay in the team, it does also have an important upper hand and it would be interesting to see how Norwich City would respond. Meanwhile, for team able to promoted to Premier League would also play key role at final decision.

It does look like one of main prioritites in upcoming period for Galatasaray to keep Rashica at team and we would follow all developments in our account.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 31st week:

19:00 Umraniyespor-Besiktas

In other news:

- Ankaragucu has been referred to PFDK for events on field.

- Besiktas are having negotiaons with Russian, English, South Korean and Kazakhstan companies for sponsorship of stadium name. Club is close to make 20-25 million euro deal.

- Galatasaray has raised bonus for each win in the league to 6 million TL.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Wolverhampton player Mario Lemina.

- Udinese are interested to transfer Besiktas player Amir Hadziahmetovic.

- Alanyaspor are interested to appoint Cagdas Atan as club's head coach.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Southampton player Mislav Orsic

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/04/2023

Nenad Bjelica openning game has been ended with devastating loss.

Trabzonspor head coach Nenad Bjelica did come out to his 1st game and without doubt he wanted to start new chapter for himself and for club with a win but got instead devastating outcome of 4:1 as Sivasspor has shown positive game after getting behind.

Foremost, it is here important to note that blame of this results and performance should not be given to Nenad Bjelica as he did come out to the game with only being both in Turkey in 2 days and also 1 training session and also would be difficult to provide some criticism. It needs to be mentioned meanwhile that Trabzonspor did start game at high note with getting some chances and did find goal on 11th minute as Lazar Markovic did find 1st goal at his new club. But as game progressed, Trabzonspor reduced its performance while Sivasspor has provided much more agressive performance and did look for some chances. It needs to be mentioned that criticism could be given towards players as players should have shown much more reactive game and take into personal responsibility which it didnt do during whole game.

Sivasspor did come to the game against opponent which had some issues with confidence and did come with coach who has been in position for 1-game and also being close to relegation zone it needed to get win urgently and it did this outcome with providing right agressive performance and scored 4 goals.

Trabzonspor continues showing an ineffective game even with appointment of Bjelica but as been noted he doesnt get any blame and in fact thanks to this game has been able to identify issues directly from viewing with naked eye.

Fenerbahce are fighting until end for title.

Fenerbahce has got an important win against Basaksehirspor with finding 2 important last minute goals and has kept its title chances arrive with reducing point different with Galatasaray to 6 points once again.

It needs to be mentioned however that Fenerbahce didnt provide necessarily very good performance until 87th minute as it did concede goal in pretty simple position with mistake from Samet Akaydin to which it needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce didnt make reaction for rest of the 1st half. But it needs to be mentioned that Jorge Jesus is capable to provide needed motivation and also fighting spirit from side as it did provide everything to find goals during 2nd half with providing enough pressure into Basaksehirspor which did pay back with 2 goals, as also red card from opponent did also provide an important advantage to side. Hence, it could be noted that Fenerbahce is not necesarilly providing very good performance in the field but this fighting spirit to win game is playing an important role for last 2 weeks.

Hence, Fenerbahce does provide an important message to Galatasaray and everyone else that it has no intention to get out from its race for title as we enter to criticial weeks.

Fenerbahce opened case against Timur for providing secretive transfer negotiations info regarding Zaniolo.

As it is known, fight between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are not only taking place at the Super League but also outside of football field as Fenerbahce has announced that it has opened crimincal case against Erden Timur for his statement regarding contract offer from Fenerbahce to Nicolo Zaniolo.

With providing detailed information about Fenerbahce offer towards then Roma player Zaniolo, Fenerbahce believes that Erden Timur is acting against fair competition rule and does provide secretive information without club permission and also with showing some bad will in such actions. It also noted that same case has been send to FIFA. It needs to be mentioned that Erden Timur statement in the end of the March at Turkish news channel has been given to provide information how it has made deal with player while Fenerbahce but it was given without permission from club so it does look Fenerbahce does have case in this matter.

Hence, this case has been seen as another chapter into ongoing tensions which we are seeing between clubs during this season.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

Ankaragucu 3:1 Sivasspor

Sivasspor 1:4 Trabzonspor

In other news:

PFDK decisions:

- Basaksehirspor has recieved 18,000 TL fine for teamwise anti-sportmanship behaviour

- Kayserispor player Seyedmajid Hosseini and Alanyaspor player Umut Gunes has recieved 2-game ban for breaking rules.

- Antalyaspor has recieved blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 21,000 TL fine for team-wise anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 160,000 TL fine and has recieved blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- PFDK referalls:

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

- Kasimpasa player Papy Djilobodji and Adana Demirspor player David Akintola for breaking rules.

- Istanbulspor has been referred for 8 players receiving yellow cards

- Konyaspor has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Basaksehirspor has been received for has been referred for 5 players receiving yellow cards and 2 red cards

- Basaksehirspor administrator Murat Yaman for anti-sportmanship behaviour, not following rules and actions at referee room.

- Umraniyespor has appointed Mustafa Er as club's head coach.

- Fenerbahce player Joshua King has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- Torino sports director Davide Vagnati has been viewing Fenerbahce player Joao Pedro during Super League game against Basaksehirspor.

- Juventus are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Nicolo Zaniolo.

- AlAhly has offered 4 million euro for Besiktas player Jackson Muleka.

- Atalanta are interested to transfer Kayserispor player Majid Hosseini.

- Galatasaray are interested to loan PSG player Warren Zaire Emery.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/04/2023

Joao Pedro keeps Fenerbahce title hopes arrive

Fenerbahce player Joao Pedro 2 goals in the last minutes of the game has kept his side at the title race as the game has been developed in very similar manner as did previous team game against Ankaragucu with only difference that Basaksehirspor did get red card.

It does look Galatasaray winning games in confident manner before Fenerbahce are playing does provide some pressure to team as it does feel like team is being under pressure and not being able to get full control of the game but in same time this strong willingness and also mentallity of its head coach Joao Pedro leads to fight until end of the game. It also needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce does have some absences at its team which also could be having some negative impact to the performance of the side. Fenerbahce hence does look like that it would be giving everything to fight for title until last game and wins like this would keep them focussed to achieve that.

Basaksehirspor did come to the game which it needed to win to keep arrive its top 4 spots for  European competitions and this loss did make their task bit more unlucky. It needs to be mentioned that even through side did show some good defence and did find goal due of opponent mistake it has been passive during 90 minutes.

Fenerbahce hence continues to be staying focus for title and has all capacity to keep on winning and hence keep its chances for title arrive.

Galatasaray continues showing confident performance with win against Alanyaspor

Galatasaray continues its impressive run at the road for its title, as it has managed to get confident win against Alanyaspor with 4:1 scoreline as even through it did provide low tempo during 1st half, it did control game for whole game.

It needs to be mentioned that 2 goals which did come in the end of 1st half and then goal in start of 2nd half, which did make scoreline from 1:1 to 3:1 has affected positively to the team and also has led Alanyaspor to lose concentration and focus of the game. Galatasaray hence does continue to getting confident performance with getting impressive results for 2 weeks which without doubt would provide much needed confidence and motivation at the upcoming weeks. Meanwhile, this loss has led for Alanyaspor head coach Ersun Yalan to be sacked from team which did come according to reports to his comments after this game and also during previous games.

Galatasaray hence continues its dominant performance in the league and continues its 6 point difference leadership from closest side Fenerbahce.

Bjelica appointment could have psychological positive impact to Trabzonspor

Trabzonspor head coach Nenad Bjelica would be coming out to his 1st game at his new club after only 1 training session as it would be playing against one of the most difficult opponents in the league Sivasspor.

With only having 1 training session prior to game, it would not be reasonable to see some signs of playing logic from Bjelica at the field and also rise of quality, however psychology of coming out with new coach could have turned into positive impact among providing some good performance in 2nd half against Besiktas could also have positive impact with its performance. Therefore, those factors could play a positive note as Sivasspor when coming to the form is continuing having difficult season right now but would be aiming to provide some strong message with its performance in the field.

Trabzonspor would not sure much different tactically but would be extra motivated as Bjelica has been appointed 2 days before game.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

Istanbulspor 3:3 Antalyaspor 

Kayserispor 0:0 Kasimpasa

Basaksehirspor 1:2 Fenerbahce

Konyaspor 1:2 Adana Demirspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

17:00 Ankaragucu - Giresunspor

20:30 Sivasspor - Trabzonspor

In other news:

- Umraniyespor head coach Recep Ucar has resigned from his post.

- Umraniyespor sports director Ali Kemal Yavuzyigitoglu has resigned from his post.

- Besiktas has extended contract with its player Cemal Azar Demir until 2026.

- Konyaspor injured players recovery period:

- Adil Demirbag: 3 weeks

- Ogulcan Ulgun: 2 weeks

- Endri Cekici: 5-6 weeks

- Besiktas has offered 2+1 years extension contract to its players Mert Gunok and Nathan Redmond.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Verona player Montipo

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/04/2023

Galatasaray makes another step for league title with confident win against Alanyaspor

Galatasaray continues its confident performsances at the league and has made another step closer for league title as it got confident win against Alanyaspor with 4:1 scoreline especially during 2nd half.

When looking at the form of the sides in recent weeks, Galatasaray did come out as favourite but it did take some time for team to get into game and even through it did look to be side in control, it didnt get dominance on the field until it found goal with Abdulkerim Bardakci header to goal. Still, fast equaliser from Alanyaspor after 2-3 minutes of Bardakci did provide with penalty goal from Efecan Karaca after which game has been balanced. However, key moment of the game has been goal from Mauro Icardi in the end of the 1st half which has set also mood of the game for 2nd half as Galatasaray did also found 3rd goal and has ended motivation and belief at Alanyaspor which led them to complete game after that at tempo as it wanted. Its been confident win for Galatasaray and only negative development it would see is injury of Mauro Icardi.

Alanyaspor on their part did provide some organising performance during 1st half in sense of defence and did try to find some chances especially after 1:1 but it is hard to state that it ever provided much issues to Galatasaray for 90 minutes. Alanyaspor doesnt provide games which could be enough to win and Ersun Yanal would need to find solutions to this.

Galatasaray got another confident win and has made an important step for title as it has 7 games left with 9 points advantage with 1 game at hand with getting confident game without getting much issues.

Fenerbahce will aim to turn comeback against Ankaragucu into confidence boost.

Fenerbahce would be aiming to carry on its title race as it would be meeting with Basaksehirspor as they opponents are having mixture of performance during this period of this season and hence would be seen as favourite.

It should be noted that Fenerbahce did struggle a lot during Ankaragucu game in the league and did provide much pressure onto opponent for 85 minutes but then has shown strong comeback performance showing its fighting spirit. Such games tend to provide positive impact and confidence to the team in upcoming games and hence it could be expected for Fenerbahce to show good and attacking game against Basaksehirspor, while they opponents are failing to get into level of performance which they shown in the start of the season. With opponent possibly could be showing some controlable defence game, Fenerbahce would need to use some creativity in duration of 90 minutes.

Fenerbahce could be seen as favourites as team is motivated during this title race but Basaksehirspor would be focussed to prevent they opponents.

Trabzonspor has appointed Nenad Bjelica for 2.5 years.

Trabzonspor has appointed Nenad Bjelica for 2.5 years hence ending its uncertainty period at the head coach role as it did get good-experienced coach who made his name at Dinamo Zagreb beforehand.

With having difficulty at making deals with coaches which arleady coaching team, as would be expected, Trabzonspor has mainly focussed into free coaches and did make deal with Nenad Bjelica. Even through Bjelica doesnt have much experience at top leagues and in Turkey, he has shown to be good performance with European performance and results at European competition. With contract being 2.5 years, it could be expected that rest of this season would be focussed into getting used and figure out potentiality of the team and plan for next season.

Nenad Bjelica has all reasons to show some good outcomes in upcoming season and would have opportunity to get to know his team and also league closer in rest of the season.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

Alanyaspor 1:4 Galatasaray

Fatih Karagumruk 4:2 Umraniyespor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

17:00 Istanbulspor - Antalyaspor

17:00 Kayserispor - Kasimpasa

20:30 Basaksehirspor - Fenerbahce

20:30 Konyaspor - Adana Demirspor

In other news:

- Fenerbahce has recieved 56,000 TL fine and blockage of stands events on field and behaviour of fans. Meanwhile, administrators Selahattin Baki and Ahmet Ketenci has received 21-days of deprivation rights and 50,000 TL fine for comments about referees.

- Ankaragucu CEO Fatih Koca: When teams like us play against big clubs, we been treated unfairly from referee. We also see pressure towards referees from big club when playing against us. We are being victims.

- Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir is expected to recover from injury after 4-6 weeks.

- Fenerbahce player Miha Zajc has become injured.

-Giresunspor CEO Nahid Yamak: Our player Perez is currently being injured and will not play for next 4 weeks. We would like to continue with player in the end of season, we will have talks with him.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Chelsea player Ruben Loftus Cheek.

- Ajax are considering to offer 15 million euro to Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu.

- Ajax are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Abdulkerim Omur.

- AtlantaUnited and Los Angeles FC has started transfer negotiations with Fenerbahce player Enner Valencia.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Roma player Bryan Reynolds.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Hibernian player Kevin Nisbet.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/04/2023

Besiktas didnt do much for a win.

Turkish Super League 29th week game between Trabzonspor and Besiktas has been played at very low tempo and not much action for 60 minutes but things did change during 30 minutes but with Besiktas goalkeeper becoming main star of the game.

Besiktas did come to the game which would provide some hope for title as we entering to last weeks but it didnt provide as team which would need to get win as it did looked to be pretty passive and make lots of mistake. It is true that it did create some chances in the last minutes of the game and could even find winning goal but performance wise it way behind Trabzonspor and also level of the game which has been seen from them in recent weeks. Mert Gunok has been only player which did provide good performance and character and did prevent Trabzonspor to win game without doubt. With 11 points behind Galatasaray and 8 games left until end of the season, chances of Besiktas for title is getting almost to none.

What was more worrying without doubt for Besiktas is that it didnt not even lose 2 points but also went back with performance dramatically.

Trabzonspor wanted to get win in last 30 minutes.

If Besiktas did go behind with its performance against Trabzonspor, then Black Sea side did that quite opposite even through it could be stated for last 30 minutes.

As been noted, both sides didnt provide much performance during first 60 minutes but afterwards Trabzonspor did rise tempo towards end of the game and has provided an agressive attacking game at which it couldnt overpass both goalkeeper Mert Gunok and defenders, as this performance could be related due of providing some forgiveness from its supporters and also extra motivation given when playing against top club. Without doubt, Trabzonspor did show one of the best performance in last 30 minutes during this season and been side which did lose chance to get win.

It is hard to note how such performance in upcoming weeks but it would provide some confidence as team is close to make deal with new coach Nenad Bjelica.

Galatasaray will aim to get closer to title with win against Alanyaspor

Galatasaray would be resuming its aim to get title in the end of the season with an away game against Alanyaspor as it would be coming as high favourite.

It needs to be mentioned that it regained confidence and motivation with good performance against Kayserispor where it won with 6:0 scoreline and this would provide some positive impact to Alanyaspor but it could have tough moments to get such confident win against them as Alanyaspor regardless how poor season it has tends to have extra performance level against top teams and it would be aiming to do so against league leaders. Galatasaray still expected to provide an attacking game from start of the game with Icardi taking leading role.

Galatasaray are being favourites without doubt but Alanyaspor are capable to get surprising result in the game.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 30th week:

20:30 Alanyaspor - Galatasaray

20:30 Fatih Karagumruk - Umraniyespor

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

- Antalyaspor, Alanyaspor has been referred for behaviour of fans.

- Alanyaspor player Umut Gunes, Kayserispor player Seyedmajid Hosseini has been referred for breaking rules.

- Basaksehirspor has been referred for 6 players recieving yellow cards.

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

- Fenerbahce administrator Selahattin Baki and Ahmet Ketenci has been referred for anti-sportmanship statements and actions.

- Fenerbahce administrator Burak Kizilhan, Ankaragucu masseur

KemalSenaydin for anti-sportmanship actions.

- Ankaragucu has been referred for behaviour of fans and 7 players receiving yellow cards.

- Ankaragucu worker Ercument Yildiz and Sivasspor has been referred for not following guideline.

- Nenad Bjelica has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one negotiations with Trabzonspor for head coach position.

- Nenad Bjelica has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one negotiations with Trabzonspor for head coach position.

- Fenerbahce player Luan Peres has resumed training session after recovering from injury.

- Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir has went through an operation

- Atalanta has offered 4 million euro + 10% share from next transfer to Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci.

- Trabzonspor has started transfer negotiations with Fatih Karagumruk player Fabio Borini.

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Sacha Boey.

- Fenerbahce considers to lose transfer option of Goztepe player Irfan Can Egribat.

- Lazio are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Lucas Torreira.

- Unnamed Qatar club are interested to sign Besiktas player Romain Saiss.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Nottingham Forest player Jesse Lingard

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/04/2023

Trabzonspor wanted to get win much more when looking with 2nd half performances.

Turkish Super League 29th week anticipated game between Trabzonspor and Besiktas has been ended with goalless draw as this result would affect more negatively as Istanbul side needed win but it needs to be mentioned that Trabzonspor has been closer side for a win.

It needs to be mentioned that both sides did provide pretty passive, ineffective and high number of mistakes during 1st half of the game which led for low tempo of the game to the extend that there was no additional time, big rarity in the Super League. If there was expectation for some changes in tempo and psychology of the game, due of position of Besiktas which only had one choice to stay at the title race, which was to win, it turned out to be quite opposite. In all fairness, Besiktas did get some very good chances and could have scored even more goals, but all of this attacks did come from counter-attack. It needs to be mentioned that Besiktas defence had also problems with creating good performance as Trabzonspor with rising tempo did create some very good chances in duration of 2nd half. Without doubt, best player of the Besiktas has been Mert Muldur who did make some important saves which prevented him side to lose.

As been noted, it would need to be mentioned that both sides did provide very poor performance but if looking with 2nd half performance, it could be stated that Trabzonspor has been better side. Trabzonspor did provide much more agressive chances with creating some very good chances but couldnt overpass Trabzonspor defence but most importantly Mert Muldur. It has been noted on our blog day before, that Trabzonspor could have be much more motivated for this game and this has been seen during 2nd half. Therefore, it could be noted that its been looking for number of chances and has been much better close to win. Therefore, this motivation of playing against big clubs which it tend to show good performance all the time and also to provide present to its supporters at home ground in sense of prestige.

As been noted, Trabzonspor did want to get win much more when looking at 2nd half as it was bit less pressure at the title race as it is been out of it and also playing at home to provide some good result for its fans at such poor season did provide motivation to team.

Fenerbahce showed strong persistance and character.

Fenerbahce without doubt has shown strong character in the last 20 minutes game against Ankaragucu with counting an additional time of 2nd half as it has scored 2 goals after getting behind 1:0 and hence preventing loss of points which could cost them title. 

It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce didnt show very good performance prior to that as only player which did show some high level performance has been Arda Guler during 1st half and also it did drop into performance during 2nd half with Ankaragucu with one moment did get full control and did get well deserved goal on 81st minute from Ali Sowe, but following that moment Fenerbahce did show some reaction and with getting penalty goal from Enner Valencia, it did raise its performance and has found a winning goal with Miguel Crespo. Even through winning in such manner did provide crucial scare to players and fans, winning in such manner for sure would provide some positive impact in upcoming games.

With title going away possibly on 82nd minute, Fenerbahce did important motivation for upcoming games and send message to Galatasaray.

Atletico Madrid interested to sign Gedson Fernandes.

One of the main transfer rumours which has been going on in Turkish sports media has been rumour that Atletico Madrid are showing an interest with Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes.

Fernandes did play against Atletico Madrid for first 45 minutes during fundraising game for earthquake in Istanbul where he also scored 1s goal during game and generally did provide good performance and without doubt this performance did provide strong impression to head coach Simeone and club administrators. It needs to be mentioned that Gedson Fernandes is playing player which could provide very strong performance and still has lots of potential so it should be seen quite naturally for such interest from Spanish big club. It is likely that club would make some action prior and during of summer transfer window.

As always, our page would follow all developments in this matter as Atletico Madrid could provide some serious actions towards player.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Giresunspor 1:0 Sivasspor

Trabzonspor 0:0 Besiktas

In other news:

- Galatasaray would pay 5 million TL bonus to players for win against Kayserispor.

- AtleticoMadrid are interested to transfer Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes.

- Ajax are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu.

- Besiktas considers to loan Burnley player Wout Weghorst during summer transfer window.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/04/2023

Fenerbahce showed strong persistance against Ankaragucu and kept its title chances arrive.

Fenerbahce has sent an important message to league leaders Galatasaray as it has managed to get an important win with 2:1 scoreline even through it was losing game with 0:1 scoreline on 86th minute but penalty goal from Enner Valencia and also persistance has kept such crucial win.

It needs to be stated in all fairness that Fenerbahce didnt provide very good performance for 87th minute as it has controlled 1st half but didnt provide too much pressure towards Ankaragucu goal while during 2nd half it has been side which did show more attacking game with finding numerous dangerous chances prior Ali Sowe goal on 87th minute. Positive factor from Fenerbahce side is to provide such strong persistance towards end of the game as the game was almost to be going more due of performance rather than scoreline to the point that supporters after Sowe goal on 81st minute has been also lost hope for this game and possibly title. Penalty kick which Fenerbahce get which to some extend did come due of unneeded push on penalty zone from Ankaragucu has provided also waking up moment for Fenerbahce. It has also been important for Crespo to score winning goal as he did get important goals in the past. 

It needs to be mentioned that Ankaragucu did provide good performance especially during 2nd half before 1:1 scoreline and from their perspective it would be dramatic loss of 3 points as it was close to get an important win at the relegation zone. Still, performance from today could possibly turn into positive for upcoming games.

Fenerbahce hence got very important win and even through this scenario has been very nervous and stressful, in long turn this would provide needed motivation and belief as it aims to catch up Galatasaray at top spot.

Galatasaray has got confident win against Kayserispor as it gets closer for title.

Galatasaray has got a confident win against Kayserispor with 6:0 scoreline as it has dominated game for 90 minutes and not reducing tempo of the game as Mauro Icardi has managed to get hat-trick during 1st half, with one goal coming from penalty.

It needs to be stated that game has been started more or less on equal levels but 1st goal from Mauro Icardi on 18th minute has left for Galatasaray to get full control of the game while each conceded goal from Kayserispor has let them to lose concentration and control of the game. Without doubt, red card of Majid Hosseini has made things even more difficult in end of the 1st half but to expect comeback from them on end of the game would been possibly be too optimistic. With such win it needless to state that Galatasaray did send an important message to Fenerbahce and other follow-ups as it shown that it did sort out poerformance which not been good since devastating earthquake break and has set an eye for title once again in confident manner.

Galatasaray hence continues its title race in advantage aspects and did show signs that it doesnt thing to reduce tempo of the game.

Trabzonspor would see Besiktas game as prestige, while Besiktas aims to stay at title race.

When looking into performance of both Besiktas and Trabzonspor, it could be confidently stated that Besiktas does come out as favourites for game but even through both teams are from different cities, this game is being seen as derby game due of long-time rivarly.

As it is known when it comes to derby games, sides tend to provide different motivation and concentration towards game and hence we could be seeing different performance from Trabzonspor. Factor that Trabzonspor are not having any aims left would be see this game as prestige one which might lead them to provide much free without risk but attacking game. Besiktas meanwhile would be coming out to game which it needs to win and even through draw would have negative impact, loss would mean literally throwing them out of title race. In other hand, Besiktas is coming out with great form without losing 5 games which includes Fenerbahce historical comeback which could lead them to provide strong performance and players being in good mood and in this side Besiktas are being strong favourites.

In overall, Besiktas are favourites but Trabzonspor due of importance of the game in sense of rivarly could get surprising win at home ground.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Adana Demirspor 5:0 Kasimpasa

Istanbulspor 1:0 Basaksehirspor

Fenerbahce 2:1 Ankaragucu

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

16:00 Giresunspor - Sivasspor

20:30 Trabzonspor-Besiktas

In other news:

- Besiktas player Delle Ali had an operation and has closed season due of it.

- Fenerbahce player Altay Bayindir has become injured during training session.

- CSKAMoscow, Zenit and some Arabic countries are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Montpellier player Faleye Sacko.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/04/2023

Galatasaray has got an important win for its aims for title race.

Galatasaray got a confident and an easy win against Kayserispor with 6:0 result at home ground and hence has send an important message regarding its title aims to everyone especially to Fenerbahce which aim to catch them up.

It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray has got one of the easiest win during this game as it has dominated and controlled game from start to an end with always looking at the goals and possessions. Without doubt goals which did come early during game has provided needed motivation and confidence at the team while it had negative aspect towards Kayserispor which also got a red card at the end of the 1st half even through it was clear that Galatasaray would get win but possibly not in such positive manner. It also need to be stated that Galatasaray did have decline of performance despite of getting good results, so it was important for team confidence and motivation for upcoming games to get such confident win. Without doubt, key player has been Mauro Icardi who has found 3 goals,with 2 coming from penalties and hence let him to regain also self-belief as he didnt score for some weeks right now.

It needs to be mentioned that Kayserispor didnt start game too poorly, but as soon as Galatasaray did find its first goal, it did lose some focus towards game which has carried on after it conceded more goals. Factor that it doesnt have much aims for rest of the season has also played its role.

Galatasaray hence got an important win and did get an important confidence for upcoming games as it aims for title in the end of the season.

Fenerbahce are being favourites but it would be tough game against Ankaragucu

Fenerbahce are going to resume its title race and aim to catch up with Galatasaray as it going to play struggling opponent Ankaragucu but which did get some impressive results since appointment of Tolunay Kafkas. 

Fenerbahce with being 6 points behind Galatasaray would be aiming to reduce this point difference as it would be playing against opponent which are being close to relegation zone and aiming to stay on the league. Stating that and despite of poor results against top clubs at the league, Fenerbahce tends to get confident results against bottom sides and taking account that it would be tough game, Fenerbahce should be able to get result which it seeks for. It would be also expected for Miha Zajc and Arda Guler to be on starting 11 due of good performance at recent games. Ankaragucu on their part would be seeking for surprising result but it would be tough game for them without doubt.

Fenerbahce would be expected to get win but due of entreting to last weeks and Ankaragucu focussing into defence, Fenerbahce might not get too confident win this time.

Trabzonspor are having negotiations with Andrea Pirlo

It is reported that Trabzonspor are having negotations with Fatih Karagumruk head coach Andrea Pirlo with Istanbul side administration allowing for such negotiations to be taking place.

According to reports, negotiations with Andrea Pirlo did go well and coach does consider to make 1.5 year deal with sides as he is currently studying team potentiality and also planning for upcoming transfer. Still, it would be unlucky for Fatih Karagumruk to allow Pirlo to join Trabzonspor until end of the season as they are haivng very good performance which did come with Pirlo good managing of team in recent games. Therefore, it would be expected for this deal to go into effect at the end of the season.

With Andrea Pirlo also being happy at his current team it is unlucky he would be willing to side until end of the season but it does look like he would join Trabzonspor in summer.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

Antalyaspor 3:1 Alanyaspor

Galatasaray 6:0 Kayserispor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

16:00 Adana Demirspor - Kasimpasa

16:00 Istanbulspor - Basaksehirspor

20:30 Fenerbahce-Ankaragucu

In other news:

- TFF has extended contract with Denizbank for 3-years.

- Besiktas has used tranfer option of West Ham United player Arthur Masuaku for 3-years.

- Fenerbahce player Lincoln Henrique has returned to Istanbul after recovery process in Brasil. He would continue recovery in Istanbul from now on.

- Galatasaray considers to add extension option with its head coach Okan Buruk from +1 to +3 in end of the season.

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

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Chelsea player Christian Pulisic.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer James Rodriguez.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Atalanta player Caleb Okoli.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/04/2023

 Galatasaray start feeling under pressure for title but still favourites against Kayserispor.

Galatasaray are going to resume its title race at the Super League against Kayserispor at the game where it would be seen as strong favourite but it needs to be mentioned that opponent are being in good morale and confidence.

It needs to be mentioned that even through Galatasaray are right now being closest side for title with 6 point advantage against closest opponent of Fenerbahce with 9 games left in the season, Kayserispor are coming out with confidence after beating Umraniyespor early this week while Galatasaray are not showing especially good performance in recent weeks. Without doubt, Galatasaray are having some pressure as title is getting closer. Still Galatasaray would be seen as favourite during game as it playing at home and it did have one week break from season where it has focussed into how to improve game mentally and physically.

Galatasaray are being favourites for game but it would be tough game as Kayserispor aims to show some good resistance.

Samsunspor has been promoted to top division after 11 years. 

Samsunspor has become 1st side to be promoted to the Super League with 5 weeks left until end of the 1st league season, as it had impressive 11-game undefeated run and has shown strong performance as Genclerbirligi has beat 2nd spot Eyupspor with 2:0 scoreline.

Without doubt Huseyin Eroglu joining side in start of the season as team has been at 7th spot and later had an impressive winning run has played an important role as Samsunspor has managed to get promoted into top division after 11-years. It needs to be mentioned that even through it has been 11 years since Samsunspor has been relegated, it has been among iconic sides at the top league during 1990's period and did get some good performance and for sure it would be seeking to show similar performance at the top league once again. 

For now, Samsunspor would be starting its transfer period with looking how to strengh side and make it competitive for top division.

TFF defends Lale Orta by statement which disapproves negative chants towards women staff

TFF has announced that it would not accepting using foul language towards women workers who are working at TFF, clubs and other parts of society as this could be seen an important and praised statement, but it is clear that main reason behind this is being due of Central Referee Committee CEO Lale Orta.

As it is known, Central Referee Committee CEO Lale Orta has got high number of crticism from clubs due of some questionable decisions with some clubs going so far as calling for resignation. This events without doubt has also affected towards team supporters as there are have been calling for resignation of Lale Orta which did go by using foul language towards her as it tends to do. Possibly due of being rising in recent weeks, TFF has made such decision to prevent such reaction towards Lale Orta.

TFF did make smart move by preventing anti-Lale Orta chants by providing general statement which criticises such chants to every women involved at game.

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 29th week:

20:30 Antalyaspor-Alanyaspor

20:30 Galatasaray-Kayserispor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Trabzonspor has recieved 190,000 TL fine and blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Kayserispor, Antalyaspor has recieved 56,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Fatih Karagumruk and Ankaragucu has recieved 175,000 TL fine and blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans.

- Fenerbahce has recieved 450,000 TL fine and blockage of stands due of behaviour of fans and anti-sportmanship statements

- Fenerbahce administrator Selahattin Baki has received 21-days of deprivation of rights and 50,000 TL fine for statements against referees.

- Istanbulspor player Valerien Ethemi has recieved 26,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship statements.

- Besiktas CEO Ahmet Nur Cebi has recieved 28-days of deprivation of rights and 66,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Majority Super League clubs has informed that there for unlimited foreign player limit to TFF.

- Trabzonspor CEO Ertugrul Dogan has announced that Peres is considering to leave club during summer transfer window.

- Trabzonspor has announced that its players Abdulkerim Omur and Edin Visca are unlikely to recover from injury for Super League game against Besiktas.

- VodafonePark and stadium from Izmir are not included at list of stadiums for Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 Turkey candidacy.

- Fenerbahce administrator Burak Kizilhan has send letter to TFF requesting to sack administrator Ilyas Celik due of providing negative comments about club.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Panathinaikos player Adam Gnezda Cerin.

- Fenerbahce would consider to appoint Pedro Martins if it wont extend contract with Jorge Jesus.

What happened in Turkish football today? 12/04/2023

TFF announced that Super League next season will start on 11th August

TFF has announced scheduling plan for upcoming season which has been organised due of Euro 2024 which would taking place in Germany and possibly due of some clubs starting season earlier due of European competitions will start and end earlier than usual.

Season is going to start on 11th August and would be entering in one of the most earliest date in the history of the league as it would be completed at 9th May. It needs to be reminded that due of reduction of coefficiency of Turkish clubs at European competitions, qualifying round for clubs would be starting as early as early July, so moving start of the season in such early date could be related to this. Also, it would be among earliest ending of the season and going through some mistake of ending season in very short notice of start of the European competition.  With such scheduling Turkish National Team would have good time for preparation if it gets to Euro 2024.

Only negative aspect could be hot months of August which could have some impact to level of games played.

TFF has provided candidacy for Euro 2028 and Euro 2032.

TFF has provided its candidacy files for Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 to UEFA for Turkey candidacy as it would be giving another try to get main European sporting event as it tend to provide candidacy in previous tournaments.

In fact his would be 6th consecutive bid for the tournaments, as previous bid has been unsuccessful and hence Turkey in recent tournaments has bidded into more tournaments than it has participated in its history. As it is known, Turkey has been developing into making modern stadiums believing that it could be main reason to get eventually European Championships in country, and even through it has impressive stadiums and sporting facilities, there are lots of issues which UEFA doesnt find suitable. Turkey will give its chances but it would be difficult candidacy where it would need to convince UEFA.

Rather than stating that it is best bid publicly and after not being selected blaming "foreign influences", it needs to find its weaknesses and sort them out in this process.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce continue trash talk towards each other.

On-going fight with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are continuing as both sides inclining for both clubs influencing both TFF and Central Referee Committee to make decisions against them.

Both due of being two clubs closest for title, historical rivarly and generally dislike between clubs for long time, could be seen for trash talk given to each other. Fenerbahce administrator Burak Kizilhan has stated that Galatasaray has always used as Fenerbahce to blame and raise tension but did same thing in same statement going as far as saying that most referees are supporting Galatasaray and stated that for 6 months side players didnt recieve red card. Meanwhile, Galatasaray is not doing much to reduce tension with statements such as that their are documents which would be announced in end of the season as doing so would create lots of tension.

It does look that trash talk between sides would continue taking place between sides until end of the season and possibly beyond it.

In other news:

- Samsunspor has been promoted to Super League after Eyupspor has lost to Genclerbirligi with 2:0 scoreline

- Besiktas has won fundraising game against Atletico Madrid with 2:0, with all profits going towards to people affected by earthquake.

- Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwolde has resumed training session after recovering from injury. 

- Galatasaray administrator Erden Timur has stated that club aims to become among top 10 academies in world.

- Besiktas has set transfer fee of its player Gedson Fernandes as 13 million euro.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Sacha Boey as 15 million euro.