What happened in Turkish football today? 28/02/2024

Trabzonspor reached to semi-final thanks to goal from Visca.

Trabzonspor has qualified to Turkish Cup semi-final after beating Basaksehirspor with single goal from Edin Visca with dominating whole game but to some extend did have an issue with converting chances.

As it is known, with Trabzonspor losing chances for league title, all focus of the team has been given to Turkish Cup and ending season at 3rd spot and it did show how seriously it takes Turkish Cup from start of the game as it has shown dominant attacking game. Even through it did only find one goal thanks to the Edin Visca on 54th minute, Trabzonspor did get numerous chances but couldnt overpass opponent goalkeeper or did have issues with last touches. It needs to be mentioned that Trabzonspor is being side which has been improving its performance in recent weeks and this could be seen in this game as it did take whole control and did qualify to semi-final in deserved manner but still needs to work on with shots to goals.

Basaksehirspor meanwhile has been pretty far from its top performance as even through it did have organised defensive game it still hard to state that it did look to be at control and for most amount of game did get control to game to Trabzonspor. Basaksehirspor would now give all focus to Super League as it aims for top 5 positions.

Trabzonspor has been known to be taking Turkish Cup in very serious manner and hence has made an important step for winning this title as it being shortest route to Europe.

Besiktas gets confident win against Konyaspor at Turkish Cup

Besiktas has reached to semi-final of the Turkish Cup after beating Konyaspor with 2:0 scoreline at home ground with providing strong and attacking game as it is taking this tournament very seriously since its lost its chances for title.

It needs to be mentioned that it was expected for Besiktas, in similar manner as Trabzonspor above, to take this tournament very seriously as it is being shortest route to Europe and with taking account form of an opponent, Besiktas did provide strong and organising game and to some extend did slightly raise its dominance game compare to previous two games. With Besiktas showing much more willingness compare to previous games at the league has also led for Besiktas to create lots of chances as game has been progressed and did find an opening goal with Salih Ucan. Still, it could be noted that Besiktas still is not showing level of performance but still this team has been providing much more attacking game. Hence, Besiktas did reach to semi-final in deserved manner where it would be meeting with Ankaragucu.

Konyaspor is going through difficult period even through it did reach to quarter-final which could be seen as good outcome in such season but it couldnt provide much confidence in this game and for upcoming games in all fairness. It did look more willing compare to league games but still wasnt enough.

Besiktas hence continues with its only aim for rest of the season and it did show in such performance that it is aiming to go all the way at the Turkish Cup during this season.

Fenerbahce didnt look like it wanted to get to semi-final of Turkish Cup.

Fenerbahce has provided worst performance since start of this season at the Turkish Cup quarter-final game against Ankaragucu as it lost game to 3:0 scoreline as it did look like team have relegated from competition on purpose.

Coming out to the game as title holders of the competition and also having an aim to win all 4 titles during this season, Fenerbahce did look to be least organised and also didnt provide any reaction after conceding goals as after 2:0 especially it did look as it accepted scoreline. Taking account that even when things didnt go as planned, Fenerbahce did provide full fight for getting win towards end of the games and did get them, it didnt show such reaction and quite opposite even have reduced tempo of the game. It is hard to state for sure that team did come out to be relegated but when looking how it has performed, it didnt want to go to semi-final as much as did Ankaragucu. 

Hence, Fenerbahce didnt show any fighting spirit during game which we saw during this season which led to unsurprising loss taking account how it has played during game.

Results:

Turkish Cup, Quarter-Final:

Trabzonspor 1:0 Basaksehirspor

Besiktas 2:0 Konyaspor

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, Quarter-Final:

20:45 Galatasaray - Fatih Karagumruk

In other news:

- FatihKaragumruk player Ryan Mendes has recieved 2-game ban from PFDK for serious foul.

- Trabzonspor player Mislav Orsic will get additional month for recovery of process and would return to Croatia for recovery.

- Fenerbahce has opened crimincal case against Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek.

- CentralRefereeCommittee VAR responsible Tolga Ozkalfa has resigned from his post with Cem Satman has been appointed in his place.

- TFF administrator Hamit Altintop has convinced Nurnberg player Can Uzun to select Turkish National Team.

- AdanaDemirspor has announced that it would have training session at stadium on 2nd March and will open to all its supporters.

- Trabzonspor has made statement criticising performance of referees.

- Galatasaray considers to sell its player Wilfred Saha during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Arsenal player Eddie Nketiah.

- Napoli are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Sebastian Szymanski.

What happened in Turkish football today?

Fenerbahce has been relegated from Turkish Cup without providing much effort.

Ankaragucu has managed to get to semi-final of Turkish Cup as it has beaten cup holders Fenerbahce with 3:0 scoreline and didnt provide much chances to its opponent while Fenerbahce surprisingly didnt look to be focussed into the game a lot.

Taking account that Fenerbahce did come out at the field as title holders of the competition and for team to keep stating that they are aiming to win all the tournaments there are at, there was expectation for the team to be providing strong and top level performance but it did provide one of the worst performances during this season and didnt been looked focussed towards game. Fenerbahce players didnt provide very good game from start as it didnt look very creative and it needs to be mentioned that after conceding goals from great shot from Morutan, Fenerbahce didnt provide any response and did look pretty passive without getting much chances and this could be seen from 2nd conceded goal as team didnt provide any defensive reaction and let Ankaragucu to get an easy win. Fenerbahce has been pretty far from its first dominant game or an aggressive reaction at the 2nd half as side looked like it has given up.

Ankaragucu without doubt did come out to the game with much more motivation and concentration to the game and did use effectively of mistakes which Fenerbahce did do during 90 minutes. Ankaragucu has shown high tempo and organised game during 90 minutes and hence did get deserved win with such clear score.

Fenerbahce hasnt been motivated and concentrated towards this game and didnt provide any positive effort with organised game and hence does raise question if team did get this game seriously against Ankaragucu. 

Galatasaray didnt provide its best performance against Antalyaspor despite of win.

Galatasaray wins an important game against Antalyaspor as it continues its title race at the game where it necessarily didnt provide very good performance and did get some help from referee decisions.

It needs to be stated that mental and physical tiredness following eliminating from Europa League from Sparta Prague did have a direct impact to its performance and also 1-game ban for Mauro Icardi as team did have an issue to get into game much and did make some simple mistakes especially with possession. Antalyaspor it needs to be mentioned did look much more organised with providing strong game but did lack final touches to find more than 1 goal which could be enough for them. Meanwhile, referees did make some interesting decisions including at 2 goals as it is unclear if it was handball at 1st penalty and Galatasaray players did look to be at offside. 

Galatasaray as players need to see this game as warning signs as there didnt provide strong and confident performance and need to improve for sure for Turkish Cup and Super League games.

Trabzonspor will aim to get win against Basaksehirspor

Trabzonspor would be coming to quarter-final game against Basaksehirspor after some good performance at recent weeks in the league as it would be expected to come with its best starting 11 as it would take this tournament seriously.

As league title for Trabzonspor has been seen to be further for the rest of the season, it would be expected to come out with its best starting 11 as rest of the season aims will be Turkish Cup and 3rd spot at the league. With winning last 3 games in the league, it would be needed to say that Trabzonspor did get pretty good momentum despite of not being ideal performance on field and it would be aiming very likely to carry on such top performance on recent weeks, with good game and win agaisnt Basaksehirspor which does show unstable performance in recent weeks.

Trabzonspor would be coming out as favourites but Basaksehirspor who are being last season finalists would aim to prevent side to get into semi-final stage.

Results:

Turkish Cup, Quarter-Final:

Ankaragucu 3:0 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, Quarter-Final:

17:30 Trabzonspor - Basaksehirspor

20:45 Besiktas - Konyaspor

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

- Samsunspor has been referred for events on field.

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

- Konyaspor has been referred for 6 players getting yellow cards.

- Fenerbahce has been referred for not following guidelines and anti-sportmanship actions.

- Fenerbahce administrator Selahattin Baki and Galatasaray has been referred for anti-sportmanship actions.

- Kasimpasa worker Serkan Recber has been referred for anti-sportmanship actions and actions.

- Kasimpasa masseur Rahman Karaagac has been referred for actions.

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

- Fatih Karagumruk player Ryan Mendes has been referred for breaking rules.

- Besiktas has been referred for the behaviour of fans. 

- TFF has announced that it has moved Super League 29th week game between Galatasaray and Rizespor from 10th March 16:00 to 8th March 20:00 while Istanbulspor and Kasimpasa game has been moved from 8th March 20:00 to 10th March 16:00

- Sivasspor has terminated contract with its player Ahmed Musa.

- Istanbul Sports Security Community has announced that Galatasaray supporters will be allowed to Super League game against Besiktas.

- Galatasaray has signed extension contract with Bilyoner.

- Ankaragucu player Efkan Bekiroglu has become injured.

- Rizespor player Benhur Keser had an operation in Finland

- Pendikspor has terminated contract with its head coach Ivo Veira.

- Pendikspor are interested to appoint Ibrahim Uzulmez as club's head coach.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/02/2023

Galatasaray got win against Antalyaspor despite  of ineffective performance

Galatasaray continues its winning run at very intense title race with beating this Antalyaspor at home with 2:0 scoreline with both goals coming from Kerem Akturkoglu at the game where team has in general struggled to show strong and dominant game.

Without doubt, it has been interested how would Galatasaray perform against out of form but still good side after being relegated from Europa League in pretty dramatic manner and it needs to be stated that it didnt provide similar game which it has shown in recent weeks. Despite of getting an early penalty goal in pretty debatable decision, Galatasaray did fail to get an attacking game and in fact Antalyaspor has shown an attacking game and did look like side which wanted to find an early goal. It needs to be mentioned that Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu among scoring 2 goals and not converting one of penalties with hitting to post did also did take leading role at attacking game. Still, Galatasaray did get an important win while not being at best day.

Antalyaspor meanwhile did provide strong and confident performance and did get quite a chances and if it managed to have better last touches into goal it might even get much positive scoreline for them. Still, this game does provide some optimism for upcoming games.

Galatasaray did get an important win even through it didnt show very good game it still did get back its leadership and still being at advantegous position for league title.

Trabzonspor got confidence and motivation with back-to-back wins.

Trabzonspor has continued its winning run after beating struggling Adana Demirspor with single goal from Trezeguet in early moments on 1st half and has controlled game thereafter.

It needs to be stated that Trabzonspor did get winning run which it has seeked for and hence did get pretty good advantage for a fight for 3rd spot to get Europa League spot but there are still some areas where it needs to improve as it still struggles to dominate game for most amount of time, but when coming to confidence and motivation it did get wind behind its back sort of speak. Another positive factor has been performance of Trezeguet as he did score in last 3 games and pushes team forward.

Hence, Trabzonspor did get an important win for a fight for 3 games and would come up in upcoming games with good motivation.

Besiktas got an important win against Istanbulspor before derby game

Besiktas has got pretty calm and confident win against last-spot Istanbulspor with 2:0 scoreline but it would need to mention that team is still lacking providing strong and dominant game on the field.

As once again, Semih Kilicsoy takes leading role in scoring matter as he did find an opening goal with once again showing hunger and reading of the position as he did move towards ball and once again showed that he is best player at the field for Besiktas. Still, Besiktas lacks to show strong and dominant game for 90 minutes and it would need to sort this out as soon as it can if it wants to get good result against Galatasaray.

Besiktas did get an important win but there are many areas which it needs to improve especially with performing for 90 minutes.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

Galatasaray 2:1 Antalyaspor

Schedule:

Turkish Cup, Quarter-Final:

20:45 Ankaragucu - Fenerbahce

In other news:

- TFF has announced referees for Turkish Cup quarter-final games:

27/02, 20:45: Ankaragucu-Fenerbahce: Bahattin Simsek

28/02, 17:30: Trabzonspor-Basaksehirspor: Kadir Saglam

20:45: Besiktas-Konyaspor: Ali Sansalan

29/02, 20:45: Galatasaray-Fatih Karagumruk: Arda Kardes

In other news:

- Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi has recieved 1-game ban and 19,500 TL fine for his actions during Super League game against Ankaragucu.

- InterMilan player Hakan Calhanoglu will not be able to play for 2 weeks due of injury.

- BorussiaDortmund and RB Leipzig scouts has viewed Besiktas player Semih Kilicsoy during Super League game against Istanbulspor.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Fulham player Kenny Tete.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/02/2024

Trabzonspor got an important win with Trezeguet.

Trabzonspor continues its winning streak with beating out of form Adana Demirspor with 1:0 scoreline thanks to the goal from Trezeguet who is taking leading role at goal line for the team.

Looking into performance of Adana Demirspor in recent games, Trabzonspor did come out as favourite and also playing at home it has shown its leading role as it started game with providing pressure to opponent goal and did get back-to-back chances with finding goal on 24th minute with Trezeguet. After scoring goal, Trabzonspor did continue with similar performance continuing with getting important chances and did find a goal but has been disallowed due of offside. Still, Trabzonspor even through did lack conversion did improve its performance in this period and keep on improving as side.

Adana Demirspor on their part has continued showing ineffective performance as it did lack getting control of the game and taking account that it didnt win for last 10 games, it does need to find solutions for this poor performance.

Trabzonspor hence did win 3 goals back-to-back with goal from Trezeguet and has showed itself to be once again as strong candidate for 3rd spot at the race in the end of the season.

Besiktas got confident win as expected against Istanbulspor 

Besiktas has won crucial game against last spot Istanbulspor with 2:0 scoreline as it did control game from start to an end as has been expected with Ernesto Muci finding his first goal in his new club.

With Istanbulspor being at the bottom of the league and 17 points from safety zone, it was expected for Besiktas to get win without much struggles and it did just that, however when coming into how team has performed in the field did raise some questions especially during 1st half. Taking accountthat for most amount of the game, Besiktas didnt struggle much should be more taken into level and motivation of the opponent as it is hard to note that Besiktas did provide very good performance at the field. Still, Fenerbahce did use its quality factor at the field and did gain confidence prior to derby game against Galatasaray next week.

As been noted, it was expected for Istanbulspor to lose game due of lack of confidence and its form and that how team has developed but on positive note that Istanbulspor did try to show positive game and did provide open game especially during 1st half.

Besiktas hence did get an important goal with both goals coming during 2 halves but it still needs to work on improving performance as this game could not be enough against Galatasaray next week.

Fenerbahce provided strong reaction after conceding against Kasimpasa

Fenerbahce has managed to win one of the most in-form side in recent weeks Kasimpasa thanks to last minute goal from Michy Batshuayi who has showed fast reaction after not converting penalty.

It needs to be mentioned that despite of win, Fenerbahce did show reduction of performance at home ground in the start of the game as strong support from supporters who are waiting for title does have negative impact into players concentration. Even through statistically it did control game, it didnt get much clear chances. However, conceded goal from Fenerbahce did provide right effect both to Ismail Kartal and players as they start showing more willingness for creating chances and providing pressure. Even through this could be seen as panic football, players did provide right reaction and did find 2 goals with providing pressure to opponent.

Fenerbahce does have decline with its performance but it continues winning games in recent weeks and continues to provide pressure to Galatasaray.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

Sivasspor 1:0 Pendikspor

Fatih Karagumruk 1:1 Alanyaspor

Trabzonspor 1:0 Adana Demirspor

Istanbulspor 0:2 Besiktas 

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

20:00 Galatasaray - Antalyaspor

In other news:

- Rizespor has stated that injured player Dal Varesanovic will attend training sessions with mask for 4-6 weeks.

- Fenerbahce player Irfan Can Kahveci will not be able to play for 2-weeks due of injury.

- Ankaragucu head coach Emre Belozoglu has announced that he would stay as coach in the team.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Rennes player Ludovic Blas.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/02/2024

Fenerbahce has shown strong response after conceding goal.

Fenerbahce has got very important and deserved win against one of in form sides in recent weeks Kasimpasa with providing strong reaction performance after conceding a goal on 60th minute.

Fenerbahce has shown how much it wanted to win title in this season with strong and aggresive reaction after conceding goal on 60th minute as it provided an attacking focussed game with Michy Batshuayi finding winning goal right in the end of the game as he followed ball after not conceding goal. Looking at the game as a whole it could be stated that it didnt start game in high note as it did play with low tempo and didnt get my chances but during this time it did show confident game and did control the ball. It also needs to be stated that when looking into opponent which did provide some strong performance with winning back-to-back it was expected to be difficult game as it looked to be case as they were showing some organised game but quality factor did play crucial role with getting very important win in title race.

Coming to Kasimpasa, it needs to be mentioned that it did show some good performance at the field and did look pretty organised but couldnt respond to reaction with Fenerbahce provided after it has scored goal and even through it did protest for hand ball position, it was penalty. Still, Kasimpasa are unlikely would be affected with this result for upcoming games.

Fenerbahce did get a great win with showing strong attitude and did once again send strong message of wanting to win title in the end of the season.

Trabzonspor will aim to continue its winning streak against struggling Adana Demirspor.

Trabzonspor would be aiming to carry on its winning streak as it would be meeting with Adana Demirspor who are also showing some unstable performance in this season and hence this game would be important for motivation and confidence.

With both sides are showing unstable performance in recent weeks, it is hard to provide clear favourites for this games but it could be mentioned that team did get some momentum with wins for last 2 weeks and with such confidence and motivation and in addition playing at home could provide needed extra boost for this game while Adana Demirspor would be seeing this game as opportunity to get good result against one of main teams in this league.

Therefore, Trabzonspor does look to be slightly favourite during game but it would very intense game between both sides.

Besiktas would focus to show dominating game against Istanbulspor

With Besiktas coming out with last-spot Istanbulspor, it would be seen as clear favourite despite of unstable performance and it would be more interesting how team would perform on the field.

Besiktas would be expected to win game to all respect to Istanbulspor and it needs to be mentioned it would be interesting to see how it would achieve that as it didnt provide strong and dominating game especially during 1st half and hence it would be likely that Fernando Santos to focus into performance and show strong dominating attacking game. In side of Istanbulspor, it needs to be mentioned that beside its position it would be seeking to show positive game and same would be expected during this game.

Besiktas are expected to get win in this game and more focus would be given into showing high tempo dominating game and gain confidence for players.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

Kayserispor 3:2 Ankaragucu

Gaziantep 0:2 Basaksehirspor

Fenerbahce 2:1 Kasimpasa

Konyaspor 2:0 Hatayspor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

13:30 Sivasspor - Pendikspor

16:00 Fatih Karagumruk - Alanyaspor

16:00 Trabzonspor - Adana Demirspor

19:00 Istanbulspor - Besiktas

In other news:

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund palyer Marco Reus.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Sparta Prague player Angelo Preciado.

- Hoffenheim are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Eyup Aydin.

- Juventus has set transfer fee of its player Kenan Yildiz as 80 million euro.

- Galatasaray player Serge Aurier is expected to recover before 3rd March

- Galatasaray has called for resignation of TFF CEO Mehmet Buyukeksi.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/02/2024

Galatasaray didnt show all concentration to Sparta Prague game.

Galatasaray has been relegated from Europa League after getting surprising loss from Sparta Prague during 2nd round 2nd leg game as it did lose with 4:1 scoreline as Kaan Ayhan red card had its effect, but in overall team did show poor game.

Galatasaray players didnt see to be highly concentrated into game as in fact they did come out to most important game so far during this season as it stated and believed that it could all the way. It needs to be mentioned that even through Galatasaray still has been seen as favourite it was acknowledge,including team itself, that Sparta Prague is being dangerous opponent and does show good game at home ground. Even through it was aware of that, it didnt show that as it made high mistakes at possession of the ball including losing it without being under pressure and also lack of strong defence. This lack of concentration and also red card from Kaan Ayhan hence has led team to get unexpected loss with 4:1 scoreline.

Galatasaray to some extend did have great performance in this season European journey but in this tie it has failed in many areas and didnt show seriousness to game against Sparta Prague.

Fenerbahce could have potential issue against Kasimpasa

Fenerbahce will be returning for its fight for title race as it would be playing against in-form Kasimpasa but it needs to be mentioned that team did get strong motivational boost from last game.

Performance against Rizespor in previos week as it turned around game entirely would provide strong confidence and motivational boost which would also very likely have potential impact in this upcoming game. Kasimpasa is being meanwhile team on good form in recent weeks and could provide some good positive game but if Fenerbahce would provide its strongest game it could potential dont have much issues due of quality factor but Kasimpasa would be aiming to provide strong pressure and try to turn opponent weak points into  its own advantage for sure.

Fenerbahce will be coming out as favourites but it would be expected to have some difficult moments as Kasimpasa is being on good form.

Fenerbahce has been drawn against Royale Union at Conference League.

Fenerbahce has been drawn against Royale Union at Conference League last 16 stage at the tie where it would be clear favourite but still opponent is being in very good form and is side which does improve.

As been noted, Fenerbahce will be coming to this tie as favourites but it cant take its opponents too lightly as it does provide strong and confident performance in this season both in Jupiler Pro League where it being clear leaders and also in Europe as it got 3rd spot in Europa League and during 2nd round has beaten Eintracht Frankfurt. Therefore, key for Fenerbahce would be taking its opponents in serious manner without being tricked of inexperience of them and work on how to beat.If it would do homework well until 7th March it shouldnt have much issues.

Fenerbahce hence are favourites but in same time its not opponent which it can take too lightly without doubt.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

Samsunspor 3:0 Rizespor

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

13:30 Kayserispor - Ankaragucu

16:00 Gaziantep - Basaksehirspor

19:00 Fenerbahce - Kasimpasa

19:00 Konyaspor - Hatayspor

In other news:

- Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi has been referred to PFDK for action against Ankaragucu.

- Galatasaray has made sponsorship extension deal with Bilyoner.

- Kayserispor CEO Ali Camli has stated that we need to be aware that referees can make mistakes and be more calm. - Fenerbahce player Joshua King expects to be recovered from injury until 10th March. - AlHilal interested to appoint Fenerbahce sports director Marco Blanco and player Fred. - Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Sport Recife player Fabio Mattheus and Pedro Lima.

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/02/2024

Galatasaray has been relegated from Europa League after conceding goals after 70th minutes

Galatasaray has been relegated from Europa League after losing to Sparta Prague at away game with unexpected 4:1 scoreline with 3 goals coming after 70th minute as Kaan Ayhan has got direct red card.

It was expected for Galatasaray to have difficult game as Czech side does have very impressive record at home ground and is being at good mood as team and it showed to be case as Istanbul giant did concede goal on 8th minute. Still, it needs to mention that it did show good response as it did find an equaliser from Abdulkerim Bardakci after 8th minute and afterwards did provide much more stronger and impressive performance in rest for 1st half as it did some chances but couldnt convert them. However, it was clear after half-time that Sparta Prague did get top motivation converation during half-time as it did provide much more aggresive game but Galatasaray did keep scoreline which was good enough to go through but Kaan Ayhan red card on 70th minute did spoil everything and as Sparta Prague did score on 74th minute, Galatasaray did easily break up and Sparta Prague got showed strong attacking game and found 3 more goals to which Galatasaray couldnt respond to. 

It was known that Sparta Prague does provide strong and effective performance at home ground and with its performance it has shown once again why its been a case as even through it didnt show such strong game during 1st half, it has shown how much it wanted to get to next stage on 2nd half and did use advantage of extra man after Kaan Ayhan red card.

Galatasaray did go to Prague with lots of optimism but it didnt provide strong performance to transform that into the field and with Sparta Prague providing why its better side did get to next stage compare to opponents. 

Next season will start on 9th August 2024.

TFF has announced that 2024-25 season of Super League would be started on 9th August 2024 after around one month after Euro 2024 would be over.

As it is known, Super League tends to be starting on early August and to some it needed to start as early as possible as it would be another season, hopefully last one when number of clubs would be uneven as it was getting 1 less sides by each season since break which took place at Covid19 pandemic and clubs didnt ask to be relegated while clubs were promoted. With next season to be played with 19 clubs, after next season if there would not be changes it would be competing with 18 teams.

With talks about play-off round to be introduced  in near future,it would not be accepted to have any impact with number of clubs competing at the top league.

Arthur Masuaku has become injured

Besiktas player Arthur Masuaku didnt complete training session due of injury and if it would be serious one it could affect into defensive game which has been doing well in recent games.

Even through Besiktas performance and tempo in overall did recieve some criticism, it needs to be mentioned that defensive performance during period of Fernando Santos has been in top level as it didnt concede goal in last 4 games. However, an injury of Masuaku would not be seen as good development as he did play an important role with such performance of defenders and now Santos would need to look for alternatives both from squad and tactically.

It is not clear how serious is Masuaku injury but team would need to look for alternatives for possible to upcoming games in defence.

Results:

UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:

Sparta Prague 4:1 Galatasaray (agg: 6:4)

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 27th week:

20:00 Samsunspor-Rizespor

In other news:

- PFDK decisions:

- Pendikspor, Ankaragucu, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce has recieved 112,000 TL fine for events on field.

- Trabzonspor, Galatasaray has recieved 260,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- Pendikspor has recieved 710,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and not leaving stairs empty.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 450,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty and accepting unallowed fans.

- Galatasaray has recieved 195,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty.

- Kasimpasa, Gaziantep, Besiktas recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of leaving stairs empty.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 450,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty and accepting unallowed fans.

- Galatasaray has recieved 195,000 TL fine for not leaving stairs empty.

- Kasimpasa, Gaziantep, Besiktas recieved blockage of stands for behaviour of fans.

- Gaziantep player Papy Djilobodji has recieved 1-game ban 39,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship behaviour.

- Samsunspor has recieved 140,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans 

- Adana Demirspor has recieved 200,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans. 

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Basel player Sayfallah Ltaief

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Juventus player Alex Sandro.

- Lazio has made principal deal with Besiktas player Salih Ucan.

- Milan are interested to sign Fenerbahce player Sebastian Szymanski.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/02/2024

 

Galatasaray expects to have tough time against Sparta Prague at their ground.

Galatasaray would be coming out to Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game against Sparta Prague with slight advantage thanks to goal at last minute of Mauro Icardi but it needs to be stated that it wouldnt be easy task for them.

One of the reasons why Sparta Prague is being competing at this stage of the tournament is they top performance at home ground with getting strong supporters from its strong supporters. In fact, when looking at how team is performing at domestic league and also home performance there are lots of similarities with Galatasaray does have an advantage of having stronger squad and to some extend being at more competitive league. Still, Galatasaray needs to give all concentration towards game and focus into all areas as Sparta Prague does provide different and more confident performance at home ground which could be key factor during this game without doubt.

Galatasaray might be seen as strong favourite but it doesnt need to repeat mistakes they showed against Copenhagen which costed them knockout stage at Champions League.

TFF has announced that Turkish Super Cup will take place in Sanliurfa on 7th April.

TFF has made statement regarding postponed Turkish Super Cup between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce which would be taking place at Sanliurfa on 7th April at 21:00.

Apart of exact date when game would be taking place, TFF did confirm rumours and talks which also been mentioned at previous day blog entry which is that game would be taking place at Sanliurfa on April with date only being unclear. The following date is being suitable for both sides as it would be giving enough time for both sides to get prepared for this game and provide top level game as winner of 1st competition would become clear as currently both sides are fighting for 4 titles. 

Therefore, question if game would be  played or not has been solved as there would be expectation for game to be played at high level and tempo.

Real Madrid asked Arda Guler to gain 5 kg.

According to rumours, Real Madrid has asked for its player Arda Turan to gain 5 kilograms if he wants to be selected for regular games as he does need to get some extra muscular for performing in such league.

Even through such request, if it taken place, might be seen unusual it could be argued that physique of Arda Guler is not being on level to provide top level performance in such top club as it would be lacking level of stamina and possibly tiredness which could  once again raise risks of injuries which would not be wanted by anyone.

Hence, Arda Guler would likely would work on his physique with more working out and also diet in upcoming period.

Schedule:

UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 2nd leg:

23:00 Sparta Prague - Galatasaray (agg: 2:3)

In other news:

- TFF has announced that due of Turkish Super Cup game on 7th April, Super League 32nd week will be moved to following week and end of season would be moved 19th May to 26th May. In addition, guideline of football games 18th section will not be taken place and all players who were signed after 29th December will be able to play.

- Fenerbahce player Edin Dzeko had seperate training session to reduce possibility of injury.

- Besiktas player Arthur Masuaku didnt attend to training session due of pain at knee.

- Copenhagen are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Hamza Aydin.

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/02/2024

Besiktas still provides ineffective defensive tactic despite of win.

Besiktas did manage to get an important win against Konyaspor with 2:0 scoreline due of very effective game during 2nd half but same couldnt be said same of performance of team in 1st half.

Despite of win, Besiktas does continue getting lots of criticism from its supporters and pundits for providing heavily defensively game which is being kind of game which been preffered by Fernando Santos for long. Due of that 2 goals did come on 2nd half as team did need to win agaisnt side which is being before last spot. 

Team would need therefore need to find ways to show much more effective attacking game for 90 minutes with Santos being adapted to team rather team being adapted to him.

Emirhan Demirbas contract tetermination could bring lots of twists in future. 

One of the most discussed conversations right now at the Turkish football is being Besiktas termination of contract of Emirhan Demirbas who has been send for having an account at dating application.

It needs to be mentioned that Demirbas and his family does state that this account has been fake one and has been created with some of friends of Demirbas and player's father meanwhile also states that noone at club has talked to them before termination and has just done it without providing defence from players promising that some more information would be given which would put team in bad image. Hence, it does look that this issue would be continued to be discussed and potentially could lead some issues for Besiktas.

New administration of Besiktas still didnt show anything outstanding since being appointed and this crises which to some extend it has created itself could provide some issues to club image.

Turkish Super Cup will take place in Sanliurfa in April.

TFF has announced that Turkish Super Cup between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce which been postponed due of issues in Saudi Arabia back in December would be played in April while Sanliurfaspor spokesman stated that game would be played in Sanliurfa.

With looking into scheduling of the games which is being very intense right now, April does have an opening and hence it does look that game would be played in that month with all parties focussed into what date it would be taking place with 28th April being one of the options. TFF states that exact date would be announced in upcoming days.

It is good to see that game would be played as long as all parties would agreed into date as it does look like it would be around end of April due of scheduling issues.

In other news:

- PFDK referalls:

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

- Antalyaspor, its CEO Sinan Boztepe, Fenerbahce administrator Burak Caglan Kizilhan for statements about referees.

- Rizespor trainer Cagaday Turan for anti-sportmanship actions

- Fenerbahce has been referred for behaviour of fans, events on fields and statements about referee.

- Adana Demirspor, Trabzonspor, Gaziantep, Samsunspor and Besiktas for behaviour of fans.

- Pendikspor and Galatasaray has been referred for behaviour of fans, events on field and not leaving stairs empty.

- Ankaragucu has been referred for events on fields, not leaving stairs empty and accepting unallowed fans.

- UEFA has announced referee of Europa League 2nd round 2nd leg game between Sparta Prague and Galatasaray to be Anthony Taylor.

- Rizespor player Benhur Keser will not play for 2-3 months due of manager, meanwhile Gokkan Akkan has become injured too.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Rui Silva.

- Fenerbahce considers to offer 3+1 year contract to its player Mert Hakan Yandas will raising salary from 12 million TL to 35 million TL.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Rennes player Dogan Alemdar.

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/02/2024

Besiktas gets important win against Konyaspor but did provide good game during 2nd half.

Besiktas has got crucial win for the fight for European spots as it has beaten before last-place Konyaspor with 2:0 scoreline even through side did become pretty ineffective and slow game during 1st half but did raise tempo during 2nd half.

As it is known, since Fernando Santos has joined Besiktas, team has been showing pretty ineffective and slow tempo performance during 1st halves and this has been also case during this game as it only got 11 attacking chances and also did let Konyaspor do get some chances and this taking account that their opponent didnt show good performance in both areas in recent weeks. However, with possible motivational and warning talk from Fernando Santos during half-time, Besiktas did start 2nd half in much better motivation and higher tempo and has found goal once again with its key attacking player Semih Kilicsoy. That goal has broken motivation of the opponent as Besiktas started to dominate game and did find later 2nd goal.

It needs to be mentioned that Konyaspor which did come with low confidence and motivation, did provide some reaction to poor game of opponent and did try to get surprising result but did lose that characters after conceding goal. Konyaspor continues to provide some worrying signs and it needs to look ways how to improve.

Besiktas hence did get an important win for the fight for 3rd spot but it needs to find ways to show top level game for 90 minutes to end season at high note.

Galatasaray got an easy win thanks to early goals.

Galatasaray has got pretty an easy win against Ankaragucu at away game in the game which was expected to be very difficult as it did find 3 goals with 20 minutes with starting game at high tempo and dominating game.

One of the characteristics which Galatasaray has shown on recent games is to find an early goals against their opponents and then control rest of the game which hence allows them both to reduce possibility of having tough minutes towards end against tough opponents and also control game for most of the time. Even through it was expected for field and also Ankaragucu to provide some issues to Galatasaray, it didnt get any pressure from both factors as it controlled and played game as it wanted and hence didnt use much energy prior to crucial game against Europa League and also kept its 2 point advantage at title race as we enter to last 13 weeks in the league. This win would provide confidence and motivation for upcoming games in all competitions it competes at.

Galatasaray did get strong momentum and it did show that it is being difficult opponent right now once again for sure.

Trabzonspor got confidence boost after beating Pendikspor

Trabzonspor did manage to get back-to-back wins at the league with beating Pendikspor with finding 2 goals between 75th and 80th minutes and did get thanks mainly to strong performance of its leading players.

It needs to be mentioned that when coming to gamewise especially during 1st half, it would be hard to say that Trabzonspor did have very good performance but still did show some organised performance against willing opponent. However, when finding 2 goals after 75th minute it did dominate game as Pendikspor did lose concentration and motivation in the end of the game.

Trabzonspor hence did get an important win as back-to-back wins would provide much needed confidence and motivation team seeked for.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

Basaksehirspor 2:3 Kayserispor

Besiktas 2:0 Konyaspor

In other news:

- Besiktas has terminated contract with its player Emirhan Delibas for using dating application.

- Turkish Communication Office Fight against Disinformation Center has announced that Turkish Super Cup between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray  will be taking place in April

- Sanliurfaspor CEO Mustafa Cadirci has stated that Turkish Super Cup between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce will be played in Sanliurfa.

- Galatasaray has signed sponsorship deal with Lotus Ilac.

- Rennes are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Michy Batshuayi.

- Fenerbahce has requested to open criminal case towards rumours and reports that Turkish Super Cup has been cancelled from requests of club, reminding that deal did come mutually with them, TFF and Galatasaray.

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/02/2024

 Galatasaray has turned difficult game against Ankaragucu in easy game with early goals

Galatasaray has got pretty an easy win against Ankaragucu as it has ended tie within 30 minutes of the game with finding 3 goals and did manage to turn around a difficult game into an easy one.

With having pretty intense title race with Fenerbahce, playing tough game 3-days ago against Sparta Prague at Europa League, playing against organised team at not perfect field has rose expectation that Galatasaray would be having some difficult game at the field. However, Galatasaray did get good start of the game with getting full control of the game as it has dominated game especially after 1st goal and has played as it was expected with Ankaragucu didnt provide any responses and has looked pretty disorganised. Galatasaray most importantly did succeed its tasks with finding with early goals which it is doing in last 3 games which hence led for side to get an easy wins against what has was expecting to be tough games in this title race road.

Ankaragucu on theri part didnt provide much pressure to Galatasaray apart of scoring disallowed goal before 1st goal of opponent but apart of that it did look disorganised and didnt respond much to Galatasaray quality game.

This has been one of the most difficult games in this period due of factors which are been mentioned above but Galatasaray did overpass without much issues and did overpass important mark at title race.

Trabzonspor got crucial win against Pendikspor 

Trabzonspor has got crucial win for the fight for European spots after beating Pendikspor with goals coming during last 15 minutes with help of Trezeguet and Enis Destan and hence has got 2nd win back-to-back.

It has been important for Trabzonspor to get positive results in this game as it did go through unstable performance with providing not very effective game in recent weeks and hence to get back-to-back wins could provide needed confidence and motivation for upcoming weeks in the season. It still could be noted that team didnt provide necessarily very good performance especially during 1st half as it had issues to get full control of the game. It needs to be mentioned that team did improve as 2nd half has been progressed and did find 2 goals in duration of 5 minutes between 75-80 minutes with raising tempo and aggresiveness which been key for this win.

Pendikspor on their part did provide some good performance in 1st half as it aimed to prevent Trabzonspor to get control of the game but didnt provide good response when Trabzonspor raised tempo. Still, Pendikspor did provide some good performance in recent weeks and hence  this loss shouldnt affect much to morale.

Trabzonspor did get an important confidence and motivational boost with back-to-back wins and would now focus to carry on with improving performance for rest of the season.

Ismail Kartal recognised his tactical mistakes and has turned game entirely in half-time

Fenerbahce has managed to get very important win against Rizespor due of crucial changes which Ismail Kartal has made during half-time at the game which been played at difficult conditions.

With Rizespor stadium being one of the stadiums with very poor field condition to which heavy rain which took place whole day has made conditions of the game as field has sucked all of the water and has led many areas to be with full of mud. Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal did come out to the game with starting 11 with game plan and players which couldnt fill comfortable in such condition and that has transformed into very poor game and also getting to half-time behind. However, Kartal with analysing both field condition and also capabilities of his entire squad has made 3 crucial substitutes who had direct impact into goal scoreline. Meanwhile, different chapter needs to be opened for Serdar Dursun who has found goal after 2 minutes after entering as he did return to team as this goal for sure has been turning point of whole game.

Fenerbahce hence did get an important win as we enter to final weeks of the league and this performance at 2nd half has been important confidence boost for the team.

Schedule

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

Alanyaspor 3:3 Adana Demirspor

Gaziantep 1:1 Samsunspor

Pendikspor 0:2 Trabzonspor

Ankaragucu 0:3 Galatasaray

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

20:00 Basaksehirspor - Kayserispor

20:00 Besiktas - Konyaspor

In other news:

- Basaksehirspor has signed partnership deal with City Group.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Copenhagen player Elias Achouri, Lech Poznan player Kristoffer Velde

- Galatasaray has offered 1.5 million euro and 1+1 year extension contract to  its player Fernando Muslera but player requests 2.2 million euro and 2+1 year contract.

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/02/2024

Fenerbahce got very important win with right changes on 2nd half.

Fenerbahce has managed to get an very important win against Rizespor at away game with thanks to rightfully changes from Ismail Kartal at half-time as Fenerbahce has shown pretty ineffective game. 

It needs to be mentioned that Fenerbahce did have very poor start of the game as it didnt provide right tactical game at such poor wet field condition which has led for Rizespor to play game which it wanted to do with Fenerbahce couldnt be able to provide any response and control of the game. Therefore, there needed to be given some important changes at half-tome bot tactically and also with players and Ismail Kartal has done all that with returned Serdar Dursun scoring goal in 48th minute and then followed with raising tempo with finding 2 more goals winning game with 3:1 scoreline. It has been important for Ismail Kartal to become aware that he had played with poor tactical game and provided right amount of players.It also needs to be mentioned that all goals did come from substitutes with goals and assists and did get important 3 points in this title race.

Rizespor on their part did have very good start of the game with getting full control of 1st half and did find an early goal but couldnt provide any response to crucial changes at Fenerbahce which it shown in 2nd half. It needs hence get some lessons from 2nd half.

Fenerbahce did look like it would lose another crucial points at tile race at half-time but with right changes at half-time did get important 3 points.

Galatasaray will have tough game against Ankaragucu due of many factors.

Galatasaray without doubt would be coming out to one of the most important games during this season as it would be playing against Ankaragucu after difficult and intense game against Sparta Prague and also playing at difficult field.

With Ankaragucu also being one of the most difficult away games and without most of supporters being present to team supporters ban, Galatasaray would be expected to have one of the most crucial and difficult games especially taking account that it did play a difficult game against Sparta Prague. As always, Galatasaray would look to get an early goal both to get control of the game and also not spending potentially in upcoming minutes too much effort. Ankaragucu on their part would be aiming to show good defensive game and prevent Galatasaray to feel confident at the game preventing attackers to go forward.

Galatasaray are being strong favourites but as been there are some factors which could lead them to have some issues for 90 minutes.

Trabzonspor will aim to continue momentum at game against Pendikspor

Trabzonspor would be meeting with Pendikspor at away game as it would be aiming to carry on its winning spirit after it has won on previous game but even through it does look to be doable opponent, Trabzonspor could have some issues.

Trabzonspor does provide unstable performance as been noted by Abdullah Avci, even through our blog would argue that case is even more worrying as it didnt provide good performance in recent weeks and did find much solution even through it has shown some improvement on previous week. It would  be important for side to continue this momentum it got from previous week, but Pendikspor is being side which aims to show potential positive game and could easily get problems towards Trabzonspor.

Trabzonspor would be coming out for win but it would need to show strong attacking and more importantly organised game.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

Antalyaspor 2:2 Istanbulspor

Hatayspor 1:1 Sivasspor

Rizespor 1:3 Fenerbahce

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

13:30 Alanyaspor - Adana Demirspor

16:00 Gaziantep - Samsunspor

16:00 Pendikspor - Trabzonspor

19:00 Ankaragucu - Galatasaray

In other news:

- Kayserispor has extended contract with its player Ali Karimi for 3-years.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Arsenal player Jorginho.

- Trabzonspor player Mislav Orsic has resumed training sessions after recovering from injury.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/02/2024

Galatasaray needs to stay focussed for 2nd leg game as Sparta Prague did show to be strong opponent.

Thanks to the goal from Mauro Icardi on last minutes of the game, Galatasaray did manage to get an important tough win against Sparta Prague as the game ended up as tough as  was expected by many.

It needs to be reminded that Sparta Prague does provide one of its best performance in recent seasons which could be seen from form which has been similar to Galatasaray and they have shown that with strong character. It could be mentioned that Galatasaray didnt provide its best performance during this season and it didnt much use home ground advantage but still it has shown strong focus and detirmanation especially after conceding goals and getting game into equaliser. Once again, Fernando Muslera meanwhile showed his importance to team with crucial saves including one with his face and played crucial role for this win, even more than possible did Icardi.

Still, Galatasaray would need to stay focussed in this tie as Sparta Prague does show strong performance at home ground and possibly would need to take game even more serious than this game.

Fenerbahce aims to bounce back from losing 2 points with win against Rizespor.

Fenerbahce would be playing against Rizespor as it would be aiming without doubt to bounce back from losing 2 points on previous week but it would be expected to be pretty tough game for them.

Fenerbahce without doubt did have affect of morale as we have league where every point is being very important and hence it would be aiming to bounce back from such unwanted result but it needs to be stated that it have around week to prepare for game which did happen for long time and hence they could be feel more ready for the game without doubt. Rizespor are being in a bit of decline right now and hence it would be possibly mainly aim to defend as teams in similar condition tend to do for sure. Fenerbahce would likely look for an early goal to make their task easier as goal will come later it would make things more tougher.

Fenerbahce are being favourites and expect to get dominance of the game but Rizespor will aim to prevent that.

TFF sends warning to 4 more Super League clubs regarding football field conditions.

 Adana Demirspor, Hatayspor, Gaziantep, Alanyaspor and Antalyaspor did recieve warning from TFF regarding its field condition and called to make solution to this issue as soon as possible.

TFF is being currently acting in very strictful manner regarding of field conditions and did add 4 more clubs from Super League among Kayserispor and Ankaragucu regarding of field condition which both provides dangerous of serious injuries to players and also provides negative viewing at TV screen. TFF is calling to solve field condition issue at short period of time and if its not done in this period it would not allow for clubs to play their games at home ground. 

This are being direct demand from TFF to clubs but it needs to be done as it would provide pressure to clubs to solve and in future keep in condition its football fields at stadiums without doubt.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

Kasimpasa 1:1 Fatih Karagumruk

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

13:30 Antalyaspor - Istanbulspor

16:00 Hatayspor - Sivasspor

19:00 Rizespor - Fenerbahce 

In other news:

- ArbitrationCommittee has lifted 400,000 TL fine to Besiktas administrator Feyyaz Ucar.

- TFF would publicise VAR recording via Youtube and Facebook accounts.

- Fenerbahce didnt release licences of its players Ryan Kent and Luan Peres.

- Besiktas has frozen licence of its player Amir Hadziahmetovic due of long-term injury.

- Konyaspor has appointed Nejc Skubic as club's proffessional football and scout representative.

- Galatasaray has transferred Altay player Burak Tolunay Sekin

- ZrinskiJurevac has loaned Adana Demirspor player Florent Shehu.

- Besiktas will have training session at Tupras Stadium on 16th February to raise concentration and motivation of players.

- Galatasaray player Serge Aurier has become injured.

- Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi has been nominated as player of the week at Europa League.

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to loan Real Madrid player Arda Guler.

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to transfer Besiktas players Semih Kilicsoy and Demir Ege Tiknaz.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/02/2024

Mauro Icardi has found winner against Sparta Prague at last minute of high tempo game.

Galatasaray has managed to get crucial win against Czech side Sparta Prague at Europa League 2nd round 1st leg game with 3:2 scoreline thanks to last minute goal from Mauro Icardi at the game which been played as duel.

With looking at the form of both sides both domestically and in Europe this game has been to be very excited with lots of opportunities and chances and it has been turned out to be just like that as both sides did create many chances and did everything to get advantage scoreline for 2nd leg. Coming to Galatasaray, it did provide positive attacking game and didnt give up as game has been developing as it been side which did find goal first with Demirbay as it had entered to 2nd half with advantage. During 2nd half, Sparta Prague keep on finding chances and did equaliser at first from 1:0 and 2:1, and as game did turn out to be 2:2, Galatasaray player Victor Nelsson did get red card which did make its task much more difficult but Sparta Prague later did get red card which did advantage to Istanbul giant which it did use thanks to goal from Mauro Icardi in last minute.

Sparta Prague has been expected to provide some agressive and attacking game and it did just that and it didnt lose motivation and concentration whenever it did get behind during game. Still, Sparta Prague does perform pretty good at home ground and hence would be looking positive for 2nd leg game at home.

Galatasaray did get a win against Sparta Prague thanks to the goal from Mauro Icardi but it still needs to do lots of effort as opponent does show good performance at home ground. 

TFF has introduced foreign observers TV evaluation.

TFF has made a statement that starting from Super League 26th week game it would introduce foreign observers TV evaluation system during which 10 of European referees would check performance of referees at the league.

According to TFF, following system would take 50% of share when analysing performance of the referees and would be ideally making this marking more fair as it would be provided from objective and not connected directly to Turkish football referee performance. Therefore, this introduction would provide better selection of referees for upcoming weeks and hence would naturally improve performance of the referees in those games. Meanwhile, with referees aware of this introduction we could possibly see improvement of performance from them as they would feel under pressure in positive matter. 

Hence, TFF does provide an aim with improving performance of referees which been criticised a lot from all clubs and this introduction could have positive impact at the long run.

Sivasspor ends loan deal with Madou Barrow

Sivasspor has ended loan contract with Al Ahli player Madou Barrow who did focus highly into moving to different clubs during this mid-season transfer window and with some countries window is still opening he would give pressure to the teams.

With Madou Barrow even through having some positive impact at the team, being focussed into moving to new club while loan deal continues until end of the season did have negative impact for him at the team and also provided issues for the team. Hence, such action from Sivasspor has been right one without doubt as him staying at the team could affect negatively to the concentration of the team and could have impacted in same manner to coach and his teammates.

Keeping players who has mind into transfer posibilities without doubt does have negative impact and hence decision from Sivasspor to end loan deal with Barrow has been correct one without doubt.

Results:

UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 1st leg:

Galatasaray 3:2 Sparta Prague

Schedule:

Turkish Super League, 26th week:

20:00 Kasimpasa - Fatih Karagumruk

In other news:

PFDK decisions:

- Adana Demirspor has recieved 168,000 TL for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Adana Demirspor CEO Murat Sancak 800,000 TL fine and 5 months and 12-days of deprivation of rights for anti-sportmanship actions towards referee, entering unaccredited zone anti-sportmanship actions, statements about referee.

- Adana Demirspor administrator #MetinKorkmaz for entering unaccreddited area.

- Ankaragucu has recieved 372,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- Kayserispor recieved 56,000 TL fine for events in field.

- Besiktas has recieved 440,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans.

- Istanbulspor CEO Ecmel Faik Sarioglu has recieved  100,000 TL fine for anti-sportmanship actions.

- Fenerbahce recieved 112,000 TL fine for behaviour of fans,

- TurkishNationalTeam has rose from 37th to 35th spot at FIFA World Ranking for February.

- Besiktas has signed Al Musrati for 3,5 years for 11 million euro transfer fee.

- Besiktas player Arthur Masuaku has resumed training sessions after returning from AFCON 2024.

- HayrettinHacisalihoglu has announced his CEO candidacy for Trabzonspor administrative board.

- ChicagoFire are interested to transfer Besiktas player Vincent Aboubakar.

- Braga are interested to transfer Besiktas-loaned player Jean Onana.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer FortunaSittard player Rodrigo Guth.

- Fenerbahce CEO Ali Koc has stated that Turkish Super Cup game will be played in April.

In other news:

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/02/2024

Galatasaray resumes European football with game against Sparta Prague.

Galatasaray are going to resume its European journey at the Europa League 2nd round game against Czech champions Sparta Prague at home ground at the game where it is seen as strong favourites but it shouldnt take their opponents too lightly.

It needs to be stated that timing of this game has been pretty good for Galatasaray as during recent games it did provide good and dominant game against its performance and with getting leadership at the league also being at good morale. Galatasaray also has been seen to be highly motivated at Champions League during this season and it is unlikely that it would be losing this confidence and motivation. Meanwhile, it needs to be mentioned that it should not take its opponent as it did have pretty have good season and did show to be dangerous side and also as been seen of the known European clubs, it could be seen as extra motivated in this season also.

Galatasaray will be favourite at the game as been mentioned but it cant afford to take this game too lightly as Sparta Prague could provide some issues during game. 

Ankaragucu will end season at Eryaman Stadium.

TFF has made decision with Eryaman Stadium, which has been used both by Ankaragucu and 1st league side Genclerbirligi, that former club will complete its season of former club calling latter to look for different stadiums.

Even through this decision does show that condition of the field, which been questionable, is good enough to host games especially at Super League but it made clear that it wont be able to host game each week due of field condition. Our blog did state that only changing location of Galatasaray would be unfair for other clubs, but this doesnt take account that Ankaragucu which is responsible for field conditions at the stadium to take a look and keep it on good conditions. Ankaragucu meanwhile did assure that works has been done at field and it would be ready to host Galatasaray game.

It would become clear how much it is being on good condition on 17th February when game would be taking place.

Vincent Aboubakar has resumed training sessions.

Besiktas player Vincent Aboubakar has started training session after recovering from injury as Fernando Santos would get an opportunity to check player condition at naked eye for first time since joining side.

With Vincent Aboubakar been taken from squad in surprising manner, it did become clear at games which he did miss that he is being an important player as team didnt find goals and this good opportunity for him to prove himself to Santos and he is very likely to do so. Unless Aboubakar wont take this opportunity seriously or would have serious decline of performance, it would be expected for Santos to take him back to squad after he is being out of it.

Aboubakar at good form for sure would play crucial role at the team and hence it would be expected for him to return to team at short period of time.

Schedule:

UEFA Europa League, 2nd round, 1st leg:

20:45 Galatasaray-Sparta Prague 

In other news:

- Sivasspor has terminated contract with its player Modou Barrow.

- Fenerbahce has appointed Sandro Zufic as goalkeeper coach.

- Galatasaray player Serge Aurier has arrived to Istanbul after completing at AFCON 2024.

- BayerLeverkusen academy sports director Slawomir Czarniecki has stated that club continues showing interest to Fenerbahce player Sebastian Szymanski and chances for him to join in summer are high.

- Galatasaray player Wilfried Zaha didnt attend training session due of feeling unwell.

- Trabzonspor players Paul Onuachu and Nicolas Pepe will arrive to Trabzon on 16th February.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Werder Bremen player Eren Dinkci, Hoffenhein player Muhammed Damar, Bayern Munich player Yusuf Kabadayi, Midjyalland player Aral Simsir and De Graafchap player Basar Onal

- Galatasaray has made principal deal with Lille player Yusuf Yazici.

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/02/2024

Besiktas continues showing ineffective attacking game.

Besiktas even through does have occassionally some good moments during this season, in generally continues providing ineffective performance especially at attack as it didnt provide much pressure to Kayserispor at goalless draw.

It could be noted that Kayserispor has been side which did lose 2 points as it did provide much more attacking focussed performance and in some moments couldnt overpass opponent goalkeeper or did provide quality shot. In Besiktas side, it does continue showing disorganised game without providing strong possession of the ball and creativity at the front. One of the possible factors has been positive performance of Muci who did created important chances for himself.

Besiktas continues showing slow tempo without much creaitivity in attack an area which it needs to work on.

Trabzonspor got an important win for confidence. 

Trabzonspor without doubt did show an important win and performance against Hatayspor at the game where it did show an attacking game and did provide lots of pressure to opponent, factor which did lack a lot in team in recent games.

Even through 1st half could be stated that Trabzonspor werent as successful and dangerous, it did improve in 2nd half with providing much more aggressive game and did get well deserved win while Hatayspor havent been on their best performance as it failed to respond to Trabzonspor performance. This without doubt has been an important performance and would provide needed confidence and motivation boost for crucial upcoming games.

Trabzonspor hence did show good improvement with its performance after long time and now could look for 4th spot in more optimistic manner. 

TFF has approved location of Eryaman Stadium for game against Galatasaray

TFF has announced that Super League 26th week game between Ankaragucu and  Galatasaray will be played at Eryaman Stadium after Istanbul giant did request to change stadium due of poor condition of the field.

Ankaragucu did state for some time that while not playing games at home ground for one and half it did work into improvement of the field and its been reported that TFF workers did check into condition of the field and did come to conclusion that there is no prevention for game not to be played. Even through Galatasaray did state that they would respect all decisions, they still made it clear that its not safe for game to be played. Still, TFF did make right decision as issue at field has been for long time and it would be unfair for all teams who did play in Ankara. 

Game which would be played on 17th February would show if TFF made right decision but for now it does look to be fair action to be made.

In other news:

- Fenerbahce has recieved 352,000 TL fine from PFDK for behaviour of fans and events on field.

- PFDK referalls:

- AdanaDemirspor, Ankaragucu has been referred for events on field and behaviour of fans.

-AdanaDemirspor CEO Murat Sancak has been referred for not following guidelines, anti-sportmanship behaviour, actions, threat, actions towards referees and anti-sportmanship behaviour

- AdanaDemirspor worker Metin Korkmaz, Fatih Karagumruk, Fenerbahce trainer Mario Dos Santos has been referred for not following guidelines.

- Istanbulspor CEO Ecmel Faik Sarilioglu been referred for action.

- Fenerbahce and Kayserispor for events on field and not following guidelines.

- Besiktas has been referred for behaviour of fans.

-Referee of Europa League 2nd round 1st leg game between Galatasaray and Sparta Prague will be Alejandro Hernandez.

- Besiktas has used transfer option of Braga player Al Musrati of 11 million euro.

- Gremio and Palmeiras are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Tete.

- Fenerbahce has made deal with Sandro Zufic for goalkeeper coach role. 

What happened in Turkish football today? 12/02/2024

Besiktas continues to show ineffective attacking game.

Besiktas has ended Super League 25th week game against Kayserispor with goalless draw at the game where opponent has created much more chances while Besiktas didnt look to be active and aggressive enough.

Taking account that Besiktas did win back-to-back games and to some extend has also shown some attacking game even if only during 2nd half, it was expected to win against struggling Kayserispor but totally opposite has happened as team didnt provide strong effective performance at attack and to some extend has been side which did win 1 point. Besiktas with Fernando Santos hence does have issues with providing aggresive attacking game  and should be an area which Santos would need to work on in upcoming training sessions.

As been noted, Kayserispor did look to be better side at the field as it did control game much more and has created much more dangerous chances and did show some important improving even through it still looks for win with Burak Yilmaz after 3 weeks.

Besiktas continues to show unstable performance at the field and  hence issues to get full dominance of the game for 90 minutes as in this game it didnt get any chances for whole game.

 Trabzonspor got win at league after long time.

Trabzonspor did manage to win Super League game against Hatayspor after being not very successful performance following recent weeks in the league as possibly win against Genclerbirligi at Turkish Cup provided confidence boost.

It needs to be mentioned that looking from previous games, Trabzonspor did look to be more willing and hungry for goals as it did focus into creating some chances especially during 2nd half as first 45 minutes did end with draw and not much chances. Possibly goal which did come from Trezeguet also provided confidence which team needed as it did find 2nd goal after around 18 minutes. Another positive aspect from this game has been assist from Meunier which has been 2nd assist in 2 games and has shown fast adaptation to game.

In other hand, Hatayspor continues its decline of performance which it shows in recent weeks and didnt show much organised and pressurising game and even through this has been difficult season due of last year earthquake, Volkan Demirel does need to find ways to motivate side.

Trabzonspor hence did get 2 points from Hatayspor and would now look into upcoming games and fight for 4th spot in more optimistic manner.

Fenerbahce losses 2 points at title race.

Fenerbahce did get an unexpected loss of 2 points at home ground against Alanyaspor and hence got behind Galatasaray with same amount of point difference and with this result could have some pressure during last 13 games period.

As been noted beforehand, both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce cant afford to lose points in this title race and hence there is possibility for Fenerbahce to look retrospectivelly especially taking account that team didnt necessarily show its best game as it did lack final touches despite of having high possession of the ball. Despite of poor performance of 1st half, it still did get ahead on short period of time at start of 2nd half even through penalty decision has been questionable but didnt manage to keep its leadership with conceding 2nd goal from Augusto. Seeing this game as sign of seriously downfall from team from one game will not be right even if most Turkish sports outlets treat this game but there must be lessons learned if it wants to win title.

Fenerbahce hence did lose critical 2 points against Alanyaspor and now would feel under pressure in upcoming games but it only just need to congratulate.

Results:

Turkish Super League, 25th week:

Trabzonspor 2:0 Hatayspor

Kayserispor 0:0 Besiktas

Samsunspor 2:0 Antalyaspor

In other news:

TurkishCup draw for quarter-final and semi-final has taken place:

Quarter-final:

1. Besiktas-Konyaspor 

2. Ankaragucu-Fenerbahce

3. Trabzonspor-Basaksehirspor

4. Galatasaray-FatihKaragumruk

Semi-final:

- Winner 1 vs Winner 2

- Winner 3 vs Winner 4

- Galatasaray has signed sponsorship deal with Aroma.

- Ankaragucu has send request to TFF to make it public talks at VAR of game against Konyaspor.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Baris Alper Yilmaz as 20 million euro.

- TottenhamHotspur and Bayer Leverkusen are interested to loan Real Madrid player Arda Guler.

- TFF will inspect Eryaman Stadium, Adana Stadium, Rize Stadium, Antalya Stadium, Gaziantep Stadium and Kayseri Stadium.