What happened in Turkish football today? 29/06/2024

Turkey needs to focus into improving on defensive game prior to Austria game.

With Turkish National Team reaching to last 16 stage by showing strong character, it still needs to be mentioned that team would need to show some improvement at how it performance and show good organising game.

Foremost, it needs to be mentioned that Turkey did deserve to be at last 16 as by stating otherwise would not be good analysis of the team but it is important for Vincent Montella to recognise mistakes which were made during group stages. Especially during Portugal game and also bits of Czech Republic game. It needs to be mentioned that main focus should be at same spot which has been discussed even before tournament which is being defensive game and it needs as team to improve on that area especially against Austria who is showing strong attacking game which it has shown at group stages and especially against friendly game against Turkey which has ended with 6:1 scoreline. Friendly game might not be good reference for preparation but still it is crucial for national team to study mistakes which has been made.

With Turkey showing good performance at attacking game with getting chances and converting them, it needs to solve defensive game as it provides pressure to attackers also mentally.

Turkey will be fully focussed to Austria game tactically with Montella preparing team.

One of the positive factors and one which everyone would like to see without doubt is strong togetherness, concentration and good mood at national team and this has been seen clearly at national team training sessions even after Portugal game. 

Factor that national team is being very concentration for its task at Euro 2024 without doubt for Vincenzo Montella focussing into next game of the tournament which without doubt tactically, mentally and in fact physically allows team to be ready. Even through some tactical mistakes has been seen against Portugal, at the game against Georgia and Vzech Republic did show rightfull tactical game and without doubt Vincenzo Montella would look, identify and find solutions at acting of weakest signs against Austria and minimalising own isuse. This factor would let Turkey to show its best performance with right tactical game without forgetting respect towards opponent.

Montella could be criticised but for many times he did show togetherness and being able to mentally prepare players and for sure this characters would come out against Austria game.

Media being relatively about national team goes into hand for Turkey.

Following win against Czech Republic, Turkish sports media which as our blog has stated several times for years is being after chaotic situations did show much more calmer period which likely would stay same until Austria game.

This factor that Turkish sports media is being passive quiet prior to Austria game would go on into hand for Turkish team also as it would not feel under pressure at such an important game. It needs to be stated that all of talks between Portugal and Czech Republic didnt have much impact into concentration and morale at the team. However, it needs to be mentioned that regardless how ignorant technical staff and players they still hear talks at media hence for this time media being relatively quiet would let team to be entirely concentrated at such crucial game at last 16 stage.

Therefore, Turkey will come out with minumum pressure which would without doubt go into hand for them as it would focus ot game 100% and get positive game and hopefully great outcome. 

In other news

- Trabzonspor will play pre-season friendly against Szeged Czanad on 10th July and also friendly against Zeleznicar Pancevo.

- Besiktas has announced its pre-season friendlies: 

- 13/07: vs. Dinamo Zagreb

- 17/07: vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

- 20/07: vs. Grazer

- Konyaspor has signed Yusuf Erdogan for 2-years.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Benfica player Arthur Cabral.

- Antalyaspor has made transfer deal with AEK Larnaca player Kenan Piric for 2-years.

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Alexandru Cicaldau.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Venezia player Tanner Tessmann

- MichyBatshuayi will arrive to Istanbul on 1st July for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Galatasaray.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Juventus player Weston McKennie.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Yverdon Sport player Kevin Carlos.

- Fenerbahce has won pre-season friendly game against Petrolul with 2:1 scoreline.

- Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Sparta Prague player Viljko Birmancevic.

- Galatasaray has declined 13 million euro transfer fee for Kerem Akturkoglu from Real Sociedad.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Al Ahli player Allan Saint Maximin

- Alanyaspor CEO Hasan Cavusoglu has stated that he did recieve offers from Galatasaray, Besiktas, Ajax among others for Oguz Aydin.

What happened in Turkish football today? 28/06/2024

Turkey didnt lose single game with Artur Soares Dias referee.

UEFA has appointed Artur Soares Dias as referee for Euro 2024 last 16 game between Turkey and Austria as named referee doesnt have very good statistics with Turkish National Team.

It needs to be mentioned that Artur Soares Dias only provided bad luck during his game as Turkey didnt manage to win single game with his refereeing and hence team would be hence hoping that referee would be providing fair work during this tournament. Stating that Artur Soares Dias does provide good refereeing performance at this tournament as does most of the names and at being such important game at important tournament it would be reasonable that referee would be concentrated at showing fair performance and provide an important role for game to be excited.

The news of negative statistics would likely be noticed by players prior to game but it would be important for them to focus into performance.

Halil Umut Meler has been appointed to Slovakia and England game.

Another referee appointment for Euro 2024, has been an appointment for Halil Umut Meler at last 16 game between Slovakia and England as this would be 3rd game for Meler in this tournament.

It needs to be mentioned that Halil Umut Meler does provide strong and confident performance at this tournament as this being rewarded without doubt from UEFA as he did get 3rd game in the tournament and also been appointed as 4th referee at last game against England so he would be meeting with three lions once again. Being such crucial game at such crucial stage, Halil Umut Meler who did come from difficult previous season to show confident and strong performance and show once again as top referee. 

Halil Umut Meler without doubt is having very good tournament and would be expected to carry on such high performance at game between Slovakia and England.

Turkey is eager to get revenge of 6:1 loss to Austria

As long-term followers of our accounts and also generally Turkish football, would be loss of Turkey to Austria back in March against Austria with 6:1 scoreline and it does look like training camp is been motivated from that game.

It needs to be reminded that it was friendly game so such results can come occassionally but regardless of that result did leave some bad marks in the team and hence it would provide extra motivation to the players and it would be important for those players to turn around this motivation and eager for revenge into positive and team to stay focussed. Austria is being difficult opponent as it being among best sides at the tournament and did lead tough group which included Holland and France at the top, but Turkey does have capacity to get good result but it would be tough game for sure.

Players are eager to get revenge from last game between sides of 6:1 and its crucial now for technical staff to turn this extra motivation into an advantage.

In other news:

- LeventHatayspor has announced administrative board:

- CEO: Levent Mistikoglu

- Football representative: Ender Yardimci, Mehmet Akpinar, Osman Oguzhan Colak.

- General secretary, spokesperson: Ahmet AticMistikoglu has been elected as Hatayspor CEO.

- TurkishNationalTeam player Samet Akaydin has become injured while Mert Gunok and Hakan Calhanoglu didnt attend training session due of precaution reasons.

- Basaksehirspor has started pre-season training camp in Istanbul. It would have training camp in Belgrade, Serbia between 8th-18th July where it would also play friendlies against Zeleznicar, Vojvodina and Ajman Club

- Trabzonspor has signed Standard Liege player Cihan Canak for 2 million euro. Player has signed 3+1 year contract with 1st season salary- 467,000 euro, 2nd-488,000 euro, 3rd-509,000 euro and 4th-621,000 euro.

- Besiktas has extended contract with its player Salih Ucan for 2+1 years.

- Goztepe has terminated contract with its player Turgay Gemicibasi.

- Galatasaray has extended contract with its player Hakim Ziyech for 1+1 years with 2,850,000 euro.

- Sivasspor has terminated contract with its player Hakan Arslan.

- Basaksehirspor has terminated contract with its player Josef de Souza.

- Galatasaray has signed sponsorship deal with PUMA.

- Goztepe and Konyaspor are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Emir Ortakaya.

- Besiktas considers to offer 5 million euro +2.5 million euro bonuses to Angel De Maria for 1+1 year contract.

- Trabzonspor head coach Abdullah Avci has mentioned that there wouldnt be addition to technical staff after Egemen Korkmaz and Mustafa Sarp has terminated contracts with them

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Olympiakos player Ayoub El Kaabi.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Club Brugge player Roman Yaremchuk for 8 million euro.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Blackburn Rovers player Sammie Szmodics.

- Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are interested to transfer Juventus player Filip Kostic.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Ankaragucu player Ali Sowe

- HajdukSplit has made transfer deal with Fenerbahce player Edin Dzeko for 2-years.

What happened in Turkish football today? 27/06/2024

Turkey got through but it did provide unneccasily stress in 2nd half.

Turkish National Team has reached to Euro 2024 last 16 stage after beating Czech Republic with 2:1 scoreline even through it did create some issues towards th end with losing control of the game at some moment.

Turkey did come out to the game where draw would been enough to get through next stage at 2nd spot and it did start game in good manner with controlling game and ball. There were some criticisms that team didnt create chances but they didnt allow Czech Republic  not to have many chances themselves which in all fairness might be even more important. Red card of Czech Republic also did make task much easier for Turkey. It also did start 2nd half  in good manner providing much more aggressive game and did find an opening goal with great shot from Hakan Calhanoglu but as it did conceded simple goal from Stucek and scorewise still had an upper hand, it went to unnecasility panic and did provide some issues. Tactically speaking at the game when difference between draw and winning is not big difference providing an attacking game against team which needs to score is being risky move, and luckily Czechs didnt use it effectively.

Turkey has reached to last 16 where it would meet with Austria which being one of strong sides at the tournament and Turkey needs to work on hard to improve its game until 2nd July.

Czech Republic red card and generally issues at attack had direct impact to final result.

Prior to game, it has been stated several times at our blogs that Czech does have some serious issues at attacking game and without Patrik Schick this issue became even more.

It also needs to be mentioned that red card which has been recieved on 20 minutes from Barak, earlier red card ever in competition, did make tasks easier and Turkey did get some control of the game. It needs to be mentioned that as game did carry on, Czech Republic being aware that it needed to win tried to Turkey to provocate them which also could explain high number of yellow cards. With Turkey being emotional side, it needs to  be grateful for not recieving red cards. Czech Republic did try to find a winning goal after 1:1 but lack of defensive game has prevented them to do so with also good defence of Turkey.

Czech did come out for win but issues at attack and red card has affected their performance and went into hand for Turkey.

Turkish National Team did ignore all pleasure which was given by its own media.

Despite of unnessarily criticism which was given towards Turkey and its head coach Vincenzo Montella after game against Portugal, team has still managed to stay focussed and did get an important result for knockout stages.

It needs to be mentioned that following Portugal game until this game, Turkey did recieve lots of criticism which did come from domestic media and it has been important for players psychologically to stay focussed and from game it could be seen to do so. It is clear that players and Montella has mainly focussed to its task against Czech and so did players which could be seen clear from performance on field.

Now, Turkish media would praise Turkey higher than it should as team got to knockout stages as it seems to be case at domestic media.

In other news:

- Besiktas has transferred Rafa Silva for 3-years with 6 million euro salary.

- Gaziantep will start pre-season training camp in Gaziantep on 1st-6th July. It will continue at Bolu between 8th-18th July and later travel and also between 22nd July-1st August.

- Eyupspor has signed Dorukhan Tokoz for 1-year.

-Konyaspor has transferred Antalyaspor player Ufuk Akyol for 2-years.

- IgdirFK has signed Eyupspor player Thuram.

- Fenerbahce players Osayi Samuel and Alexandru Djiku has joined team at pre-season training camp.

- Galatasaray has signed strategic partnership deal with LASK Linz

- Hoffenheim considers to offer 7 million euro for Galatasaray player Derrick Kohn.

- Antalyaspor are interested to loan Fulham player Carlos Vinicius.

- Fenerbahce player Dominik Livakovic considers to stay at club next season.

- BorussiaDortmund considers to offer Niclas Fullkrug +15 million euro to Fenerbahce for Ferdi Kadioglu.

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer Dorukhan Tokoz.

- Goztepe are interested to transfer Ertac Ozbir.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Torino player Emirhan Ilkhan

- Kocaelispor has made transfer deal with Sivasspor player Aaron Appindangoye.

- Besiktas has made transfer deal with Bayern Munich II player Yusuf Kabadayi.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Toronto player Lorenzo Insigne.

- Besiktas are interested to sign Bodo Glimt player Patrick Berg.

- Eyupspor has made transfer deal with Galatasaray player Fredrik Midjso for 2+1 years.

- StandardLiege player Cihan Canak has arrived to Trabzon for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Trabzonspor.

- Besiktas has appointed QPR performance coach Anthony McElhone and Heerenveen goalkeeper coach Rudolfus Hubertus.

What happened in Turkish football today? 26/06/2024

Turkey showed strong character as it got to knockout stages with stressful win against Czechs

Turkey has managed to get crucial win against Czech Republic as all calculations for loss due of Georgia winning Portugal has been taken away from calculations has raised tension and excitement of the game.

It needs to be mentioned foremost that regardless of game between Portugal and Georgia and Turkish media keep talking about 3rd place scenario, it was visible that Turkey did come out for win as it did provided an attacking game and has controlled game while all of the talks of Czech Republic attack being not very strong especially without Patrick Schick has been visible at game with goal from Czech Republic did come from chance and bit loss of concentration from Turkish players. It needs to be mentioned however after 1:1 Turkey did lose calm which has been present at has been dissapeared after Soucek has equalised and Turkey did look to be in panic mood which was unneeded and one of the issues has been for team to look too  much into attacking game and even if Cenk Tosun did find that winning goal it was too risky game as it could concede from Czechs. Still, this has been a very important win and team has provided lots of strong and attacking game and generally has been side to control game apart end of it.

Czech Republic without doubt did come for a win but red card which was recieved on early minutes and also having some weaknesses at attacking game has affected to game realising their chances into converting some chances. Luckily for Turkey,Czechs also didnt convert in the end of 2nd half and generally it needs to be admitted with all 3 games it didnt much deserve to get to knockout stages.

Turkey still managed to get into knockout stages with providing strong character and also did provide organising game before 1:1 but after that it did look to lose control but still its been important for Cenk Tosun has converted historical goal in the end of the game.

Halil Umut Meler looks more confident at Euro2024 than domestically.

With group stages being over at the Euro 2024, another representative from Turkey has been leading referee of country Halil Umut Meler who does provide pretty good performance following mentally difficult season.

As been noted on previous blogs, UEFA has once again has appointed to an important tournament Turkish referee regardless of high criticism which that name recieves domestically and without doubt Halil Umut Meler has been one. With refereeing at 2 games and being appointed as 4th referee, it needs to be mentioned that he did show some confident performance with his decision and did get authority on the field. He also did look to  be more confident when making decisions at the games compare to Super League games which again does show of pleasure and atmosphere differences. With such good performance and confident stance, it would be expected for him to be appointed at knockout stages at least for 1 game.

Halil Umut Meler did join Euro 2024 as one of leading referees in Europe and it needs to be mentioned that he did fulfill this task.

Trabzonspor has started summer transfer window very actively

Trabzonspor without doubt has been most active side at transfer front in the start of the transfer window with an aim to make strong competitive side for next season as it signed Rangers players Borna Barisic and John Lundstram and Standard Liege player Denis Dragus.

Trabzonspor without doubt has made strong competitive side with this transfers and did get players who are capable to  show strong level performance and raise level of performance with Denis Dragus has an important advantage of playing at Gaziantep and showing leading performance and hence will not have any issues with adaptation. Trabzonspor also aims to continue its active transfer window with being close to Cihan Canak. Therefore, Trabzonspor is making an important changes at its squad with an aim to complete almost all signings prior to its pre-season training camp.

Trabzonspor has made very important addition to the squad and it does look to be among one of most discussed teams during this summer transfer window in upcoming days.

Results:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, 3rd week:

Czech Republic 1:2 Turkey

Georgia 2:0 Portugal

In other news:

- Bodrum has signed Altay player Enes Ogrucu for 3-years.

- - Goztepe has made loan deal with Slavia Sofia player Issac Solet.

- Eyupspor has transferred Anastisios Chatziogavanis.

- OzanTufan has arrived to Trabzon for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Trabzonspor.

- Brasilian and Saudi Arabic are interested to transfer Galatasaray player Tete.

- Konyaspor are interested to transfer Adana Demirspor player Yusuf Erdogan.

- Konyaspor are interested to transfer Ferencvaros player Muhamed Besic.

- PetrolulProiesti head coach Mehmet Topal has announced that club interested to transfer player from Super League

- Fenerbahce has offered 14 million euro+bonuses for Udinese player Lazar Samardzic.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Feyenoord player Alireza Sajanbakhsh.

- Basaksehirspor has used transfer option of Arouca player Jerome Opoku and signed him 3-years.

- Napoli are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwelde.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Copenhagen player Denis Vavaro.

- Basaksehirspor has signed sponsorship deal with PUMA for 3-years.

What happened in Turkish football today? 25/06/2024

Turkey are being favourites at the game against Czech Republic.

Turkey will be concluding its Euro 2024 group stage with a game against Czech Republic where 1 point is enough to get to 2nd place  despite of losing to Portugal on previous week and it would be coming out as clear favourite when looking at performance of both sides.

Some Turkish sports media outlets does provide scenarios where Turkey will be ending at 3rd spot and qualify as top 4 in that position, but we would not get into this maths as we believe that Turkey will be able to get at least draw against Czech Republic. With loss towards Portugal which in all fairness has been expected but possibly not in this manner doesnt seem to be having too much impact when looking at mood of the team at training session. With Arda Guler reported to be recovered from his injury, it would be expected for him to start game and positive performance of him would let all this dicussions regarding him not starting against Portugal will be forgotten. Role of defenders would be important for Turkey even if Czech does show unstable game at defence.

Turkey are being favourites but it would be needed to perform according to that if it wants to get to top 2 spots and it capable to get good result for sure.

Czechs will provide defensive game against Turkey.

Czechs when comparing how it performed in 2 games, has been opposite of Turkey as it has weak attacking game but strong defensive game while Turkey is being vice versa, and absence of Patrick Schick due of injury makes thing easier for Turkey without doubt.

Czech Republic did show that there are aware of this situation with performance which it has shown at the game against Portugal as it provided strong defensive game but it hasnt been enough for them to get at least draw. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey attackers as long as their in good form are capable to provide strong shots from far away as Mert Muldur, Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz has shown and hence it would be important for them to show strong attacking game with keep looking for chances as Czech defensive game is expected to be pretty compact.

Czechs hence would be expected to show compact defensive game and it would be important for Turkey attackers to be active at the attacking area.

Turkish sports media is being too rush to Montella and need to wait until side will end its campaign

Turkish sports media tends to be going very strongly towards Vincenzo Montella loss to Portugal and this actions are not right at all as competitions carries on and Turkey are likely to get knockout stages.

It needs to be mentioned that Turkish sports pundits has stated in interesting manner that Turkey would be favourite for game against Portugal, even through this blog did see best reuslts Turkey could aim for is draw and that if it shows its top performance especially at defence. However, with Turkish media expecting much more better game and even win it has provided reactionary criticism towards Montella in unfairly manner. Now Turkish sports media needs to calm down and be reminded that it country didnt win in competitive game against Portugal and is still being team which is developing.

Turkish media hence does need to reduce tension towards Vincenzo Montella and at least wait until team will be out from Euro 2024.

Results:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group D, 3rd week:

France 1:1 Poland

Holland 2:3 Austria

(Leader of Group D, Austria will be playing against Turkey at last 16 if latter ends Group F at 2nd place)

Schedule:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, 3rd week:

22:00 Czech Republic - Turkey

22:00 Georgia - Portugal

In other news:

- Trabzonspor didnt allow its player Trezeguet to join Egyptian Olympic Team for Paris Olympics 2024 due of having Europa League qualifiers in that period.

- Kasimpasa has stated that it has found spending limit which been set to the team by TFF too low.

- Antalyaspor has signed sponsorship deal with Adidas for 2-years.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Borna Barisic for 2+1 years with 1,500,000 euro +330,000 euro signing money.

-Trabzonspor has signed John Lundstram for 1.5 million euro salary+500,000 euro signing money.

- Trabzonspor has signed Standard Liege player Denis Dragus for 4-years with 1,700,000 euro transfer fee paid in 3 installments, with salary of 1,575,000 euro.

- AdanaDemirspor player Ismail Cokcalis has terminated contract with his team.

- AdanaDemirspor has signed partnership deal with Joma.

- Trabzonspor has started transfer negotiations with Standard Liege player Cihan Canak.

- RafaSilva has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Besiktas.

- Sevilla has offered Yusuf En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce in return of Irfan Can Kahveci+10 million euro.

- Lille considers to extend contract with its player Yusuf Yazici for 3-years.

- Fenerbahce has started transfer negotiations with Atletico Madrid for transfer with Caglar Soyuncu.

- Galatasaray CEO Dursun Ozbek has stated that team focusses to transfer 2,8,10 positions this summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Borussia Dortmund player Niclas Fulkrug.

- Kocaelispor has made transfer deal with Goztepe player Yunus Emre Gedik.

- Sivasspor are interested to loan Fenerbahce player Emre Demir.

- Trabzonspor CEO Ertugrul Dogan has stated that club are having negotiations with Hull City player Ozan Tufan and are interested to loan Paul Onuachu.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer AEK Larnaca player Kenan Piric.

What happened in Turkish football today? 24/06/2024

Dogan Alemdar has become injured at national team training sessions.

Turkish National Team 3rd goalkeeper Dogan Alemdar has become injured during training sessions and has been replaced instead with Muhammed Sahnezar in the training camp.

It needs to be mentioned that chances for Dogan Alemdar to be recieving playing time to all respect towards player would be slim when looking at goalkeeper list above him and hence this would not provide too much stress tactically but would provide some reduction of mood towards players for short time. However, this injury has been added to long list of injured players and does show that even through intense training sessions need to be taken it needs to go through as Turkey likely to progress at Euro 2024, it needs to be careful with injury players to get some successful results.

As been noted hence this injury will not be seen as too much worry to Vincenzo Montella but does provide some questions of work by medical staff members.

Arda Guler didnt play against Porgual for precaution reasons and it has been agreed with both sides.

With crucial game against Czech Republic coming up there has been lots of criticism towards Vincenzo Montella who didnt play Arda Guler against Portugal even through there are reports that there is no issue between player and coach.

According to reports, Arda Guler did feel some pain in his leg and didnt attend training session and even through MR has been returned clean from medical team, it was decided by Vincenzo Montella not to risk player and has been agreed with player. Media which includes video of Montella taking away training shirt from him and giving to Yusuf Yazici has been highly criticised but this things does happen and Guler didnt train with trainer seperately. 

With injury not being reported serious, it would be expected for Guler to start against Czechs and if team get result which it seeks for and player would score all this tension would be reduced.

Istvan Kovacz would referee Turkey and Czech Republic game

Referee of Czech Republic and Turkey has been appointed Romanian referee Istvan Kovitz who has shown some top performances in recent years and is being seen as one of the top referees currently.

It needs to be reminded that Turkey would need to get at least 1 point at the game and hence it would be expected for them to provide controllable game with Czech Republic being one who would be risking as their currently have 1 point. This would affect into  game but Kovacz does have good experience to manage such crucial games and expected to make fair results for both sides even under pressure.

Kovacz is being top level referee and should be able to provide performance which would not affect too much criticism after 90 minutes when looking his capacity.

Schedule:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group D, 3rd week:

19:00 France-Poland

19:00 Holland-Austria

(Winner of this group will play against 2nd place of Group F)

In other news:

- Samsunspor and Kayserispor has recieved 2-period transfer ban from UEFA.

- Bodrum has signed Levski Sofia player Zdravko Dmitrov for 3-years.

- IgdirFK has transferred Eyupspor player Adrien Regattin for 2-years.

- Fenerbahce had its 1st pre-season training session.

- Kayserispor has extended contract with its player Carlos Mane for 2+1 years.

- Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Leeds United are interested to transfer Bright Osayi Samuel.

- Besiktas has ended transfer negotiations with Rangers for Ridvan Yilmaz as their found 5 million euro transfer fee too high.

- Besiktas considers to offer 3 million euro for Union Berlin player Sheraldo Becker.

- Besiktas are interested to appoint QPR academy chef Antony McElhone to technical staff.

- Trabzonspor has started transfer negotiations with Anthony Nwakaeme, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Denis Dragus and Ozan Tufan.

- Galatasaray considers to offer 18 million euro + bonuses to Real Betis player Johnny Cardoso.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Olympique Lyon player Sael Kumbedi.

- Goztepe interested to sign Alanyaspor player Umit Akdag who has been loaned to team last season.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Sassuolo player Armand Lauriente

- Celtic are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Dominik Livakovic.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Cihan Canak for 3-years.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Olympique Lyon player Samuel Gigot.

-  Besiktas are interested to transfer Roberto Rodriguez.

- Zenit has made transfer deal with Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes.

- BornaBarisic and John Lundstram has arrived to Trabzon for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Trabzonspor.

What happened in Turkish football today? 23/06/2024

Emotions vs experiences, with latter getting win.

Despite of win against Georgia in opening game with 3:1 scoreline and some pundits stating that Turkey could beat Portugal, in generally there was expectations that Turkey did come out as underdogs especially when looking at defensive performance of the team.

Turkish National Team it would need to be started did start game even through not in dominant manner but did show some good signs as it provide some attacking game but as it has conceded its first goal from Bernardo Silva with carrying on unexpected mistake from Samet Akaydin who provide strong back pass to Altay Bayindir, chances for Turkey has been reduced during game. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey did lose motivation which been present in start of the game which did lead Portugal to provide simple game with 3rd goal did come from mistake of Turkey once again. Pepe following game did state that main difference has been due of Turkey playing with emotions while Portugal played with experienced. Such statement has been best description both of game and differences between sides.

Turkey still has control of its own situation and would need to draw to get 2nd spot at the group against Czech Republic on 26th June.

Not starting with Arda Guler is being huge mistake from Montella.

One of the discussed matter quite rightfully both in Turkish football community and worldwide has been putting into substitution of Arda Guler due of feeling tired and protecting him for upcoming games.

Unless we are talking about some serious injury, which wasnt case as player did come out in 2nd half and did prepare himself for long time at sides, star player at any team should be on field when playing against strongest sides at the group. It needs to be mentioned as football being collective game, Turkey would still likely lost game but we could have seen totally different game and Turkey might show much more attacking game and with Arda finding possibly goal and hence reducing factor of game to be one sided. This decision has provided issues at the game and hence also affected Turkey leaving positive mark from game.

Leaving its best player against one of the best sides at the game is pretty unusual factor and why this tactics is being wrong has become clear during this game without doubt.

Czechs does have an issue with attackers.

Another game at the group between Georgia and Czech Republic without doubt would be noted with good performance of Georgia especially of its goalkeeper as it did get its 1st point but it needs to be mentioned that Czech Republic did also provide poor performance on the field.

From looking of two games which Czech Republic played against Porgual and Georgia it needs to be mentioned that side seems to be quite opposite of Turkey, which is that its defensive game is being stronger than attacking game. Taking account that despite of that Turkey does have strong attacking player and poor defensive game, Turkey does have a real chances of getting to last 16 as 2nd spot side when draw would be enough and in fact Turkey does look like to be favourite despite of losing to Portugal with 3:0 scoreline. What would be important here is not to make drastic defensive mistakes which it did against Portugal.

Czech Republic didnt provide image of being serious opponent and it does look like performance of Turkey could be key in this final game of the group.

In other news:

- Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has been appointed as 4th referee for Euro2024 game between England and Slovenia.

- Trabzonspor assistant coach Egemen Korkmaz has announced that he left his position and would like to focus into persuading his head coach career.

- Trabzonspor has made deal with Onder Karaveli for assistant coach position.

- Fenerbahce player Levent Mercan has went through medical checkup.

- Galatasaray considers to extend contract of its player Victor Nelsson for 2-years.

- Fenerbahce player Bright Osayi Samuel has requested to raise his salary from 1.8 million euro to 2.5 milion euro.

- ManchesterUnited player Aaron Wan Bisaka has accepted 3.5 million euro offer from Galatasaray.

- Galatasaray has recieved transfer offer from Saudi Arabia and USA for Hakim Ziyech.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Bayern Munich player Yusuf Kabadayi and Graafchap player Basar Onal.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Besiktas player Ersin Destanoglu

- Trabzonspor are interested to loan Rennes player Youssef Ndiayishimiye.

- Inter Milan has set transfer fee of its player Hakan Calhanoglu as 70 million euro.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Brighton player Pascal Gross

- Gaziantep are interested to transfer Badou Ndiaye

What happened in Turkish football today? 22/06/2024

Turkey didnt provide much resistance to Portugal strong game

Turkish National Team did provide pretty poor performance against Portugal during Euro 2024 2nd week game at Group F as it lost game with 3:0 scoreline and didnt provide much pressure to opponents both in attack and defensively.

Even through an issues at defence, which showed themselves during this game clearly, has been visible there was some hopes and optimism prior to game as it did get good win against Georgia and in fact it did start game in good manner as it did show some signs of attacking game in first minutes but as it conceded first goal from Silva on 21st minute, Turkey has been broken gamewise and did lose speed and motivation as game went into game for Portugal. An own goal from very simple mistake from Samet Akaydin who did provide needed pass to Altay Bayindir who wasnt even at goal has made it clear that Turkey did lose game. After that moment, there was some awaiting that Turkey  might show at least good game but it didnt do that as game did go into tempo which Portugal did want. Not coming out with Arda Guler which everyone expected does also raise lots of question.

Portugal meanwhile has provided its class especially 90 minutes as it looked to be much more higher concentrated and focussed and used their strength and skills as early as 1st half with keeping ball in control and provided needed pressure which led for 2 goals coming at first 30 minutes and secured with 1 week to go its 1st spot.

Thanks to Georgia who has drawn earlier against Czech Republic, Turkey does have of advantage at getting draw against latter and get to knockout stages without worrying about being top 4 among 3rd spoted sides. 

Halil Umut Meler has let both Austria and Poland to play an open game.

Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has refereed 2nd game during Euro 2024 as Austria and Poland did come to very important game for both sides as it would let both sides to decide its fate for rest of the tournament.

It needs to be mentioned that Halil Umut Meler has provided strong and confident performance without providing too much stoppages at the game letting game to be flown freely which led for game to be played with some good chances where Austria did get win. Therefore, it was visible once again with looking how Halil Umut Meler has refereed game and let players to show football focussed performance does show what effect does pressure from clubs and in fact TFF has negative impact to Turkish referees domestically with negative impact on football quality.

Hence, good performance of Halil Umut Meler in both games so far at Euro 2024 does show that if referee are set free mentally their capable to show good performance which would have positive impact to quality of game.

Michy Batshuayi moves to Galatasaray in unexpected and surprising manner.

As our account and especially blog focusses into Turkish National Team developments at Euro 2024, there has been some interesting developments at transfer spots as Galatasaray has made deal with Michy Batshuayi for 3-years.

Without doubt most talked transfer talks in this week at still relatively quite transfer window has been Michy Batshuayi surprising move to Galatasaray. With taking account that Batshuayi wasnt expected to get lots of playing time in upcoming season getting further at selection process, it has been expected for him to leave team but it is being surprising for him to move to Galatasaray both in sense of not getting much playing time and also going to team's main rivals. It is reported meanwhile that contract would be signed after 30th June, date which contract with Fenerbahce would be over.

It has been interesting move especially taking account that Batshuayi likely would not be seen as starting 11 player in upcoming season for most amount of games.

Results:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, 2nd week:

Georgia 1:1 Czech Republic

Turkey 0:3 Portugal

In other news:

- TurkishNationalTeam player Mert Muldur goal against Georgia has been selected as goal of the 1st week while Arda Guler has been placed at 3rd spot.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Nottingham Forest player Divock Origi.

- Besiktas player Ersin Destanoglu considers to leave club during summer transfer wind

- Besiktas are interested to loan Southampton player Paul Onuachu

- Galatasaray has started transfer negotiations with Bayern Munich player Leon Goretzka.

- Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho and players Emre Mor, Ryan Kent, Umut Nayir and Luan Peres has went through medical checkup

- AdanaDemirspor player Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev has terminated his contract.

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Ismail Yuksek.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bodrum player Gokdeniz Bayrakdar.

- Gaziantep are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Emre Mor.

- Trabzonspor has offered 1.5 million euro+bonuses salary for 1+1 year contract to Anthony Nwakaeme.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Udinese player Lazar Samardzic.

What happened in Turkish football today? 21/06/2024

Motivated and confident Turkey will play against Portugal.

Turkish National Team after beating underdogs of the group Georgia with 3:1 scoreline would be now aiming to get its first win in history against favourites of group Portugal but as expected it would be difficult game.

As it was noted on previous posts, Turkey defence doesnt provide much hope when coming to Portugal which does have very good attacking game and hence role of defenders would be needed to be raised and Samet who has shown good performance against Georgia would need to raise his performance if he aims to stop players like Ronaldo, Jota and Coinceacao. As it is known historically Turkey which is being emotional team tends to raise its performance level after getting win and vice versa, and hence we might see more attacking and confident Portugal as role of attackers like Kenan Yildiz and of course Arda Guler would be playing an important role during counter-attacks of the game.

Portugal would be coming as clear favourites but motivated and confident of Turkey would be aiming to provide some issues and realistically best it can hope for draw.

Portugal has squad full of stars.

When coming to Portugal, it needs to be mentioned that it didnt necessarily provide dominant game against Czech Republic even through it did manage ot overpass organised defence as role of Ronaldo has been questioned at team.

Still, when looking at the squad it needs to be mentioned that it has outstanding squad with full of stars and when looking in overall are being more quality squad compare to Turkey. Even through we keep stating that Czech defence didnt manage to prevent Portugal for end game with draw, it still did keep Portugal under its control until last minute so Turkey does need to be stay focus for 90 minutes. Turkey would also need to provide good defence of Ronaldo with preventing him to get control of game but with other players being in high level it needs not to forget about them.

Portugal are coming out as favourites and does have good attackers and without doubt would create issue to Turkey in duration of whole game.

Czechs are favourites against Georgia.

As Czech Republic will be meeting with Georgia, it would be expected for them to get win against team which came to Germany without any pressure and hence Turkey get 1 point will not be bad result.

Georgia did provide an impressive performance against Turkey but still it is being side which is expected to end group stage with 0 points and hence it does look like things would be left at Turkey and Czechs game and it would be hoped that Georgia possibly might provide some difficult time which could affect Czechs physical condition prior to Turkey game. Hence, Turkey as been noted best result it can get from Portugal would be 1 point but it would be very crucial.

Czechs are being clear favourites against Georgia and likely would be aiming to get better average than Turkey as there is possibility of both ending with same points.

Schedule:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, 2nd week:

16:00 Georgia - Czech Republic

19:00 Turkey-Portugal

In other news:

- Liverpool are interested to transfer Real Madrid player Arda Guler.

- Goztepe are interested to transfer Nazim Sangare.

- Alanyaspor are interested to transfer Gokhan Akkan.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Villarreal player Johan Mojica.

- JohnLundstram and Borna Barisic will arrive to Istanbul on 23rd June for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Trabzonspor

- Konyaspor has made transfer deal with Antalyaspor player Ufuk Akyol.

- Fenerbahce has made transfer deal with Fatih Karagumruk player Levent Mercan for 3-years. Meanwhile, club also extended contract with its player Mert Hakan Yandas for 2-years.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Hull City player Ozan Tufan.

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Cihan Canak for 2 million euro.

- BayernMunich are interested to transfer Inter Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu

What happened in Turkish football today? 20/06/2024

Felix Zwayer has been appointed to Portugal and Turkey game.

Germany referee Felix Zwayer has been appointed to Euro 2024 game between Portugal and Turkey as he did provide pretty good and stable performance at the 1st week game between Croatia and Spain.

Without doubt, Turkey would come out to an important game against Portugal where even 1 point would provide crucial advantage to get at the knockout stages of the tournament and hence stable and good refereeing performance would be playing an important role and Felix Zwayer is being one of the leading referees in Europe and also he would likely aim to show strong concentration as he is being referee from host and hence would be focussing to show good performance at the field. Therefore, referee which has been selected for the game is being a leading one and his calm and concentrated performance could lead for game to be played at calm manner.

Felix Zwayer appointment is being good for both sides and could lead for game which potentially can turn into an excitement one.

Turkey needs to improve a lot at defence during game against Portugal

As been noted in duration of Euro 2024 at our blog, Turkey does have some issues at providing balance game between defence and attack and role of defenders would be playing an important role at Portugal game. 

As been noticed on previous blog entry, Czech Republic did try and has managed to some extend at showing organised defensive performance which did work on 1st half but with amount of pressure which Portugal did provide and focus to win their did find 2 goals with one of them coming right in the end of the game and has clinched game. In all fairness, Czech Republic defence did look to be much more organised on the field and hence Turkey performance at area against Georgia would lead to devastatiting loss. Positive note is that Turkey did get motivation and confidence boost after Georgia game and this could have positive impact with how side performs including of defence.

Turkey hence needs to improve dramatically against Porgual if it would be aiming for at least draw as performance against Georgia could have devastating impact.

Ismail Yuksek and Irfan Can Kahveci would be able to play at knockout stages.

TFF administrator Hamit Altintop with statements of providing latest information regarding national team at Euro 2024 has informed that both Irfan Can Kahveci and Ismail Yuksek would be ready for knockout stages.

With Turkey beating Georgia with 3:1 scoreline hopes for Turkey to get to the knockout stages are being high at worst as among best 3rd spot sides and hence it does provide to plan team for knockout stages. Turkey doesnt consider to risk both of its key players Irfan Can Kahveci and Ismail Yuksek at group stages despite of players slowly being ready for training sessions and this tactically an important decision as newly recovered players condition are being unstable for future injuries and hence if Turkey does plan to go as far as it can it would be reasonable to keep them until knockout. Meanwhile, there are reports that players are being good and both players are gaining strength physically.

Developments of those 2 players would be main focus in upcoming period and we would follow all developments in this matter.

In other news:

- TurkishNationalTeam has been dropped from 40th to 42nd spot at FIFA World Ranking for June.

- TurkishNationalTeam player Arda Guler didnt attend training session due of feeling tired.

- Kayserispor will have its pre-season training camp in Kayseri between 4th-17th July, and on 20th July-3rd August.

- Fenerbahce technical staff has been announced:

- Head coach: Jose Mourinho

- Coach assistants: Salvatore Foti, Luca Fatiga

- Fitness trainer: Stefano Rapetti

- Analyst: Michelle Salzazulo

- Fenerbahce administrator Acun Ilicali: Following meeting with Jose Mourinho we have decided to go different route regarding an attacker. If we wanted to keep Michy Batshuayi, we would have.

- Galatasaray sports director Ibrahim Hatipoglu: There were not official signings been done with Michy Batshuayi. We are having negotiations currently. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lorenz Assignon are on our transfer list.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Debrecen player Meldin Dreskovic.

- Galatasaray has offered Halil Dervisoglu+4 million euro to Alanyaspor in return of Oguz Aydin.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Al Nassr player Aymeric Laporte.

- Rizespor are interested to transfer Pendikspor player Mame Thiam

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Bayer Leverkusen player Granit Xhaka.

- Goztepe has used transfer option for Club Atletico Paraenense and signed him for 3-years.

- Trabzonspor considers to offer 4 million euro to Alanyaspor for Oguz Aydin.

- Goztepe are interested to transfer Spartac Bucharest player Isaac Solet.

- Besiktas has started transfer negotiations with Bayern Munich player Yusuf Kabadayi.

- Lazio, Napoli and Sevilla are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Alexandru Djiku

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Mallorca player Jose Copote.

- Galatasaray has offered 8 million euro to Rennes player Lorenz Assignon

What happened in Turkish football today? 19/06/2024

Turkey has 2 important positive but very serious negative factor.

Win against Georgia during Euro 2024 by Turkey during opening game at the Group F has identified 2 positive factors of national team and one but very serious issue which has been known prior to game.

Starting with positive during Georgia game, it needs to be mentioning that when looking at general Turkey's attacking game is pretty strong with Arda Guler single-handedly taking leading role with his incredible goal but also Kenan Yildiz, Hakan Calhanoglu among others has shown some good performance. Another positive which is related to previous one is that Arda Guler is being leader of the team with such confident performance at 19-year old and even through it is hard to now how he would perform overall at the league regarding goal scoring, it does look like that he would be taking main scoring part of squad in this tournament. Meanwhile, goal from Mert Muldur great goal which did come from perfect timing needs to be praised too. However, very important negative part is being defensive issue as team did make lots of mistakes at positioning themselves especially leaving penalty zone where conceded goal and other chances did come. Georgia did provide good performance and looked to be stronger than expected, but defensive issue of Turkey helped Georgia to look good for sure.

Turkey hence once again has shown that it does have issues at defence and if this would not be solved it means Turkey would always need to find high amount of goals as it would concede.

Portugal and Czech Republic did look to be in pretty condition in game against each other.

Another game of the Group F has shown pretty good performance between Portugal and Czech Republic where as expected Portugal has won but Czech Republic has showed strong performance too.

Foremoost and being connected to above topic is that Czech Republic has provided very strong and organised defensive game but with team like Portugal it still has lost game which shows that Turkey will have difficult time against Portugal and it needs to be mentioned that 1 point would be very good for Turkey in next game. It needs to be mentioned that Czech Republic did provide good performance but it does have some attacking issues so with Turkey showing improvement at defence could have issue while role of Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler against Czechs would play crucial role as they would be expected to show strong organised defensive game once again.

Turkey did get still an important win but as game between both of their opponents has shown other 2 games would be tough one for Turkey.

Halil Umut Meler has been appointed to crucial Poland and Austria game

Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler did get appointed to Group D game against Poland and Austria as both sides did lose their opening games and would be playing to keep their chances alive for knockout stages.

Hence, this game would be very important one for both sides and to some extend this is being 2nd death group of the competition so it would be difficult game awaiting to Halil Umut Meler. It needs ot be mentioned that Meler stance during game has been pretty confident with his decision and he needs to carry on like that similar in that game. He did show good performance in 1st game now he would need to make basement even more stronger with good refereeing performance in this crucial game.

Halil Umut Meler did get appoint to game with potentially high tension and his actions and reactions to them would be key in his performance.

In other news:

- - Fenerbahce has drawn again Lugano at Champions League 2nd qualifying round

- Trabzonspor has been drawn against winner of Ruzomberok and Tobol at Europa League 2nd qualifying round.

- Basaksehirspor has been drawn against winners of Isloch Minsk and La Fiorita tie at Conference League.

- Fenerbahce considers to offer 7 million euro for Manchester United player Linderof.

- StandardLiege player Florin Manea agent Denis Dragus: We have made transfer deal with Trabzonspor before Euro 2024, We recieved only offer in this tournament, I am slightly regretted for not waiting until end of Euro2024. I told Dragus that he wont stay for long.

- Goztepe are interested to transfer Emirhan Ilkhan

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kadioglu.

- Galatasaray has offered 3 million euro to Fenerbahce player Michy Batshuayi for 3-years.

- Kocaelispor are interested to transfer Kasimpasa player Yunus Emre Gedik

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Olympique Lyon player Samuel Gigot.

- Galatasaray football director Cenk Ergun has been present at Scotland and Switzealand player. 

- Kayserispor has extended contract with its player Carlos Mane for 2+1 years

What happened in Turkish football today? 18/06/2024

Turkey gets 3 points against Georgia thanks to great goal from Arda Guler

Turkish National Team starts Euro 2024 tournament with an expected win against Georgia as it has managed to win with 3:1 scoreline but what was unexpected that it has ended up being much more difficult than it was awaited.

During pre-tournament friendly games it was visible that team doesnt have much issues with an attacking game but seems to be having serious issues at defensive game and this has been case during this game. Game has been started meanwhile in mediocre speed with Turkey trying to get control of the game as it slowly has managed to do so great shot from Mert Muldur has led side to go ahead and also found 2nd goal but has been disallowed rightly due of offside. Afterwards, it has conceded goal and has lost control of the game as game has progressed and has been switched off with showing slow game. 2nd half Turkey did once again raise tempo and provided fighting spirit with Arda Guler incredible show from distance has brought winning goal. With Georgia looking for an equaliser, it did provide lots of issues to Turkey goal but due of lack and also good performance of Mert Gundur it did start competition with win.

Georgia it needs to be mentioned has provided pretty brave game from 2nd part of 1st half and did show that it didnt to prove themselves and show top level performance and did provide lots of stressful moments and hence prevented Turkey to get an easy win with some people expected in country.

Turkey has got an important win and did get important 3 points for knockout stage chances but it does need to improve at defense if it wants to carry on getting good results. 

 Halil Umut Meler showed confident performance in Belgium and Slovakia game.

Euro 2024 game between Belgium and Slovakia has been one of the most discussed games so far during whole tournament mainly for decisions of 2 disallowed goals of Lukaku which did come from leading Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler.

Foremost, it needs to be stated that both decisions has been rightfully as in 1st position Lukaku has been clearly at offside and also handball of Belgium player has been right decision as it did control ball and provided advantage. It needs to be stated that including this decision even through it did come from VAR referee, Halil Umut Meler did provide strong cooperation with all referees and also generally he did look to be confident with his decision and didnt let game to go out of control especially taking account that Belgium has been frustrated both due of this 2 decisions and also generally being behind so he managed to keep Belgian player at control which included yellow card to technical staff member.

Hence, Halil Umut Meler did show strong character during game and could be appointed for few more games as tournament progresses in Germany.

Trabzonspor has made deal with Denis Dragus.

There were reports that Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Denis Dragus who has scored last goal against Ukraine after confident win of Romania at opening game for them.

With being loaned to Gaziantep on previous season and being one of the most successful players at the team he did show his potentiality for Turkish Super League and hence it shouldnt be see as big surprise of interest which has been shown from Trabzonspor. According to reports, deal has been made for 4+1 years and it is matter of time even through following game Denis Dragus didnt state that deal has been made with reminding that summer transfer window hasnt been open yet.

If Trabzonspor did make deal with player he would be able to provide an important strength to team as he is being good player with even more potential for future.

Results:

UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, 1st week:

Turkey 3:1 Georgia

Portugal 2:1 Czech Republic

In other news:

- Bodrum are interested to transfer Pendikspor player Halil Akbunar.

- Besiktas has offered 1+1 year contract to Mats Hummels.

- Eyupspor are interested to transfer Anastios Chatzigovannis

- Goztepe considers to end contract with its players Lasse Nielsen, Tarkan Serbest, Lundqvist, Turgay Gemcibay during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Atletico Madrid player Alvaro Morato.

- Fenerbahce player Bright Osayi Samuel considers to leave club during this summer transfer window.

- Bodrum are interested to transfer Kerim Alici

What happened in Turkish football today? 17/06/2024

Turkey needs to find an early goal if it wants to get win against Georgia.

Its now being turn for Turkish National Team to start its Euro 2024 campaign as it would be playing against Georgia at the Group F 1st week game as it would be playing against side which has nothing to lose and aim to prove everyone that their are good team.

Without doubt, Turkey would be coming out as favourites against Georgia but in same time it is being team which you cant take too lightly as it has some good attackers including without Kvakha. One of the key aspects which could be for Turkey is to find first goal as early as possible as Georgia would mainly focus at defensive game and hence team would likely to close even more as game progresses. Role of Turkey defenders would also play an important role as Georgia would be focusing to the counter-attacking game and it does have players who can to an attacking game. And hence for Turkey which would be starting with Arda Guler and Ferdi Kadioglu would be needed to show respect for opponent and also be careful at defence.

Turkey would be aiming to get good performance and show strong game with an aim to find early goal to make tasks easier.

Georgia will aim to show positive performance at Euro2024 with team not having any pressure.

As been noted, Georgia are being not only underdogs at the group but also one of  least experienced sides at the Euro 2024 but their do have some quality players as Kvakha is being leading player and hence it cant be taken too lightly.

Georgia hence would be coming with an aim to show mainly defensive game against Turkey and likely other players but would be looking for counter-attacks as it does have some players who can convert good opportunities. It needs to be mentioned however that it does have lots of players at the squad which are playing at top European leagues and hence did see individually top level competition but with this being first tournament collectively could lead for some inexperience of managing this atmosphere. Positive note here however as been noted is being that Georgia will not be under pressure as it doesnt have any expectations from both home town and generally in football community.

Georgia hence would be aiming to enjoy their time at Euro 2024 and aim to show some memorable performance and leave positive mark after tournament.

Ferdi Kadioglu is ready to play against Georgia

Its been reported that Ferdi Kadioglu has recovered from his injury and will be able to play against Georgia either from starting 11 or as substitute.

With being one of the best players at the league with his performance at Fenerbahce, this would be seen as good development for Turkish National Team and its head coach Ferdi Kadioglu. With being ready to play it would be question if Montella would be feeling that Kadioglu could play for 90 minutes or shouldnt be risked due of being recovered recently from injury and he might not be starting due of level of opponents and possibly use him later as game developed regarding how game will be developing.

Still, it is been very important that Ferdi Kadioglu is being in condition to play as he would be key player if Turkey will have successful tournament.

Schedule:

UEFA Euro 2024,  Group F, 1st week:

19:00 Turkey-Georgia

22:00 Portugal - Czech Republic

In other news:

- Trabzonspor has made transfer deal with Standard Liege player Denis Dragus for 4+1 years

- Besiktas has offered 7 million euro to Bodo/Glimt for Albert Groenbaek but club requests 12 million euro.

-  Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Braga player Serdar Saatci

- Trabzonspor has started transfer negotiations with Hatayspor player Dele Bashiru.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Atletico Madrid player Mario Hermoso.

- StandardLiege player Cihan Canak considers to join Trabzonspor during this summer transfer window.

- FatihKaragumruk has made principal deal for loan extension with Besiktas player Emre Bilgin.

- Napoli has offered 15 million euro for Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwolde.

- Goztepe are interested to transfer AEL Limassol player Cristian Shpendi.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Charlotte FC player Karol Swiderski.

- Lazio are close to make transfer deal with Hatayspor player Fisayo Dele Bashiru for 7 million euro.

- JohnLundstram expect to arrive to Istanbul on 23rd June for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Trabzonspor

-Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has vetoed decision to transfer Atletico Madrid player Joao Felix.

What happened in Turkish football today? 16/06/2024

Argentian Facundo Tello has been appointed for Turkey-Georgia game.

Argentian referee Facundo Tello has been appointed as referee for Turkish National Team opening game at Euro 2024 against Georgia with being only referee at the tournament from outside Europe.

UEFA prior to the tournament has made an unusual decision to include referee who is being outside of Europe and that name Facundo Tello would referee game between Turkey and Georgia. With being only referee who is being outside of Europe, it is very likely that he would be likely aiming to get some good performance as not providing good performance at the game could lead for some criticism both to referee and also this decision which UEFA has made. This factor could be going into hand for Turkey as game might not be played with some scandalous decision but it would be important for Tello not to feel under pressure but it will not be expected.

Turkey does come out as favourite to the game and hence it would be important for Tello to allow team to be played without much stoppage times.

Turkish National Team are showing professionalism and concentration at training camp

One of the strongest sides which Turkish National Team are having prior to the tournament is being factor that side does show togetherness and concentration at the training session which is being a positive note.

As it would be remembered by long-term Turkish football fans, there has been cases prior to Euros and World Cup when team had some crises at the team which sometimes did turn into advantage and disadvantage. Without doubt one of the main reasons for side to be highly focussed and concentrated only to the tournament is being organising and European mentality of Vincenzo Montella among players who are playing at top leagues and are used to be in such environment. Turkey tends to reduce its emotional aspect which been pleasant at national team and focus into game at professionalism and if side would be able to convert that with good performance it would be able to get some good effort during the gmae which would return to good results also.

Turkey hence are being organised and concentrated for the game as there are some high expectations towards team.

Serdar Saatci has left Turkey's training camp.

Turkish National Team player Serdar Saatci who has joined side from youth team training camp to attend training session in aim to get adapt for this level has left camp. 

As been noted in previous posts, Serdar Saatci did join team to attend training sessions of highest level of national team as Vincenzo Montella did see high hopes and potentialism towards player and likely to be called for World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Without doubt, this training session has been a great help for him as he attended with top players and did get used and adapted to environment of training camp prior to European championship.

This would be providing an important motivation and confidence boost for Serdar Saatci after this training camps and would also led him to raise performance at club level in Besiktas next season.

In other news:

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Everton player Beto.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Marco Reus.

- Galatasaray considers to sell its player Halil Dervisoglu during summer transfer window.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer FCSB player Florinel Coman

- SportingLisbon considers to offer 4 million euro for Fenerbahce player Miguel Crespo.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Juventus player Dean Hujsen

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Napoli player Mario Rio.

- Galatasaray doesnt consider to sell its player Taylan Antalyali during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce are interested to transfer Manchester United player Victor Lindelof.

What happened in Turkish football today? 15/06/2024

Halil Umut Meler has been appointed to Euro 2024 game between Belgium and Slovakia.

Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has been appointed to his 1st game at Euro 2024 at one of the most important games at Group E between Belgium and Slovakia as his performance at the game would provide road for rest of the tournament.

As it is known, Halil Umut Meler had one of the most difficult seasons in his career which has been remembered by Ankaragucu ex-CEO Faruk Koca attacking him at the league game and he did consider to end his footballing career. But rather ending his footballing career he found himself refereeing at Euro 2024 being only representative at the tournament from Turkey and once again UEFA did contract number of administrators who criticise his refeeing skills. This would be an important game for Halil Umut Meler to provide an important message with his good refereeing both to Turkey and Europe.

This game might not be specifically difficult for referee but it would be important here to provide strong and confident performance during whole game.

Irfan Can Kahveci reported to be ready to play

Condition of Irfan Can Kahveci is not being clear as he might be missing game against Georgia but during press statements Turkish National Team assistant coach Serhat Sahin has stated that player is showing good recovery.

With Turkey having number of injured players at its disposal one of players whose condition is being unclear is Irfan Can Kahveci but there are have been some positive reports that player does feel good prior to the Georgia game and wants to be playing even through medical staff and Vincenzo Montella would be acting precautiously and not start game with him and possibly introduce in substitution if unexpectedly game against Georgia would be going into some issues. As been noted, Turkey medical staff would be providing daily checks of Kahveci condition for not providing too much risk but there is chance for Kahveci to be ready for Georgia game.

Ferdi Kadioglu recovery is also going well.

Irfan Can Kahveci will need to take care of himself prior to opening game but taking account how much he wants to play he is likely to be doing so arleady.

There has also been some good development regarding of Ferdi Kadioglu injury conditions as it is reported that recovery process of player is going pretty well and there is expectations that he would recover at latest for game against Portugal as TFF administrator Halil Altintop did state that player is being currently at squad but he might be taken away with 1 day before Georgia game. With good performance he had at previous season it would be extra bonus for Ferdi Kadioglu to be entirely ready for upcoming games at the tournament.

Recovery process of Ferdi Kadioglu is continuing and our accounts as always would follow all developments in this matter.

In other news:

- TFF has announced that Nations League game between Turkey and Montenegro will be played at Yeni 19 Mayis Stadium in Samsun on 11/10 at 21:45.

- Besiktas has signed Gabriel Paulista for 3-years with first 2 seasons salary will be 2,120,000 euro while 3rd season will be 2,110,000 euro. Contract also includes 1,000,000 signing money per year.

- Konyaspor has extended contract with its player Adil Demirbag until 2027.

- BorussiaDortmund are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kadioglu.

- WestHamUnited are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Jayden Oosterwolde.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Leicester City player Kelechi Iheanacho.

- HellasVerona are interested to transfer Besiktas player Ante Rebic,

- WestHamUnited has offered 10 million pounds to Galatasaray for Wilfred Zaha.

- Besiktas has started transfer negotiations with Gabriel Paulista.

- Galatasaray and Besiktas are interested to transfer Bodo/Glimt player Albert Gronbaek.

- Sivasspor head coach Bulent Uygun has stated that selling or not selling Rey Minaj during this summer transfer window would detirmine into strategy of transfers at club.

- Galatasaray doesnt consider to sell its players Abdulkerim Bardakci, Davinson Sanchez and Victor Nelsson during summer transfer window.

- Fenerbahce has offered 3-year contract to its player Michy Batshuayi with 10 million euro salary.

- Bodrum are interested to transfer Kepezspor player Abdurrahman Uresin

- Bodrum are interested to transfer Sakaryaspor player Zdravko Dmitrov

- Hoffenheim player Ozan Kabak had an operation.

What happened in Turkish football today? 14/06/2024

Euro 2024 could be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent years.

Euro 2024 has been started with host Germany and Scotland, as this competition is expected to be played at high level due of so many favourites with having strong squads and also every single side having its own quality to some extend.

With competition also taking place in Germany, which has set itself to be among footballing nations in the world, it would be reasonable to expect for this tournament to be played at high level and be one of the most exciting European Championship in recent years. With teams like Germany, Portugal, Spain and France being among favourites there is high number of sides which including Turkey could provide some difficult moments for this top sides. With such gap being reduced in recent years it would be reasonable to expect for all games in the tournament to be played at high level and excitement.

Therefore, with differences between footballing nations being reduced in recent years it would be reasonable to expect for this tournament to be played at very high level as been noted.

Montella would need to solve defenders issue if it wants to get good results at Euro 2024.

Coming to the Turkey specifically, there is lots of analysis into how side would be performing at this tournament as there is high hopes for players like Arda Guler and Kerem Yildiz, Hakan Calhanoglu but there are some worrying signs.

Turkey without doubt does have some strong players which could individually could become stars of the tournament with there is high expectations towards Arda Guler but it needs to be mentioned that it is being unclear how would other players especially defenders as they did show some serious signs of downsides of the players in the friendly games including last game against Poland. Vincenzo Montella without doubt would need to focus especially at defence if it wants to get good results as if it wont able to solve this issue it might even concede from underdogs like Georgia during game. 

Therefore, Turkey does provide some signs of worries prior to Euro 2024 at defence and this issue needs to be focussed from Vincenzo Montella to get some good result.

Turkish youngsters got golden opportunity to show themselves to Europe

It needs to be mentioned that there is big expectations from high number of young players at Euro 2024 who could have kick start for their career in such tournament which includes Turkish players.

Without doubt, leading youngsters in Turkey who have high hopes at the Euro 2024 are being Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler as many media outlets around Europe put them into list of players who would be showing outsitanding performance and find some key goals during tournament. Needed to say this game also could become inportant for likes Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yilmaz and Semih Kilicsoy who are less known around Europe compare to Yildiz and Guler and hence this tournament could also put them into European footballing map as long as their use their chances in effective manner.

Turkey is coming out with young squad and this tournament would give those players to show themselves to Europe.

In other news:

- TFF has announced best of 2023-24 season at fair-play awards:

Most gentleman player: Guilherme(Konyaspor)

Most gentleman club: Hatayspor

Most gentleman head coach: Abdullah Avci(Trabzonspor)

Most successfull fair-play career: Emrah Bassan(Sivasspor)

- Besiktas has appointed Giovanni van Bronckhorst as club's head coach for 2.5 years.

- Trabzonspor has announced that it has signed Anthony Nwakaeme

- Besiktas has signed Erzurumspor player YakupKirtay

- Konyaspor has signed Josip Calusic for 2-years.

- Fenerbahce has announced pre-season friendlies:

6/07: vs Admira Wacker

10/07: vs Hajduk Split

13/07: vs Strasbourg

- Galatasaray player Mauro Icardi will join pre-season training camp later due of injury.

- Galatasaray has set transfer fee of its player Kerem Akturkoglu as 20 million euro and Baris Alper Yilmaz as 30 million euro.

- Fenerbahce considers to offer money+ Rade Krunic and Miha Zajc to Alanyaspor in return of Oguz Aydin.

- Galatasaray has offered 2.5 million euro for Alanyaspor player Oguz Aydin but club requests 6 million euro.

- Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kadioglu has won most gentleman award for May at fair-play awards.

- Besiktas player Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov doesnt consider to leave club during this summer transfer window.

- CFRCluj player Cristian Manea has stated that Galatasaray are having negotiations with him.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Emir Ortakaya

What happened in Turkish football today? 13/06/2024

Medical staff is being precautious with Irfan Can Kahveci injury.

Situation of Turkish National Team player Irfan Can Kahveci is being uncertain due of his injury but it does look like that national team medical staff is more treating situation due of precaution measure as player himself reported to be feeling ready.

With taking account that Irfan Can Kahveci did have an outstanding season with Fenerbahce, he is being seen one of the first names which would be written at the starting 11 in the game against Georgia and other games upcoming if he would be available at the squad which does describe why medical staff members are working hard but in same precautiously regarding of recovery of the player. Therefore, it would be expected for player to be taking serious attention to his recovery process if he wants to be starting against Georgia as medical staff would be checking his condition on daily basis.

It does look like Irfan Can Kahveci would be in good condition in the start of the Euro 2024 and he would be ready latest for game against Portugal.

TFF changed formats of Turkish Cup and Super Cup.

TFF has announced changes of Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup format aiming it to make more competitive in their view with most drastic changes coming at Turkish Cup as it aims to make Swiss system similar at Champions League.

According to format, which would go into effect next season, 24 clubs would be qualified for group stage which would be divided to 4 group with 6 teams reach where each team would be playing 3 games with top 2 being qualified to knockout stages. Another addition will be that knockout stages would be played with single game. In addition, after next season Super Turkish Super Cup would be played with runners-up of Super League and finalists of Turkish Cup among winners of two competitions. This change of format is made to make football in country more competitive and also raise among of games to be played in the season.

Time would show what effect it would have to both competitions but it would be unusual format for sure at Turkish Cup.

Rizespor signs Giannis Papanikolaou for 3-years 

Rizespor has made its first transfer of the season as it has transferred Rakow player Giannis Papanikolaou for 3-years as player is expected to provide strength to the team in upcoming season.

Being relatively young player, Papanikolaou does have potential and is being more or less in level of Rizespor but with player still aiming to prove himself and does actually slightly raise of level as he would be competing in more competitive league could have positive impact both to player and club in upcoming season as it could be aiming for higher spots compare to this season. Papanikolaou also got opportunity to attend pre-season training session from start and hence will not have adaptation issues.

This has been an important move for Greek player but Rizespor would need to make some more crucial transfer to raise level of performance compare to previous season.

In other news:

- Hatayspor will have administrative general meeting on 28th June, if majority not gathered it would move to 5th July

- - Besiktas has made deal with Gabriel Paulista with 2.5 million euro salary for 2+1 years with 500,000 euro signing money.

- GiovannivanBronckhorst has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one transfer negotiations with Besiktas

- - Fenerbahce has made transfer deal with Fatih Karagumruk player Levent Mercan for 4-years

- Alanyaspor has extended contract with its head coach FatihTekke.

- Zenit CEO Alexander Medvedev: Rumours about transfer of Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes are only empty speculations.

- Besiktas are interested to transfer Ankaragucu player Nihad Mujakic.

- Zenit has offered 17+2 million euro transfer fee for Besiktas player Gedson Fernandes and 4.5 million euro for Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov.

- Bodrum are interested to sign Galatasaray player Halil Dervisoglu.

- Eyupspor are close to sign Besiktas player Cenk Tosun.

- Antalyaspor are interested to transfer Fenerbahce player Emre Mor.

- Galatasaray are interested to transfer Manchester City player Mateo Kovacic.

- Alanyaspor are interested to transfer Anthony Nwakaeme.

- SpartaPrague player Angelo Preciado has stated that he would like to play for Galatasaray.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Minnesota United player Bongokuhle Hlongwane

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Lens player Adam Buksa.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Norwich City player Marcelino Nunez.

What happened in Turkish football today? 12/06/2024

Turkey has opportunity to work out on mistakes which were present at friendlies.

With 6 games left until opening game for Turkey at Euro 2024 against Georgia there is negative aspect which does hit eye which is national team didnt win single game out of 4 in 2024, but positive side of coin is that all games are being friendlies.

Turkish National Team does alive for Euro 2024 with high hopes but in same time there is precaution feeling when looking how Turkey performed in previous years both at club and national level including most recent failure at Euro 2020. Even through this blog did mention, more like to raise optimism that this are being friendly games and hence it might be better for team to lose, it does affect into continuity and confidence of side as it would been feeling more stable if it had winning run or at least get win against Poland in last game. Still, this game did show weak points of national side and now it would be main task for Vincenzo Montella to sort out this issue and it could achieve that.

Turkey doesnt enter in good run but in same time it does show optimism with an effort given in last 2 games and it would need to improve but have same focus for Georgia game.

Mert Gunok and Irfan Can Kahveci didnt attend training session.

Turkish National Team players Mert Gunok and Irfan Can Kahveci didnt attend first training session in Germany for Euro 2024 due of precaution reasons as there are some injured players at the team.

This decision by technical staff does show that Irfan Can Kahveci and Mert Gunok are being close for recovery rather than being recovered from injury and such action could be seen with good understanding as both players would be expected to be in starting 11 during game against Georgia and also in upcoming games and hence it would be important to take care of their condition. It also needs to be reminded that huge role is being held to players who would need to give extra attention on their health so recovery would be done perfectly.

Both players are expected ready for Georgia game on 18th June as this decision has been done in precaution thinking.

Turkey had its first training session in Germany with getting backing from supporters.

As been mentioned above, Turkish National Team did have its first training session at German soil next day after arriving from Poland as it had session with its supporters.

Decision to have training session with fans being pleasant would be able to raise motivation for competition and make it even visible from how much support it gets and hence without providing too much pressure reminding that every Turkish person would be supporting and expecting good performance. This move would be able to players to look forward for game against Georgia and other game with high hopes for sure.

Turkey has opened most crucial chapter at preparation for Euro 2024 and those training sessions would be most important ones.

In other news:

- TurkishNationalTeam has signed sponsorship deal with RAMS Global

- TurkishNationalTeam administrator Hamit Altintop: Condition of Ismail Kartal and Ferdi Kadioglu are good but since its long game period we dont want to rush things. Both might be ready for 2nd and 3rd games.

- GabrielPaulista has arrived to Istanbul for one-on-one transfer with Besiktas.

- Samsunspor has appointed Thomas Reis for 1+1 years.

- GiovannivanBronckhorst will arrive to Istanbul on 14th June for one-on-one negotiations with Besiktas for head coach position.

- Galatasaray will start its pre-season training sessions on 3rd July. 1st training camp will take place on 9th-18th July in Geinberg, Austria while 2nd training camp in Irgning between 22nd-27th July.

- Besiktas stadium Tupras Stadium will go through renewal works for 2 months.

- Antalyaspor are close to transfer Victoria United player Wilfred Nathan Doualla.

- Milan are interested to transfer Trabzonspor player Onuralp Cevikalp.

- Trabzonspor are interested to transfer Hatayspor player Gorkem Saglam.

- LasPalmas are interested to transfer Rizespor player Emirhan Topcu

- RealMadrid considers to loan its player Arda Guler to other clubs.

- Fenerbahce has offered 13 million euro for Alanyaspor player Oguz Aydin.

- Alanyaspor CEO Hasan Cavusoglu has stated that their wordly talks with Galatasaray and Besiktas about Oguz Aydin transfer but club didnt recieve official offer.

- Hatayspor are interested to transfer Samsunspor player Osman Celik.

- Rizespor spokesman Hasan Yavuz Bakir has stated that club did recieve offer from Las Palmas for Emirhan Topcu but there is no deal yet.