Domenico Tedesco sends an 'appetizing' message ahead of the Galatasaray derby

In the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 at home against the Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

Fenerbahçe manager Domenico Tedesco answered questions at the press conference held after the match.

When reminded of the Galatasaray derby to be played on Monday, Tedesco said, "One hour after today's match ends, my only focus is the derby. I know how important this match is for the Fenerbahçe fans and the Fenerbahçe family. We have 2 or 3 days. There is no room for excuses in derbies. We will be very hungry and fresh for that match."

"I AM PROUD OF YİĞİT EFE"

Evaluating the performance of Yiğit Efe Demir, Tedesco said, "I am very happy for both him and the team. It is not easy to play against such an opponent throughout the season without match rhythm. I am proud of him. We played against a difficult opponent under tough conditions. We had missing players. Yiğit could not complete the 90 minutes, but those who came into the game also fought very well. I think we were close to winning. I am extremely pleased with the performance the team showed."

"IT IS NOT EASY"

Responding to a question about the result and the Europa League goal, Tedesco said, "We had missing players in the team. I think we compensated for that very well today. I am not talking about excuses. The absence of players like Fred, İsmail, and Jayden was significant. We trust all the players in our squad. I believe my staff and I are getting the best performance out of the players we have. I am happy with the reaction my team showed. During the match, Ederson moved to center-back. Nelson moved to the number 6 position. They continued to play as if there was no different situation. There is good synergy within the team. Sometimes we may suffer. It is not easy to play against us. It is not easy to beat us. We need to continue playing this way. I am satisfied with the performance my team showed. As for our goal; we could have won today's match and the Plzen match in the Europa League. We could have had 4 more points. This would mean we would be closer to our goal. These kinds of situations can happen in football. You have to accept that."

"HE MADE A GOOD HEADER"

When reminded during yesterday's press conference that he had drawn attention to opposing striker Barnabas Varga, Tedesco said the following regarding Varga's performance:

"In general, we defended well for 90 minutes. He won more duels than usual. I told my players regarding him: 'When you think you cannot win the duels you enter with him, back off.' Efe and Milan won some. He made a good header on the goal we conceded. Some situations are difficult to defend."

Regarding Youssef En-Nesyri, who was whistled while leaving the pitch, Tedesco said: "I don't think they whistled him because of his performance. He missed a goal before coming off. Football is a game of emotions. He didn't start the last match. He had arrived late from the national team. I wanted him to start today's match with good rhythm. When we look at the strikers we have, he is the player with the highest tempo. The runs he makes behind the defense are very important. Talisca is like a false nine, Jhon is more of a target man. Youssef is more of a running striker. All 3 of our strikers have different characteristics. I am happy with his performance. He will continue this way."

When asked about playing such a match before the Galatasaray derby, the 40-year-old manager concluded his remarks by saying: "I think it's an advantage. How the match ends is also important. The important thing was the reaction the team showed. We showed a positive reaction today. Our team always played by sticking to the plan. We never lost our energy either. We were the side closer to victory. It is a positive situation for us. It was a good feeling to experience this match in this way."

News Source: 12punto