AZ Alkmaar Manager Maarten Martens compares Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray
AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens, whose team drew 1-1 with Galatasaray after previously defeating Fenerbahçe 3-1 in the UEFA Europa League, compared the playstyles of the two Turkish clubs.
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In the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League, our representative Galatasaray was the guest of the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens evaluated the match at the press conference held after the game.
The manager of AZ Alkmaar, who defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1 in the 4th week of the Europa League, compared the performances of the two teams.
Martens stated, “Our plan was working well. We were pressing well. We tried not to give them much room to breathe. They were sensitive on the sides where Ruben van Bommel was playing. We could have made it 2-0, but it didn't happen. We have reached 7 points in the competition. I am very satisfied. I notice that we are getting even stronger.”
‘GALATASARAY IS MORE INTENSE THAN FENERBAHÇE’
Comparing Galatasaray's game to Fenerbahçe's, the 40-year-old manager said, "Galatasaray takes more risks than Fenerbahçe. They leave 3 players at the back. Galatasaray's center-backs are fast and strong. They are also closer to scoring. When I look at the matches we played, I can say that Galatasaray is more intense than Fenerbahçe. I am happy that we drew with such a club.”
‘WE TOOK 3 POINTS AGAINST FENERBAHÇE AND 1 POINT AGAINST GALATASARAY’
Stating that Galatasaray is at a high level physically, Martens concluded his words as follows:
“We may be less experienced, but our young players are very eager. We had to increase the tempo against the Turkish teams. That's how we beat Fenerbahçe. Galatasaray, on the other hand, is at a higher level physically. Galatasaray is a team that runs more. I am proud of my players. They can keep the tempo at a high level. We were able to cause difficulties for our opponents. We took 3 points against Fenerbahçe and 1 point against Galatasaray.”