Harsh words from Nihat Kahveci for Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Asensio after Fenerbahçe-Lyon match

Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 at home against French side Lyon in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Evaluating the match on the Kontra Spor YouTube channel afterward, Nihat Kahveci made notable comments regarding the yellow-navy team's game plan and certain player choices.

Kahveci argued that after the 1-1 result, the momentum for qualifying has shifted slightly toward Lyon. While stating he is not entirely hopeless before the return leg, the former footballer pointed to Lyon playing on their home turf as an advantage.

“I am not going to the away game feeling hopeless. The chance of qualifying was 51 percent for Fenerbahçe, now it has shifted to 51 percent for Lyon. Because they will play on their home field in front of their own fans.”

COMMENTS ON KEREM AND ASENSIO STAND OUT

One of Kahveci's harshest criticisms was directed at Kerem Aktürkoğlu. Stating that Archie Brown and Kerem did not contribute enough in attack during the first half, Kahveci expressed that the national footballer's status as a constant first-choice player given his current form should be debated.

“Kerem can no longer wear the Fenerbahçe jersey just by saying ‘I ran, I ran, I ran’ in the Sturm Graz match. He shouldn't be allowed to, either. There must be an offensive contribution to the job now.”

Expressing more positive views on Mason Greenwood, Kahveci said there were deficiencies in Fenerbahçe's passing tempo and set-play buildup. However, he noted that Greenwood tried to take responsibility and dropped back to participate in playmaking when the ball did not reach him.

Another of Kahveci's criticisms was about Marco Asensio not starting in the first 11 and being brought into the game late. Stating that Fenerbahçe struggled to build play from the center, Kahveci argued that even though Asensio might not be fully ready, some other names on the pitch were also failing to provide sufficient contribution.

Saying that the fans also want to see Asensio on the pitch, Kahveci stated that the Spanish footballer should have credit due to his performance last season. Kahveci emphasized that it is not right to completely discard Asensio, who contributed 13 goals and 13 assists last season.

“When there are many players on the pitch who are not doing anything, and even players who were not expected to play at all are brought on later than Asensio, I do not like this injustice.”

Fenerbahçe will travel to Lyon for the return leg to qualify. According to Kahveci, for the yellow-navy team to increase their chances of qualifying, they need to display a more effective game, particularly in terms of attacking organization, wing usage, and creativity in the center.