Message from İsmail Kartal ahead of Sturm Graz second leg: We didn't come to protect the score, we came to advance

Fenerbahçe manager İsmail Kartal made statements ahead of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second leg match against Sturm Graz. Having won the first leg in Istanbul 2-0, the yellow-navies aim to maintain their advantage in the away match in Austria and advance to the next round.

Kartal stated that the result from the first match provided an important advantage but that the tie is not yet over. The experienced manager emphasized that the team will not take the field with the sole intention of protecting the score.

''The first match gave us an advantage, but it did not secure the round. We know what our opponent wants to do here. We did not come here to protect the score, but to play our own game and advance. Sturm Graz is a strong team at home. Our only goal is to return to Istanbul having advanced.''

Answering questions about transfer efforts and the team's current status before the match, Kartal said that the transfer process is being managed by the relevant committee within the club. Addressing Oosterwolde's injury, Kartal stated that there are players within the current squad who can compensate for this absence.

''Our transfer committee is meticulously carrying out its work in its own area. We remain focused on the pitch. Oosterwolde had an injury we did not want. I do not think we will have a problem because we currently have players who can fill his place.''

In his assessment of the team's attacking performance, Kartal expressed that the goals scored are the result of organizations worked on in training. Pointing out that his players have different characteristics, Kartal noted that work discipline, combined with quality, increases productivity on the field.

Pointing to the defensive contributions of Guendouzi and Kante, Kartal said that the presence of players like Asensio, Talisca, and Kerem in the attacking line is also an important advantage for the team. The Fenerbahçe manager stated that they will proceed throughout the season by planning match by match and according to the opponent.