Samsunspor Manager Gisdol: 'I saw the quality here'

Markus Gisdol, who took charge of Samsunspor in the Super Lig after managing FC Köln, Hamburg, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany and FC Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia, shared his observations about the Turkish league. 

Pointing out that being a referee is difficult everywhere in the world, Gisdol stated, "It is especially difficult to be a referee in Turkey. If you are in the refereeing profession in Turkey, it means you are struggling much more; I am sure it is easier to be a referee in Germany. As a manager, I need to look at my own performance. As long as I live here, I am also trying to adapt to Turkish culture."

Gisdol drew attention to the fact that there are quality teams in the Super Lig and continued as follows:

"I was very surprised after coming to the Super Lig; I saw the quality here. Turkish football is a league that is developing every day. Honestly, I did not expect it to be this difficult. We are playing against very tough opponents; there are very good teams. Antalyaspor is one of them. I think it is particularly difficult to play against them away from home. There are very tough opponents like Antalya."

Evaluating the situation of the Turkish National Football Team, Gisdol said, "The national team is playing incredibly well, they are playing very well. If a system built on youth from academies continues in this way, and if more playing time is given to young players, I am definitely of the opinion that Turkish football will develop even more in the coming years."