Emre Belözoğlu: I do not want to make this decision without settling things with the president

In the 8th week of the Trendyol Süper League, Antalyaspor was defeated 5-2 at home by Çaykur Rizespor. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Antalyaspor manager Emre Belözoğlu stated that the football played was the worst performance since he took office. Apologizing to the fans, Belözoğlu said, "This is my second year here in terms of the game since we arrived. It was the worst performance. In this sense, it was the 90 minutes where I saw the lowest energy and loyalty to the game from the group of players. I am very sorry for this, and I apologize to the fans in this regard. I take full responsibility."

"RADICAL DECISIONS NEED TO BE MADE"

Emphasizing that the football displayed by the team is unacceptable and pointing to individual errors, Belözoğlu said, "There are 4 clear individual errors. You cannot evaluate this specifically based on individual players in football. Where there are such clear individual errors, I think radical decisions need to be made. Either player-based or manager-based. I have had the necessary conversation with our president in this regard, and I will continue to do so. I have also conveyed to him that I want to take responsibility in this sense."

"I DO NOT WANT TO MAKE A DECISION WITHOUT SETTLING THINGS WITH OUR PRESIDENT"

Giving a signal that he might step down, Belözoğlu expressed that he would not take any action without consulting the management:

"What we experienced today is, beyond the score, a clear rock bottom. We need to act correctly regarding this. But I think it would not be right for me to do this without consulting the president and a few of our board members with whom we set out on this journey. I do not want to make this decision without settling things with the president. Because I am one of the people who had the biggest share in the formation of this team."

"I SEE THAT THERE IS AN EXPECTATION FROM ME"

Evaluating the fans' reaction, Belözoğlu said, "I feel this favor from our fans on the street more than in the stadium. I can see how sincere this reaction is. It shows that there is an expectation from me. But I loved Antalya very much. I can say that the group that created this environment has achieved its goal. There is only one thing I can do; to do the right thing without upsetting or hurting our president and our management."

"THE RIGHT DECISION MUST BE MADE"

Evaluating the team's future, Belözoğlu concluded his remarks by saying, "8 weeks have passed. The two matches we lost at home are a huge loss for us. These are weeks that can be compensated for, but the right decision must be made. In other words, to get this team back on its feet, the right decision must be made."

News Source: İHA