As Fenerbahçe continues its preparations for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round against Polish side Gornik Zabrze, manager İsmail Kartal and İrfan Can Kahveci shared their assessments in a press conference.
Kartal stated that they have analyzed their opponent and want to secure an advantageous score in front of their fans. The experienced manager said, "We want to send a positive message to our fans in our first official match. We want to make our community and the country's football happy with a good result."
LATEST ON THE SQUAD
İsmail Kartal also provided information regarding the status of the new transfers. Stating that Mason Greenwood and Nathan Ake will be in the match squad, Kartal noted that they will decide on the morning of the match whether the two players will play. Kartal said that Greenwood is not fully ready, while Ake is in a condition to play.
Kartal reported that Marco Asensio is not yet ready and will not start in the first 11, and he also touched upon the injuries of Nene, Vedat Muriqi, and Yiğit Efe. Noting that Asensio and Brown are in the recovery process, Kartal mentioned that they expect the injured players to train with the team within a few weeks.
Expressing that he sees the current squad as sufficient for the start regarding transfers, Kartal said that 1-2 reinforcements could be made if needed. The experienced manager also emphasized that the foreign player quota and the 10+4 rule create difficulties for clubs.
Explaining Fenerbahçe's Champions League goal, Kartal stated that they want to reach the group stages after many years, noting that this is important for both the community and the club's economy. Kartal said they are aiming for further rounds in Europe.
İrfan Can Kahveci expressed his satisfaction with İsmail Kartal's return. The national footballer described Kartal as "the person who has made Fenerbahçe play its best football in the last 10-15 years" and said they want to win the championship this season.
News Source: 12punto
