İsmail Kartal's comments on Muriqi and Kante ahead of Sturm Graz match

Fenerbahçe is preparing to host Austrian side Sturm Graz in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. In the press conference held before the match, the yellow-navy team's manager, İsmail Kartal, made evaluations regarding his squad preferences and match plan.

Pointing out the strength of the opponent, Kartal stated that Sturm Graz can play with different systems and said, "We will compete against a good team. We are aware of our opponent's strength. We have prepared well."

Emphasizing the importance of the Champions League goal, Kartal said they want to leave the first home match with an advantageous score. Touching on the importance of fan support, the experienced manager expressed, "Every match feels like a final. With the support our fans will give us, we want to go to the second leg with an advantage."

Speaking about squad planning, Kartal announced that Vedat Muriqi will be included in the list. Kartal said, "Vedat Muriqi will be in the squad. Kante has joined us. He is very good, he is working. He is in good condition. He will be in the squad with us," he said.

Responding to a question about his left-back preference, Kartal reminded that Oosterwolde has served in this position before. The Fenerbahçe manager stated that the team is in good physical condition but needs to continue its development, adding, "We will not compromise on our own style of football."

The full text of İsmail Kartal's statements:

We will truly compete against a good team tomorrow. Sturm Graz is a good team. We are aware of their strength, but as a team, we have prepared very well. Our opponent is playing in a different system with their newly arrived coach. They are a young, running team with high fighting power. As a team, all the players have prepared well for this match.

Every match feels like a final. We want to win the match with the support our fans will provide. It is a two-legged tie; we want to go to the second match with the most advantageous score. The Champions League is a beautiful league. It is a league that represents the highest level of football. Every match here has been more competitive and higher quality than the last to date. Every match feels like a final. Of course, we want to win the match tomorrow at our own home, with our own fans, and with the support they will give us. We want to make our community happy and we want to qualify for the Champions League.

We will include Vedat Muriqi in the squad. He will be in the team roster. N'Golo Kante has arrived, yes, he is in good condition. He will be going to his 10th training session. He will also be in the squad with us. Oosterwolde was a left-back before as well. We have Ake, we have Skriniar, our captains. We played him at left-back because he was the most suitable and ready player. We are very pleased with all our players and we are proud of all of them... We think about it day and night... Everyone is very valuable. We make plans according to the opponent. We need every player. We will decide who will play in goal tomorrow.

News Source: 12punto