Rıza Çalımbay: 'We have about 9-10 injured players'

Beşiktaş manager Rıza Çalımbay made statements at the press conference held before the black-and-white team's match against Belgian side Club Brugge, which will take place tomorrow at home in the 5th week of the UEFA Europa Conference League Group D.

Stating that there are many injured players in the team, the experienced coach said, "We have about 9-10 injured players. We will not play some of our friends. We have a good squad. The only problem is the injuries. Tomorrow, we have no center-back or left-back. We have to go out with a different team. We will do everything necessary. I don't want to play certain friends. I'm afraid of having other injuries. Other than that, the team's morale is very good. The only thing we can't overcome is the injuries."

Explaining that they are investigating the cause of the injuries, Rıza Çalımbay said, "Most of the injuries are in the same place. These are injuries that occurred before us. I have never seen so many injuries. I can't say anything either. There may have been overtraining. I don't want to talk about the injuries anymore. We will also take players from the youth academy. There are two healthy center-backs. Necip Uysal and Omar Colley. Necip is suspended. There is no left-back. We will take Umut Meraş, but he is not on the list. I can't find players to play in some positions."

Emphasizing that they have gained self-confidence with the victories in 3 matches, including the friendly match they played against Sakaryaspor, Çalımbay said, "In two weeks, they will all peak. If our injured players recover, we will be even better. Self-confidence will rise even higher. Presidents, coaches, and athletes may leave Beşiktaş, but no matter what, the goal is the championship. We need to catch a winning streak. We must finish the MKE Ankaragücü match very well so that we can go into the Fenerbahçe derby with high morale. With the support of the fans, we will try to win the derby and reach a good position."

Pointing out that the Club Brugge match is important in terms of the country's coefficient, Rıza Çalımbay said, "This match is very important for the fans, for Beşiktaş, and for earning points for Turkey. I wish we hadn't been eliminated and our contention had continued. Much better things could have happened. We won our last 2 matches in the league. We want to continue this. Club Brugge is not an easy team. It will be very difficult. They are the best team in the group. Our only goal is to win the remaining 2 matches in the group."

Speaking about the black-and-white club's extraordinary elective general assembly to be held on December 3, the experienced coach evaluated, "Both presidential candidates are elders of our community. The others are already my teammates. Samet brother was my captain, I played with Feyyaz for years. To me, this place has become the Beşiktaş family. It is a very beautiful thing. I hope other friends will join the administrative section. When support is given, very good things will happen here."

News Source: 12punto