Striking words from Italiano on the Amedspor away match: 'There were 40 thousand animals, I don't mean that in a derogatory sense'

Beşiktaş Manager Vincenzo Italiano made evaluations regarding the agenda of the black-and-white team in an interview with the Italian press outlet Corriere dello Sport. The Italian coach also spoke about the footballers they were interested in during the transfer window, as well as the football environment in Turkey, referee controversies, and the foreign player rule.

THE FOOTBALL ATMOSPHERE IN TURKEY

Sharing his views on the fan culture in Turkey, Italiano stated that he was impressed by the atmosphere created in the stadiums.

The Italian coach said, "The environment in Turkey is extraordinary. The stadiums are new, very large, and full of great passion. It reminds me of the football of the 80s and 90s in Italy, where people waited all weekend for the match. Moreover, this is not just the case with the fans of big teams, it is like this everywhere."

DESCRIBING THE AMEDSPOR AWAY MATCH

Italiano also touched upon Beşiktaş's away match against Amedspor. Describing the crowd atmosphere at the match, the experienced coach said, "Finally, when we went to the home of the newly promoted Amed, there were forty thousand 'animals', I don't mean that in a derogatory sense. It was an impressive cauldron of fire."

Stating that he was also impressed by Beşiktaş's development, Italiano expressed that the level the team has reached is beyond expectations, saying, "Even I didn't expect this."

CONTACT ESTABLISHED FOR VLAHOVIC

The Italian coach also explained the process regarding Dusan Vlahovic, whose name was linked with Beşiktaş during the transfer window.

Italiano said, "I spoke with him the day I started my job at Beşiktaş. He was about to leave Juventus at that time. He had numerous contacts with important clubs. He told me that if these negotiations did not reach a conclusion, we would talk again. The club also agreed with me on trying to sign him."

DE ROSSI COMPARISON FOR SALİH ÖZCAN

Evaluating Beşiktaş midfielder Salih Özcan, Italiano compared the national footballer's playing style to former Roma player Daniele De Rossi.

Italiano said of Salih Özcan, "When playing with him, the system resembles a 4-3-3 because he is a player who drops into the defensive line. Like the old De Rossi in Rome."

THE REFEREE AGENDA IN TURKEY

Speaking about the referees, who are frequently a subject of debate in Turkey, Italiano drew attention to the attitude of clubs towards referees.

The Italian coach stated, "I don't know all the details behind the scenes, but I see that clubs in Turkey have a very harsh stance against referees. They have already brought in Anthony Taylor to coordinate the referees."

PREFERENCE FOR POKU OVER NJIE

Stating that the management suggested Alieu Njie to him during the transfer process, Italiano said that he chose Ernest Poku instead.

Describing Poku's characteristics, Italiano said, "He is a very talented player. He was a bit sidelined at Juventus, and we took advantage of this opportunity. He can play in many positions in midfield. He surprised me the other night, he played a magnificent match."

WHY DID THE LUCUMI TRANSFER NOT HAPPEN?

Jhon Lucumi was also included in Italiano's statements regarding the transfer window. The manager, who stated that he wanted to see the Colombian defender in his squad, expressed that this transfer did not happen due to incoming offers.

PLEASED WITH İlhan Fakılı'S DEVELOPMENT

Speaking about the young footballer İlhan Fakılı, Italiano conveyed that he is closely following the player's development and is pleased with his current situation.

EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FOREIGNER RULE

Italiano argued that the foreign player rule applied in Turkey could contribute to the development of local footballers.

The Italian coach said, "When you are forced to include young and local players in a certain part of the squad, the development of local players also accelerates."

News Source: 12punto