Football Council: 'It Was as if Ismail Kuyt Was on the Sideline'

Hürriyet columnists Güntekin Onay, Mehmet Arslan, Fırat Aydınus and Uğur Meleke reviewed the week's main events in the Football Council.

Galatasaray completed the 10th week at the top of the table. It was said that with their win over Lille, they had regained the rhythm they showed in previous years. It was emphasized that Osimhen is in form this season, and that Batrakov's rise has brought quality and dynamism to the midfield.

It was reported that Galatasaray, who played at a low tempo against Konyaspor, closed the first half 2-0 up with two goals from set pieces. The columnists said that Galatasaray have a chance to win against Stuttgart, but that control of the midfield and defensive discipline must be maintained for 90 minutes. The side's superiority from set pieces in the Süper Lig over the last four and a half years also drew attention.

It was recalled that Dirk Kuyt was in charge of Fenerbahçe against Göztepe, but could not prevent the defeat. Uğur Meleke said that responsibility lies with head coach Stanimir Stoilov, and argued that Kuyt was a spectator while Stoilov improved the team with changes in the second half. It was noted that the yellow-and-navy side have failed four times this season to hold on after taking a 1-0 lead, and that in three of those matches there was a goal in which Matteo Guendouzi was directly at fault.

Fırat Aydınus, however, argued that the problem runs deeper. Saying that the name on the bench will not change the result unless a playing identity, on-pitch organization and a standard of effort are established, Aydınus noted that Fenerbahçe have changed head coaches, but the problems have remained on the pitch.