Italiano gives no firm date for Orkun Kökçü's return

Beşiktaş beat İstanbul Başakşehir 2-0 at home in Week 9 of the Trendyol Süper Lig. Speaking at the press conference after the match, head coach Vincenzo Italiano said that knowing how to win without important players is of great value to the team.

Italiano pointed to Leandro Trossard's effect in one-on-one situations. The coach stressed that the team's concentration and attention stayed high throughout the match, and said that winning every game is necessary to stay near the top of the league. He added that keeping a clean sheet for the first time in six matches was a result of this discipline.

Answering a question about the injury of captain Orkun Kökçü, Italiano said the player is currently in better condition but he cannot give a definite return date. The head coach noted that Kökçü is improving every day and that the team needs him.

The Italian coach also said they expect attacking contribution from Wilfred Ndidi. Despite the short period of work together, Italiano said the players are putting the instructions into practice on the pitch, and noted that Ndidi stood out with his runs into the penalty area and his headers.