Kuyt explains reason for late substitutions

Fenerbahçe lost 2-1 at home to Göztepe in Week 10 of the Trendyol Süper Lig. In his post-match statement, head coach Dirk Kuyt apologized to the fans and said he believed they could still get a good result.

Kuyt reminded that his side had 72 percent possession in the first half. He said this game plan was his own choice and that the responsibility rests with him. He added that they did not start the second half well, conceded a goal from an individual error, and had three clear chances but could not convert one of them.

On the substitution, Kuyt said Semedo's yellow card created the risk of playing with 10 men. He said they had considered taking the player off by the 83rd minute, but saw the momentum of the match turn back in their favor. He added that they planned to make a change at the moment they conceded, but chose to wait after the goal that followed.

Finally, Kuyt said Semedo indicated he was feeling pain and wanted to come off. In his statement, he said they were disappointed but stressed that they had given their best.