Thomas Reis: The Team Matters, Not the Names

Çaykur Rizespor head coach Thomas Reis spoke to reporters after the high-scoring match played at Çaykur Didi Stadium. Reis said the team was lacking in every area in the first half, and that their one-on-one battles and passing quality were insufficient. He explained that, even though they were 2-0 down at half-time, he told his players he would not accept losing the match.

Reis said the performance in the second half showed how much they deserved the match. He expressed his pride in the team's attitude, which led to a victory on the road with 4 goals. He explained that Fabinho was substituted due to the risk of a second yellow card, and that the change had been decided after prior analysis.

The coach said his bench is strong and that all of his players want to play. He said decisions are therefore difficult, but he tries to keep the team strong by giving players rest when needed. Reis stressed his club philosophy with the words, "For us, it is not the names that matter, it is the team."

When asked about the yellow card incident, Reis said he was far from the play and did not see a foul that merited a yellow card. He said the referee's decision should be put to the referee, and he attributed the goals his team conceded to their own mistakes and the goals his team scored to the opponent's mistakes.