Ismail Kartal: I believe we can pass this round in front of our fans
Fenerbahçe Coach Ismail Kartal, regarding the Olympiacos match, said, "We would have preferred to leave with at least a draw or a win. I believe we can pass this round in front of our own fans." Kartal also commented on Jayden Oosterwolde's injury during the match, saying, "We're experiencing injuries at unexpected moments. Oosterwolde's condition is uncertain. They say he has strained his knee. Hopefully, it's nothing serious."
In the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals, Fenerbahçe faced Olympiacos away, losing 3-2. Fenerbahçe’s goals were scored by Dusan Tadic and İrfan Can Kahveci.
After the match, Fenerbahçe’s head coach Ismail Kartal made statements.
“I BELIEVE WE CAN PASS THIS ROUND IN FRONT OF OUR OWN FANS”
Assessing the game, Ismail Kartal said, “Ultimately, we wanted to come here with an advantageous score or win and return to Istanbul. We had clear chances in the first half that we couldn’t convert. Despite having control of the game, we conceded simple goals. We discussed in the dressing room with my players about turning the game around and returning to Istanbul with an advantage by scoring goals. Despite conceding another simple goal, we didn’t give up on the game. With the changes we made by taking risks, we brought the score to 3-2. We could have won the game. We would have preferred to leave with at least a draw or a win. I believe we can pass this round in front of our own fans.”
“OOSTERWOLDE’S CONDITION IS UNCERTAIN”
Regarding the players who suffered injuries during the match, Ismail Kartal said, “We are experiencing injuries at unexpected moments. Oosterwolde’s condition is uncertain. They say he has strained his knee. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. His condition will be clear after further examinations. There’s nothing wrong with Tadic. We would have liked to finish the matches we played without any injuries. I want to finish the next matches without any injuries.”
“WE WILL LOOK AHEAD”
Ismail Kartal continued his words, saying, “I know the expectations of our fans. They shouldn’t worry; my expectations are aligned with theirs. We have a strong and characterful squad and game power. We’ve shown this everywhere and to everyone. We had discussed that we could play the injured players for a maximum of 15-20 minutes. We took a risk after the 60th minute. We gained time. It was good that my players could finish the match healthy. We will look ahead.”
“I BELIEVE WE CAN PASS THIS ROUND”
Ismail Kartal also commented on the match, saying, “Olympiacos is a good team with passionate fans, but we are also a big club. We started the game well. I determine what my team needs to do, the game plan. It is my natural right to explain these objectively. Olympiacos took a 3-0 lead, they had chances, but our reaction could have won us the match 4-3. Before the match, I said there was no favorite. Despite having so many injured players, I am happy we managed to finish the match 3-2. I believe we can pass this round.”
“BATSHUAYI WAS IN A CRITICAL CONDITION”
Ismail Kartal responded to a question about Michy Batshuayi, saying, “Batshuayi was in a critical condition. He could have played for a maximum of 5-10 minutes. We could have played him if we were in dire need. If there had been another injury, he might have been out for 2-3, maybe 5 weeks. We are entering critical matches. That’s why I didn’t put Batshuayi into the game.”
