Bartuğ Elmaz on Strasbourg Victory and Mourinho’s Influence: “I Wanted the Season to Start Immediately”
Young footballer Bartuğ Elmaz of Fenerbahçe, who defeated French team Strasbourg 4-0 in their last friendly match of the Austria camp, said he was trying to make the most of the opportunity given to him by coach Jose Mourinho.
The 21-year-old footballer, answering questions from the press after the match at Merkur Arena, stated that they had a very intense camp.
Recalling that they had double training sessions every day, Bartuğ said, “We are really working very hard and intensely. I think we played particularly well in the first half today. We fought well. We ended the camp with a good score. Honestly, I was very excited from the first day Mourinho arrived. I wanted the season to start right away. My coach trusted me and gave me a chance. I tried to make the most of the opportunity he gave me.”
Expressing his goal to play in Europe, Bartuğ said, “Arda Güler emerged before me. I also hope to follow in his footsteps by working hard, fighting, and helping my team as much as I can this season. My goal is definitely Europe.”
Bartuğ mentioned that he was happy Mourinho constantly warned him, saying, “He constantly gives me instructions from the sidelines about playmaking and pressing. This makes me feel that he cares about and likes me. I try to follow his directives as best as I can. I hope this season will be my season.”
The young player also talked about the team’s ongoing shortcomings, saying, “Of course, we still have some shortcomings, but I think we are improving day by day. We have one more friendly match ahead. We want to get through it well and advance. My dream is to wear that jersey.”
