Journalists Criticize Fenerbahçe’s Performance After 3-1 Loss in the Netherlands

“There’s no explanation for this helplessness!” – Gürcan Bilgiç

“I don’t know how to explain Fenerbahçe‘s helplessness on the field. Could it be the ‘arrogance’ following the feeling of success after the Trabzonspor victory, facing a very young team? The opposing coach said, ‘We know their weaknesses; we watched the last derby.’ Was he hinting at Mert Müldür’s side? It turns out, he didn’t just hint; he acted. They neutralized Tadic‘s presence in the first half and completely shut him down in the second. Fenerbahçe’s deserved defeat transformed into a deserved victory for AZ Alkmaar.” (SABAH)

“A painful lesson” – Faik Çetiner

“Mourinho benched his favorite Szymanski and the in-form En Nesyri, bringing in İsmail Yüksek and Dzeko. Since AZ Alkmaar is a young and high-energy team, the Portuguese coach set up a midfield with strong defensive players (Amrabat, Fred, İsmail Yüksek). However, the ineffective performances of Fred and İsmail Yüksek negatively impacted the team. At Mourinho’s instruction, Mert Hakan came in as a ‘savior (!).’ Alas, then the starless AZ Alkmaar scored another goal, giving Fenerbahçe, with all its stars, a painful lesson. Whether this lesson will help remains to be seen in the coming matches.” (FANATİK)

“A Fenerbahçe classic” – Halil Özer

“We need to get used to this style from Fenerbahçe in European matches: a controlled game, focusing on defense, not giving the opponent space, and hoping to squeeze out a goal on a counter. This tactic works if you score, but if you lose focus, you risk falling apart, as happened yesterday. Fenerbahçe missed clear chances in the first half and conceded a goal on the first attempt in the second. This is a classic Fenerbahçe scenario, one that has led to lost championships and exits from European cups. It’s natural that the physically strong Dutch team sent Fenerbahçe home empty-handed after so many mistakes in midfield. I believe the Portuguese coach will make his players watch the second goal repeatedly from start to finish. No defense should concede a goal that poorly.” (MİLLİYET)

“Guardian angel!” – Serkan Akcan

“Of course, this match can be analyzed by Dzeko’s missed chances, but I’m not sure the blame can be fully placed on him, as there were players struggling all over, from Maximin to the defense. Mourinho shows Maximin too much tolerance, which makes sense since the game plan relies on him. In my view, this choice is a significant part of the issue. Despite a strong league start, AZ Alkmaar had fallen apart over the last five weeks. They were on a major losing streak, having lost six out of their last seven games in league and Europe, but Fenerbahçe failed to capitalize, instead acting as a ‘guardian angel’ and helping them back into form.” (FANATİK)