Turkish Delights

Hiddink hoping domestic demons can be forgotten, and heroics of 2008 repeated

2011-11-10T09:00:00Z

Guus Hiddink faces one of the biggest challenges of his illustrious career this week as his Turkey side face Croatia in the Euro 2012 play-offs.

Well aware that his future as boss could hinge on the outcome of the tie, Hiddink will no doubt be concerned with the poor form of many of his big name players.

So many times the lynchpin of the national side, former Newcastle United man Emre Belozoglu’s performances for Fenerbahce have ranged from poor to seemingly non-existent this season. Gokhan Gonul, Egemen Korkmaz and Arda Turan all endured miserable weekends with their club sides weekend.

However, in striker Burak Yilmaz Hiddink has one of Europe’s most in-form frontmen. It was Burak’s winning goal against Azerbaijan that secured Turkey’s spot in the play-offs and the Trabzonspor talisman already has 13 goals in 10 games this campaign.

We’ve got previous

His side should need absolutely no motivation whatsoever.

A video re-run of the Euro 2008 quarter-final thriller between these two teams would still set the pulses racing in even the quietest of dressing rooms.
Croatia had seemingly stolen the tie when striker Ivan Klasnic - now of Bolton - scored in the last minute of extra time.

However, when Semih Senturk scored with the last kick of the game, Turkey took the momentum into the penalty shoot-out to secure a semi-final spot against Germany.

Back then, Slaven Bilic’s side were one of the brightest prospects in European football, with many even touting them as potential winners of the tournament.
Nearly four years on and not too much has changed.

A well-organised side boasting the talents of Spurs playmaker Luka Modric, a resurgent Eduardo and Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic should have qualified automatically.

That they failed to do so will give the Turks some hope. Croatia performed erratically in qualification and find themselves in the play-offs following defeats by group winners Greece, and more worryingly, Georgia.

Nonetheless Bilic is confident, if not adamant, that his players have the perfect incentive to make it to Poland and the Ukraine next summer, stating: “They have been waiting and dreaming about getting revenge.

“We all remember how we lost that quarter-final. Yes, Turkey are strong opponents, but we are stronger. It won't be easy.”

You win some, you lose some

Turkey’s play-off record is not one that will have supporters overly confident of victory. They triumphed against the Republic of Ireland to qualify for Euro 2000 and then against Austria for the 2002 World Cup, but their most recent play-off attempts have seen disappointing defeats by Latvia (Euro 2004) and Switzerland (2006 World Cup) respectively.

Hiddink and his staff will be keenly aware of ‘the Crescent Stars’ recent poor record in play-offs and will be looking for a positive start when they hosts the Croatians in the first leg on Friday evening. A sell-out crowd is expected at the Turk Telekom Arena and the Dutchman will hope the passionate home crowd can be his side’s ‘12th man’.

While their defensive frailties were exposed heavily against Germany earlier in the qualifying campaign (the Germans running out 3-0 winners at home and 3-1 in Turkey), the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss will know that if his side can repeat the heroics of 2008 then a summer in Poland and Ukraine awaits.

No fanfare as the Super Lig returns with Fener still shaking

2011-09-15T15:14:00Z

Lights, camera, action! Amid a haze of uncertainty, the Turkish Super Lig finally got underway last weekend.

Far from the usual fanfare of expectation, this season looks set to chug along like a steam train carrying the dark burden of the summer’s match fixing scandal.

While it may have looked like a smooth start on the outside - something the TFF will have been praying to the high heavens for - the underlying problems were still evident as if merely painted over with the finest coats.

The sight of the Fenerbahce team taking to the pitch ahead of their win over Orduspor wearing t-shirts displaying the face of Aziz Yildirim was a sharp reminder to the country that the war was far from over. It was very much ‘us against the World’, as far as Fenerbahce were concerned.

It can be said that historically Fenerbahce have always considered themselves the outcasts. The team everybody wants to see fail. And in truth, they probably are exactly that.
This time around though, they will find few people willing to show them any sympathy.

If, as reports suggest will happen, the club are indeed found guilty of any wrong doing, they could still be relegated at the end of next season having already been expelled from this season’s Champions League.

Of course the Fenerbahce board have had a relegation request turned down by the Turkish Football Federation. The general belief is that this was an attempt to get their punishment over and done with as soon as possible.

Nonetheless, the reality is they are still in trouble, and more worrying for the club is the potential mass exodus that could occur next summer if the club are demoted.

Already the likes of Andre Santos, Diego Lugano and Mamadou Niang have gone and very few of the current squad would stick around for another season without the lure of European football.
Keeping hold of the Turkish contingent was key this summer. Holding on to them next year will be a very tough task.

Gokhan Gonul, arguably the best player in the league, was subject to a bid from Valencia and, given that he has now signed with agent Jorge Mendes – the man partly responsible for Arda Turan’s move to Atletico Madrid – this is unlikely to be the last we hear of a potential move to La Liga.

If Fener have anything to fall back on, it is their fan base. Monday’s match was played in an empty stadium but the noise of the thousands of fans who gathered outside was easy to hear on TV.
The t-shirts may have been able to hide the scars of the summer, but the wounds underneath will be lingering for a long time to come.

If there is one thing this summer has taught us, it is to expect the unexpected.

Will Atletico Madrid move prove a step towards greatness for Arda Turan?

2011-08-19T14:56:00Z

There is a general belief in the circles of Turkish football that to become recognised as a great of the national game, you must conquer Europe.

Like Columbus crossing the Atlantic, the jump from the Super Lig to one of Europe’s top leagues can seem a million miles away for many.

Even the likes of Sergen Yalcin, Bulent Korkmaz and Hami Mandirali - all well known names of the domestic game – failed to reach Europe despite careers that reaped cabinet’s full of trophies.
It is no wonder then that, with the latest golden boy of Turkish football to have made his leap to Spain, the hype around 24-year old Arda Turan is sky high, to put it lightly.

Arguably the most talented Turkish footballer for a decade, Arda’s move to Atletico Madrid for a reported €12 million has sent the local media loco, but signifies an ambition beyond the celebrity culture of the Turkish Super Lig.

You only have to look back at this interview to see a player who’d pretty much had enough of Turkey and the lack of any sort of private life off the pitch.

It seemed like breaking point had been reached when Arda, having spent most of the season on the treatment table, snapped back at accusations that his sex life was to blame for his persistent injuries.

“They even have the cheek to put a photo of my girlfriend and I in the papers. I’ve had enough of some things here. This country has problems,” he said, before asking the camera to cut while he regained his composure.

Understandably, the vultures of Europe began to circle as the news of his dissatisfaction filtered through the continent. The player, who made his name on the European stage at Euro 2008 thanks largely to a last minute goal against Switzerland, was on the market.

First it was Chelsea. Guus Hiddink was in talks to take over from Carlo Ancelotti and had told Arda he wanted to take him with him to Stamford Bridge.

When that move failed to materialise, Atletico stepped in once again and even the return of Fatih Terim, The Emperor, as Galatasaray manager was not enough to keep him with Cim Bom.
Now in Madrid, Arda can hopefully look forward to getting a career that had been appearing to stall back on track.

There is no doubt he has the quality to achieve big things at the highest level in Europe, and in Atletico he will find himself at a club who will allow him attacking freedom he craves.

Unlike Tuncay and Emre before him, Arda is not a player renowned for his battling style of play, but in Spain, with his natural ability to use both feet and low sense of gravity, he is sure to do well.

While Atletico are famously erratic with their results, you only have to look at the club’s €40 million investment in FC Porto striker Radamel Falcao as evidence of their ambition for the coming season.

A front three of Forlan, Arda and Falcao would be a force to be reckoned with.

So it’s goodbye and good luck Arda. We expect we’ll be hearing a lot more about this young man over the coming month.

What's going on in the Turkish match-fixing scandal

2011-08-12T14:28:00Z

There's nothing quite like a summer of scandal. And this year, Turkey has had it by the truckload. With a match-fixing scandal that has become international news, it is hardly a surprise that the season’s start date has already been pushed back until September.

In all honesty, as much as I’d love to tell you everything that has, will or won’t happen... I’m one of the few million who literally has no idea where this will all end up. Speculation, as always in Turkish football, is rife but we all know that believing rumours would be foolish.

Luckily for you however, I’ve taken a break from the humidity of my garden shed to tell you just what the hell has happened over the past few months, and what could potentially happen over the next few, very important, weeks.

So, which teams are currently in trouble?
Fenerbahce. At the head of the pack are last season’s ‘champions’. Chairman Aziz Yildirim is still in jail after being taken in over a month ago. Now, people of his stature don’t just get put in jail. In a country where power and money talk loudly, the significance of this will be worrying for fans of the Yellow Canaries.

Eskisehirspor and Sivasspor are also in deep water while Trabzonspor have seemingly been let off the hook after some thorough investigations. The other big name in trouble is Besiktas. Revelations about bribery and attempted match fixing have shaken any plans they had to challenge for the title with their new improved squad.

How many matches are under investigation?
According to the TFF, a total of 19 matches across the Super Lig and Bank Asya 1 Division (Turkish football's second tier) are being looked at. Which ones? They won't say.

Any players in trouble?
Very much so. After spending a few nights in jail, Emanuel Emenike made a swift dash for the exit. The allegation (denied by the player and club) is that Emenike was promised a transfer to Fenerbahce if he pulled out of the club's game with his then-employers Karabukspor last season.

A mystery injury kept him out of that match and Fener stuck to their promise by signing him in May. Two months later he was arrested, questioned, incarcerated and then released due to lack of evidence. By the end of the month, without kicking a ball for the club, he was sold to Spartak Moscow for €10m.

"I left Turkey because there wasn't anything going on in my life here," the Nigeria striker told reporters while hailing down a taxi to the airport. "They said stuff about my age. The police took me and put me in a cell for four days - I'd never been in a cell in my life.

"I made a decision to leave the country because my brain was not OK. I don't think I can ever come back to Turkey. I like Turkey, people welcomed me as a brother, but some people were just trying to destroy my career. I didn't know what was coming next and I didn't want to live in fear of my life, so I told Fenerbahce I wanted to leave."

Serdar Kulbilge (Ankaragucu) and Ibrahim Akin (Istanbul B.B) are also high-profile players who have had their contracts cancelled by their respective clubs. Akin, formerly of Besiktas, reportedly admitted to accepting a $300,000 race horse from Besiktas director Serdal Adali ahead of their domestic cup final match.

How about the managers?
No escape for them either. Besiktas manager Tayfur Havutcu is inside, awaiting the decision on his future, while Sivas manager and former Fenerbahce captain Bulent Uygun has had his contract cancelled by his club for his involvement.

So what have the Turkish Football Federation done so far?
Well, the Turkish Super Cup has been postponed to a later date for the obvious reason that the two teams set to contest it – Fenerbahce and Besiktas – may not take part at all if found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Likewise, the start date of the Super Lig has been postponed until at least September 9. With a decision due from the TFF by the end of August, it is highly likely that the league fixtures will start on that weekend.

How does this affect Turkish clubs in Europe?
UEFA have said they will respect any decision the TFF makes. This therefore means that Fenerbahce could still qualify directly for the Champions League – if the TFF decide that they are free to do so.

The likelihood of that happening is decreasing every day and should Fenerbahce be stripped of the championship, Trabzonspor would be free to qualify directly.

What next...?
"We don’t have a definite date but we are planning to have this sorted next week": The words of TFF Chairman Mehmet Ali Aydinlar on August 10. Watch this space...

Trabzon and Fener fight it out for the title

2011-05-04T13:45:00Z

As we all know by now, Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce are locked in a battle for the Super Lig title.

Over the past few weeks (it’s been a while, I know) Fenerbahce have twice come back from the dead to keep their dream alive.

Two weeks ago Andre Santos was the hero with his 95th-minute winner that saw off a literally battling Gaziantepspor (10 players booked and one sent off). A week later they found themselves 3-1 down at Bucaspor before Alex De Souza’s double and Dani Guiza’s golden first touch put rest to any fears that they were about to bottle it.

Over in Trabzon, the former leaders will be kicking themselves after giving away top spot with a 0-0 draw at Eskisehirspor.

With Senol Gunes at the helm, Trabzon’s attacking football has been lighting up the league all season while a previously unseen resilience has brought them agonisingly close to their first title in 27 years.

Nerves may be starting to kick in however, with eight of their last 11 games being won by just a single-goal margin – not to mention that five of those were won in the last ten minutes.

Nonetheless, the reality now is that the Super Lig’s destination is in Fenerbahce’s hands. Their head-to-head advantage, having beaten Trabzon 2-0 in January, means that the Yellow Canaries will lift their 18th title if they win their next three games.

While the ‘will they, wont they’ debate continues, this blog is already looking to next season, and the two teams who could be potentially representing Turkey in next season's Champions League.

Logic would suggest that Fenerbahce are more prepared for a Champions League tussle. Bursaspor surprisingly won the title last season, and we all remember their disastrous European campaign. (You don't? One point from 18 and a -14 goal difference.)

The belief among the neutrals is that, should Trabzon enter the Champions League automatically, we could see another ‘Bursa disaster’ – something that nobody, least of all the Turkish FA, will have enjoyed.

Fenerbahce’s wealth is no secret and arguably key to their previous success in Europe. They have flirted with some of the world’s top players while acquiring the backbone of the Turkish national side. Trabzon on the other hand have a foreign contingent built up of players with very little, if any Champions League experience.

The other worry for Trabzonspor is that Istanbul is the Holy Grail for Turkish footballers. While their side may be challenging for the title this year, whether or not they will be able to hold on to the likes of Selcuk Inan, Giray and Egemen is another question yet to be answered – but with rumours of a pre-contract agreement already in place for Selcuk, it seems the answer will be no.

Here lies the problem. If you take out the Brazilian pair of Alanzinho and Jaja, the base of Trabzon’s side is based on young Turkish talent. All of whom are attracting attention from elsewhere.

Cashing in on those players would be one option, but would Trabzon be able to attract the required standard of player for Champions League football? Has Senol Gunes taken this side as far as they can go? And will this season's climax be the best of the past decade?

All will be answered very soon.

Sex blamed for Arda absences as Galatasaray slide towards the dropzone

2011-04-13T09:55:00Z

The winds of change have blown through Istanbul and spring has taken over. Green leaves have returned to city centre trees, the Bosphorus isn’t looking so gloomy and even the pigeons in Taksim Square are showing as much testosterone as a stag do in Bodrum.

It’s a seasonal change that Galatasaray fans will be hoping also sweeps their club to a better place.

With a presidential election on the way, a star on the brink of leaving and the club enduring its worst season to date, there really is no place better to start than at the TT Arena.

Two topics have taken centre stage this week. The 'will he, won’t he...or has he already', transfer saga of Arda Turan, and the upcoming presidential election.

While many believe Arda’s transfer to Atletico Madrid is as good as done, it is being suggested that nothing will be confirmed one way or the other until after the new chairman is named.

It’s no secret that Arda has endured a turbulent season both on and off the pitch. His relationship with actress Sinem Kobal has plagued the gossip magazines (the above video gives a taste of the kind of attention they 'enjoy'), and even led some to suggest too much sex has been the root of the injury problems that have prevented him from proving those very same critics wrong on the pitch.

In the board room, and with the election candidates not due to be confirmed until later this month, the situation is just as sticky.

While the papers are having a field day guessing which big-wigs could potentially take over. The most recent shock suggestion has been Haluk Ulusoy.

The former FA head has reportedly already received the backing of Adnan Polat and his close relationship with Fatih Terim, who led the national side twice during Ulusoy’s reign, could prove crucial should he stand for president.

Though more importantly, he could also be the only man capable of keeping Arda at the club.

None the less, Arda was back on the pitch on Sunday as Cimbom hosted Trabzonspor. In a silent stadium, due to the home side's stadium ban, Trabzon came away with all three points thanks to Burak Yilmaz’s 14th strike of the season.

The game had looked set to finish goalless before Colin-Kazim Richards was sent off for a silly lunge.

It also left Cimbom worryingly close to the relegation zone (below) after fellow bottom-dwellars Sivasspor and Bucaspor both picked up wins.

14 - Galatasaray 33
15 - Sivasspor 31
-----------------------------
16 - Bucaspor 24
17 - Kasimpasa 20
18 - Konyaspor 18

Yes, the lions are just nine points above the drop and, with their next three fixtures looking particularly daunting - Manisaspor away, Kayserispor at home, then Besiktas away - things could get worse before they get better.

Back at the top, Fenerbahce maintained their pressure on the leaders with a fairly routine win at Eskisehirspor. Alex De Souza was not on the score-sheet, but led the charge once again with two assists for Mama Niang and Caner Erkin.

The title chase was whittled down to a two-horse race with Bursa’s loss against Antalyaspor. Kenny Miller and Jozy Altidore were both on target but Antalya’s late come-back left the Green Crocodiles fourteen points from the summit.

The reigning champions may still have a say in deciding where their trophy goes this year when they travel to Trabzon this weekend.

And finally...

The Turkish Cup took centre stage last week with Besiktas all but confirming their place in the final. Their 3-0 first leg lead over Gaziantepspor should be enough to keep them on their way to European qualification.

They will of course have to overcome Istanbul B.B or Genclerbirligi should they get to the final. Besiktas will be hoping Gencler’s 1-1 draw in Istanbul will prove to be the key when the two teams meet up next Thursday with Istanbul B.B having already scored a double over the Black Eagles in the league.

The blog's prediction: a Besiktas-Istanbul B.B final, with Besiktas to win.

Results Kasimpasa 0-1 Besiktas, Galatasaray 0-1 Trabzonspor, Gaziantepspor 3-2 Ankaragucu, Genclerbirligi 4-1 Kayserispor, Istanbul BB 1-2 Sivasspor, Bucaspor 2-1 Karabukspor, Eskisehirspor 1-3 Fenerbahce, Konyaspor 0-0 Manisaspor, Bursaspor 2-3 Antalyaspor.

Bursa's returned favour lets Trabzon pull away as Cimbom call an election

2011-04-06T16:29:00Z

Now, as many of you will remember, it was Trabzonspor who gifted Bursaspor their first ever Super Lig title by holding Fenerbahce to a draw on the final day of last season

It is therefore a touch ironic that eleven months on the favour has been returned by Bursa - themselves seemingly out of the championship race - with the reigning champions drawing 0-0 at Fenerbahce this weekend.

A home win for title-chasing Fener had looked like a formality on paper but the match was very much a different affair.

Fenerbahce came into the game off the back of the derby win at Galatasaray, and their 10 match winning streak meant they piled on the pressure straight from the off.

However, confident in the knowledge that they had won at the Sukru Saracoglu last season, Bursa had the best of the early chances through Kenny Miller and Ozan Ipek.

The home side had three soft penalty claims waved away by referee Kuddusi Muftuoglu as they struggled to break down their opponents.

Even Alex De Souza, so many times the hero this season, was unable to grab the goal that would have kept Fener level on points with Trabzonspor.

The leaders needed just one goal to overcome relegation battling Konyaspor. Umut Bulut was the hero of the day as he marked his 100th goal after a four week wait that had seen him denied by post, goal-keeper and his own players.

He couldn’t have wished for an easier goal after Burak Yilmaz was put through on goal and politely squared for his captain to slot into the empty net.

Now two points ahead at the top, Trabzon travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray this coming weekend.

Their first visit to the Turk Telekom Arena was made easier by the news that no fans will be allowed to attend the match. The TFF decided to close the stadium after a glass bottle was thrown at Fenerbahce’s Volkan Demirel during the derby two weeks ago. Advantage Trabzon, you'd imagine.

At the bottom of the league things are really beginning to hot up as well. Sivas gave themselves some breathing space with a hard-earned win over the ever frustrating Besiktas.

Given their huge spending, Besiktas have arguably been the biggest let down of the season. Seventh in the league and out of the Europa League, Guti & Co. are left only with the domestic cup to salvage some sort of pride and, more importantly, guarantee their place in Europe next season.

As it was, Cihan Yilmaz’s 92nd minute goal was enough to put Sivas eight points clear of the relegation zone and spark wild celebrations which included a spot of...bowling?

The only sour note of their weekend will have been the news of Kasimpasa’s shock win at Kayserispor.

Shot Arvaladze’s side had lost just one home game all season and will be wondering quite how his side lost to a team that had previously picked up just six points away from home.

This all meant that Konyaspor were left propping up the league for the first time this season. Eleven points from safety and without a win in twelve games, their fate seems to be sealed despite fixtures against Kasimpasa and Sivas still to come.

Sivas have the upper hand, no doubt, but Bucaspor and Kasimpasa will not be ruling themselves out just yet and, with all many of the teams at the bottom still to play each other, it could be a very interesting few weeks.

And Finally...

For once the last, and very much least, mention goes to Galatasaray, who slumped to their 13th loss of the season. Yes, a 3-0 defeat at Antalyaspor meant that they now hold the record for the most games lost in a single season by one of the Istanbul’s big three. It’s a record they are unlikely to live down for a while, and a loss that has caused Chairman Adnan Polat to announce a general election in May. Monday night’s performance simply summed up their season and changes at the top are a must if they are to come back strong next season.

Weekend Results Antalyaspor 3-0 Galatasaray, Fenerbahce 0-0 Bursaspor, Istanbul BB 2-1 Bucaspor, Kayserispor 1-3 Kasimpasa, Manisaspor 0-3 Genclerbirligi, Ankaragucu 2-2 Eskisehirspor, Karabukspor 3-2 Gaziantepspor, Sivasspor 1-0 Besiktas, Trabzonspor 1-0 Konyaspor

The emergency goal-scorer sends Galatasaray into rehab on Derby day

2011-03-23T11:36:00Z

It was unusually comfortable, there was no sound of fingers on keyboards and I was surrounded by celebrities. When you swap Press Box for VIP box, this is the norm.

Now back to reality, the blog’s weekend of stadium hopping is over and I’m back in front of my keyboard to tell you all about it.

Friday night was Derby night. Matches between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are never ‘normal’ and this was to be no exception.

Once in the Arena and ‘seated’ (perched on the arm rest of a seat due to overcrowding in the box), it was show time.

Seizing on the visitors’ slow start, Cimbom took the lead through Colin-Kazim Richards.

The Ex-Fenerbahce midfielder slammed home after Milan Baros’s shot was blocked by Volkan and, showing the class and conduct of a Sunday league player, ran straight to his former club’s bench to celebrate under their noses.

Any closer and he would have been sat on the bench...feeling a sense of Déjà-Vu at the same time maybe.

Cimbom’s hard work in keeping the midfield tight was paying off and Aykut Kocaman threw caution to the wind, withdrawing Selcuk Sahin for Semih Senturk at half time.

With another man for the defence to mark, Alex De Souza began to find more space to manoeuvre and suddenly Fenerbahce began to tick.

Sure enough, as the clocked ticked on to 76 minutes, Fenerbahce were level. Lucas Neill was penalised for handball and Alex floated in an exquisite free kick which Semih had no problems heading into the back of the net.

The Turkish striker, with nine goals to his name, has been labelled the ‘emergency goal-scorer’ after making a habit of coming on to score crucial goals. This could prove to be the most crucial.

From there on in both sides had chances to win the match. Arda Turan looked lively and twice got behind the Fener back line but, reminiscent of their indifferent season, it was to be the visitors who left the TT Arena with all three points.

With just minutes left, Gokhan Gonul raced down the right flank gesturing to his team mates to fill the box and, as his cross floated in, Alex rose perfectly to head in his 19th goal of the season.

It was the last straw for the home fans who swiftly headed for the exits without so much as a ‘boo’, leaving the players in blue and yellow to celebrate with the 3,000 travelling fans.

On Saturday, the blog set out on a trip to the Inonu Stadium.

Besiktas, having accepted the resignation of Bernd Schuster this week, were under the guidance of former assistant manager Tayfur Havutcu for the visit of Kayserispor.

Havutcu captained the side which won a league and cup double in the clubs centenary year and was greeted by a large banner reading ‘Captain of our 100th year, fly the Eagles back to the top’.

It was a touching start and although it took them 45 minutes to warm up, Besiktas were certainly flying in the second period.

A goal down at the break, Hugo Almeida headed in the equaliser just moments after coming on.

Moments later Fabian Ernst then put the home side ahead before Ricardo Quaresma scored the goal of the game with a trademark ‘Trivela’ shot.

Kayseri’s late penalty was merely a consolation with Quaresma again setting up Almeida for his second and Besiktas’s fourth in injury time.

It was a much needed morale boost for the club who will be looking to the domestic cup in order to qualify for Europe - a must if they are to keep the likes of Guti, Quaresma and Simao happy.

On Sunday, Trabzonspor came back from a goal down to keep their title hopes very much alive.

On a soaked pitch in Ankara, Genclerbirligi went into the break with a 1-0 advantage after Cem Can’s long range shot fooled goalkeeper Tolga.

However, as they have done so many times this season, Trabzon rallied to level the scores early in the second half through Giray’s header.

Senol Gunes introduced Alanzinho at half time and the tiny Brazilian, repeating his feat of two weeks ago at Manisa, sealed the three points with just minutes left to play.

Trabzonspor seem in no mood to let Fenerbahce out of their sights with both teams neck a neck on 60 points.

I never thought I’d say this but thank heavens for the international break.

We can finally take a moment to breathe before it all gets going again!

And finally...

Galatasaray may have set the record for the loudest decibel reading at a sports stadium but they also equalled an unwanted record in the process. Their 13th loss of the campaign means they are just one more blank away from holding the record of the most games lost in a season between Istanbul’s ‘Big Three’.

With a potential stadium closure looming after a glass bottle was thrown onto the pitch, it will take a huge effort if this is to be avoided. Only the three teams in the relegation zone have lost more games this season...

Breaking news: Galatasaray have sacked manager Gheorghe Hagi after just five months in charge.

RESULTS Galatasaray 1–2 Fenerbahce, Besiktas 4–2 Kayserispor, Kasimpasa 1–0 Manisaspor, Bucaspor 0–4 Sivasspor, Genclerbirligi 1–2 Trabzonspor, Bursaspor 0–0 Ankaragucu, Gaziantepspor 4–1 Istanbul B.B, Eskisehirspor 1–0 Karabukspor, Konyaspor 0–0 Antalyaspor

Puffed chests, crying and ultimatums – it’s Derby Week!

2011-03-15T11:51:00Z

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No not Christmas. It’s DERBY WEEK!

Like peacocks parading around a shire hall, the pre-derby weekend provides a perfect opportunity for Fenerbahce and Galatasaray to puff out their chests, take a deep breath, and scream "I’m READYYY!"

Unfortunately for Cimbom, two goals in the last five minutes at Ankaragucu meant that the only smoke to be seen was probably coming out of Adnan Polat’s ears as he left Ankara. The Galatasaray chairman, furious with his team’s performance, boycotted the team plane and instead endured a five hour return to Istanbul, by car.

Having twice taken the lead, only to lose 3-2, Gheorghe Hagi gathered his players on Monday to warn them that, in the event of a loss against Fenerbahce, there will be a growing list of personnel, including himself, whose futures at the club will be beyond repair.

Hagi’s days at Cimbom are numbered, there is no doubting that, but there is a reluctance to sack the Romanian before a long-term replacement is established.

Friday’s derby (Don’t get me started on that decision) will be the first at the new Turk Telekom Arena and, with the incentive of potentially denting Fener’s title chase, a packed crowd is expected as always.

Many will remember a similar situation in 2007 when, with Fenerbahce already confirmed as Champions and Cimbom stuttering, the home supporters set about tearing up the stadium in protest.

Everybody will of course be hoping those scenes are not repeated but, with so much riding on the game for both sides, to say the atmosphere will be intense would be doing it an injustice.

On the other side of Istanbul Fenerbahce endured a bitter sweet pre-derby weekend despite their ninth consecutive league win.

Goals from Niang and Semih Senturk made light work of Konyaspor but it was a victory soured when Emre left the field, in tears, and on a stretcher.

The former Galatasaray midfielder evidently realised the severity of his injury and scans on Monday confirmed he will miss at least two weeks.

None the less, Aykut Kocaman was boosted by the return of Selcuk Sahin in training and the midfielder will more than likely slot in to replace Emre while Issiar Dia is expected to shake of a niggle that kept him out of Sunday’s win.

Trabzonspor will be keeping a beady eye on Friday’s proceedings knowing that any slip up could allow them to regain top spot. Jaja’s lone goal was enough to see off bottom of the league Kasimpasa in a game which had to be stopped due to events in the away fans section.

Trabzon will see out the season without goalkeeper Onur Kivrak. The international keeper has been one of Senol Gunes’s star performers this season but suffered a painful knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for up to 5 months!

From five, to four, to three and now is seems the title race has become a two-horse affair.

Bursaspor once again dropped points and left their hopes of defending the league hanging by a boot string. The reigning champions are now seven points off the top two and have taken just six points in their last five games.

At the bottom Konya’s worries were deepened with Sivasspor and Bucaspor both winning against top five opposition. With Kasimpasa seemingly down and out, Konyaspor now lie six points from the safety zone ahead of a relegation ‘six-pointer’ between Bucaspor and Sivas this Sunday.

And Finally...

Should Galatasaray lose to Fenerbahce this weekend, they will equal the record for the most games lost in a single season by any of Istanbul’s ‘Big Three’. Fenerbahce’s record of 13 from the 87/88 season still remains unmatched while Besiktas came close when they lost 12 matches over the course of 97/98.

Results Ankaragucu 3-2 Galatasaray, Antalyaspor 0-0 Genclerbirligi, Bucaspor 2-1 Gaziantepspor, Fenerbahce 2-0 Konyaspor, Sivasspor 1-0 Kayserispor, Istanbul BB 0-2 Eskisehirspor, Karabukspor 1-1 Bursaspor, Trabzonspor 1-0 Kasimpasa, Manisaspor 0-0 Besiktas

Brawling Baros, Awesome Alex and Naughty Necip

2011-03-03T12:16:00Z

Type, delete, type, delete, type, delete. After a weekend of so much entertainment, so much controversy and so much ridicule, it seems the blog is, for once, lost for words.

Let’s start with the naughty. In an attempt to save himself for the visit of Trabzonspor next weekend, Besiktas’s Necip Uysal could face a fine following his ‘deliberate’ dismissal last weekend. Having already been cautioned during the Eagles 2-0 win at Antalyaspor, Necip’s decision to kick the ball away to waste a few seconds seemed silly enough.

Yet it turned out to be even sillier when TV replays showed him wacing an imaginary card towards his own bench, seconds before hoofing the ball into the distance.

Also caught on camera was the flying object that struck referee Yunus Yildirim following Trabzon’s tussle with Kayserispor.

The home fans were evidently ticked-off with a number of decisions that didn’t quite go their way during the 3-3 draw – a result which saw Trabzon drop down to second for the first time since October 7.

Markus Merk later laid down the law on Lig TV, stating that Yildirim was right in all of his decisions, before giving the referee ‘top marks’ for his performance.

Trabzon’s draw was good news for Fenerbahce, who plodded to their seventh consecutive league win against Kasimpasa. Hardly convincing, but none the less effective, Alex De Souza’s 17th goal of the season set the new league leaders on their way. Kasimpasa later had a penalty saved by Volkan before Issiar Dia sealed the win in the second half.

Over in Europe, Galatasaray set a club record in flopping to a 3-1 defeat to Istanbul B.B. An 11th loss of the season surpassed their previous league record of 10 in a single season, with another eleven games still to be played.

Cimbom had never lost to Istanbul B.B and in the aftermath of the defeat frustrations boiled over, with Milan Baros and Juan Culio involved in a dressing room bust up.

Baros has painted a frustrated figure over the past few weeks and seemed in no mood to talk when forced in front of the cameras to issue a public apology along with Culio.

Cimbom’s season went from bad to worse on Wednesday night when they were eliminated from the Turkish cup. Having reminded his players that the cup represented their only hope of European qualification this year, Hagi could do nothing but watch on as they were held to a 0-0 (2-3 agg) draw in the return leg.

A small group of fans promptly gathered outside the club’s training ground to 'welcome' the players with sarcastic applause, but this blogger has a funny feeling it may take more than a ripple of ironic applause to turn this season around.

And finally...

Sercan Yildirim looks set leave Bursaspor for Lokomotiv Moscow after agreeing personal terms with the Russian side. The 20-year old has struggled for form this season and has fallen out of favour following the transfers of Kenny Miller and Jozy Altidore. Bursaspor have agreed a fee in the region of €5.2 million – most of which will presumably be to cover Miller’s wages...

Results Istanbul B.B 3-1 Galatasaray, Fenerbahce 2-0 Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor 0-2 Besiktas, Trabzonspor 3-3 Kayserispor, Bucaspor 0-2 Bursaspor, Ankaragucu 2-4 Genclerbirligi, Gaziantepspor 2-1 Eskisehirspor, Karabukspor 2-1 Konyaspor, Sivasspor 4-2 Manisaspor.

Ferrari's moment of madness costs Besiktas in 'Super Derby'

2011-02-23T16:13:00Z

Call me a pessimist, but with Sunday's Besiktas/Fenerbahce derby being billed as the ‘Super Derby’, this blog couldn’t help but think it was going to be a letdown. Boy was I wrong!

Using the words of wise old Markus Merk on Lig TV, tweed jacket ‘n’ all, Fenerbahce’s 4-2 win at the Inonu Stadium was "The best match of the season so far. End-to-end entertainment and a game that will be remembered for a long time."

Alex De Souza’s second half hat-trick put Besiktas to the sword and completed a miserable week for the Black Eagles following their 4-1 humbling at home to Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League.

It had all looked so good for the home side when *** Dag and Ibrahim Toraman cancelled out Necip’s early own goal.

With the score at 2-1, Hugo Almeida had an incredible chance to put the game beyond doubt. Lacking all the composure in the world, the Portuguese striker struck his shot close to Volkan who got down low to palm it away. Would Fenerbahce have come back from 3-1 down? Highly unlikely.

However, while Almeidas’s chance could have changed the game, Matteo Ferrari actually went and did it.

The Italian defender had spent most of the previous sixty minutes almost wrestling with Diego Lugano in an attempt to stop the centre back getting on the end of any set pieces.

However, following his lucky escape minutes earlier, Ferrari took it one step too far and was rightly shown red after a strong right elbow. Alex’s penalty put Fenerbahce back on level terms and on their way to a sixth consecutive league win.

An eventful day at the Inonu was topped off with reports that tables were broken inside the director’s box. Handbags were also out in the Besiktas dressing room following the game, although the blog feels that could have just been Guti showing off his selection of man-bags.

If Fenerbahce’s win at Besiktas was good, Gaziantepspor’s win at Bursaspor was spectacular.

Just last week, yours truly gave a special mention to the boys at Antep who have not lost in the league since December, and continued their rise with a 4-1 win at the current league champions.

Tolunay Kafkas looks to have unearthed a new gem in the form of 19-year old Cenk Tosun. Having joined in January from Frankfurt, the striker is already making a big name for himself with four goals in four games. An international call up is reportedly just around the corner and, following his brace at Bursa, Antep will surely have to fight off the big boys when the transfer market re-opens this summer.

Speaking of big boys, Trabzonspor showed they are still just that - coming back from a goal down to beat in form Manisaspor on Monday night.

With Fenerbahce temporarily above them, Senol Gunes will have had a job on his hands convincing his players that they still deserve top spot.

Jimmy Dixon’s header put Manisa ahead however, Trabzon are top for a reason, and Umut Bulut’s goal early in the second half restored confidence before Alanzinho’s 85th minute strike sent the visitors wild.

All this kerfuffle means Trabzon maintain their two point lead over Fenerbahce, who in turn stretch their lead over Bursaspor to three points.

I warned you this title race would be going all the way, and if this weekend is anything to go by, it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss out on!

And Finally...

Eskisehirspor’s young striker Batuhan Karadeniz is making a name for himself as a bit of a bad boy. A Turkish version of Mario Balotelli, if you like.

Having already lost his driving license, run away from pre-season camp, argued with police and caused mayhem in bars, Batuhan was most recently fined a club record 60,000TL for his red card against Bursaspor.

So what does the 20 year old do? He goes out and buys himself a Lamborghini, of course!

Turning up to training in his new toy, the ‘superstar’ quipped "I only use two gears because I don’t have enough money for the petrol." Kids, eh?

RESULTS Besiktas 2-4 Fenerbahce, Galatasaray 1-0 Bucaspor, Bursaspor 1-4 Gaziantepspor, Manisaspor 1-2 Trabzonspor, Kayserispor 2-0 Antalyaspor, Konyaspor 0-0 Istanbul BB, Genclerbirligi 2-3 Karabukspor, Kasimpasa 2-1 Ankaragucu, Eskisehirspor 2-1 Sivasspor.

It’s all rosy at Fenerbahce as Besiktas show their captain the back door

2011-02-16T13:12:00Z

Ah, Valentine’s Day - as depressing for some as it is heart-warming for others. However, while this blogger may have been left empty handed on Monday, I knew there was one love who wouldn’t let me down, the Turkish Super Lig - and in true Valentines style it was a weekend full of tiffs, heart-break and of course love!

Fenerbahce provided every male fan with a present that no partner could provide in the form of three points and a fourth consecutive win.

The players handed out roses prior to the match to show their true love and appreciation – feelings they failed to show towards their quickly dispatched opponents!

Mama Niang opened the scoring with his 12th goal of the season in just the second minute. Eighteen minutes later it was love at first sight for Diego Lugano and the back of the net as he headed home from Alex’s corner to seal the game before half time.

Fener’s form will have pleased Aykut Kocaman who spent the week negotiating a contract extension for club captain Alex. The Brazilian signed a two year bumper on his current contract which will keep him in Istanbul until 2012.

All the love and happiness at Fenerbahce is bad news for city rivals Besiktas, who will be preparing to face the arch enemy this weekend and host Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League on Thursday.

Their preparations were rocked yesterday with the news that the club had cancelled the contract of captain Ibrahim Uzulmez 'with immediate effect’. Uzulmez was reported to have been involved in a half-time altercation with Ibrahim Toraman during their 1-0 loss at Ankaragucu.

Ex Besiktas winger Serdar Ozkan doing his best to hold back his smile...

The same two players were involved in a similar incident in 2008 during a pre-season tour with both players suspended at the time. It seems this time Toraman has been favoured and Uzulmez’s 11 year spell at Besiktas has come to an abrupt end.

Mind you, he won’t be fussed, given that Uzulmez translates as ‘won’t suffer’ the blog has little feeling he’ll be juuust fine!

There was a happy end to a lot of suffering for Trabzonspor who overcame freezing temperatures, and Sivasspor, to restore some much needed morale and maintain a two-point advantage at the top. After three games without a win it looked like it was going to be another day of disappointment for Senol Gunes when Yanick Kamanan levelled the scores at 2-2.

That was just one minute before Sivas proved why they are in the relegation zone by allowing Gustavo Colman to loft a pass over the defence, straight from the re-start, for Burak Yilmaz to score. Tut tut.

Second place Bursaspor became third place Bursaspor after a 1-1 draw with Eskisehirspor. Kenny Miller found himself in the wrong penalty and the wrong side of his man - resulting in Sezer Ozturk’s equaliser from the spot to cancel out Ivan Ergic’s opener.
And finally...

A little mention here for Manisaspor and Gaziantepspor. With so much attention current revolving around the title race, these two teams have quietly gone about their business and now find themselves in fifth (Gaziantepspor) and seventh (Manisa). Antep overcame Galatasaray this weekend while Manisa’s 4-1 win at Antalyaspor has put them within one point of Besiktas in sixth. Well done young sirs!

RESULTS Fenerbahce 2-0 Kayserispor, Ankaragucu 1-0 Besiktas, Antalyaspor 1-4 Manisaspor, Eskisehirspor 1-1 Bursaspor, Karabukspor 1-3 Kasimpasa, Bucaspor 3-2 Konyaspor, Gaziantepspor 1-0 Galatasaray, Istanbul BB 0-1 Genclerbirligi, Sivasspor 2-3 Trabzonspor.

Hagi's cake, Galatasaray's world record & the goal that never was

2011-02-09T10:16:00Z

A lovers tiff between the media and a club manager? Who’d have thought it...?

When Gheorghe Hagi strolled into his post-match press conference you’d have been forgiven for thinking he was going to be in high spirits. After all, his team had just beaten Eskisehirspor 4-2.

Quite the contrary. Alas, it was not a touch-line fracas, a disallowed goal, not even a dodgy sending off. The reason the Galatasaray manager was so annoyed was...drum roll...the media had forgotten his birthday! No, really...I’m serious!

Come Tuesday, Hagi’s smile was shining bright when presented with a cake on behalf of the media, who thought it better to stay on the Romanian’s good side. Hagi thanked them for their effort.

There will be no cake being sent to referee Kamil Abitoglu any time soon, after he failed to notice a clear goal which deprived Besiktas of a much needed three points on Saturday. Hugo Almeida’s shot bounced down off the underside of the crossbar and landed a fair few inches over the line – something that neither the referee nor his assistant were able to see.

Had the goal been given, Besiktas would have nicked a 2-1 victory and kept their slim, slim, slim hopes of a league title alive. As it was, Karabukspor left the Inonu stadium celebrating what was still a fully deserved draw.

At the top of the table - somewhere Besiktas and Galatasaray have not been for a while - Trabzonspor continued their awful start to the second half of the season.

The league leaders have thrown away a five point advantage and now lead the table solely on goal difference. Their home draw with Antalyaspor saw Bursaspor go level on points and allowed Fenerbahce to close the gap to just two.

Kenny Miller’s 88th minute strike, his second in as many games, put Bursa joint top on Friday night while Fener sealed their fourth consecutive league win with a hard-fought victory at Manisaspor. Despite going behind, the Canaries came back to win thanks to goals from Alex, Niang and Issiar Dia.

Given that neither of the three teams in contention have European or domestic cup football to worry about, the title race is warming up nicely and will be one of the most intriguing in recent years. For Besiktas and Galatasaray, the importance will presumably be on regaining pride via the domestic cup - should they both make it to the final of course.

Despite being at the quarter final stage this is the blog's first EVER mention of the Turkish Cup, a silence based on a general feeling of resentment towards the competitions new format.

While the majority of European leagues enjoy the ‘magic of the cup’ with a straight knock-out system, the Turkish FA has continued its Europa League style group stage to ensure the top teams have the biggest chance of progressing.

It’s obviously a system that is not working, given that the top four teams in the league all failed to make it to the knock-outs and two teams in the relegation zone did, but anyway, the blog still objects!

And finally...

Galatasaray broke the record for the longest banner this weekend with 315m long strip of canvas stretching around the Turk Telekom Arena. It measured 15m longer than the previous record held by Barcelona and read:

''106 years of history, unrivalled achievements, a team who’s museum boasts twice as many cups as their rivals, Turkey's most successful team against non-Turkish opposition, pride of its country, owner of a Uefa and European Super Cup, the pride of the world’s biggest fan group UltrAslan, a mark of culture since 1481, the cradle of sport since 1905: Galatasaray"

Or something along those lines....

RESULTS Bursaspor 2-1 Sivasspor, Kasimpasa 1-3 Istanbul Buyuksehir, Besiktas 1-1 Karabukspor, Kayserispor 2-1 Ankaragucu, Manisaspor 1-3 Fenerbahce, Konyaspor 0-2 Gaziantepspor, Trabzonspor 0-0 Antalyaspor, Genclerbirligi 1-0 Bucaspor, Galatasaray 4-2 Eskisehirspor.

The fan-punching boss, the scoring Scot and the former teenage prodigy

2011-02-02T13:10:00Z

I’m going to break a handful of rules from the Idiot's Guide to Journalism and start this blog with a video.

A picture paints a thousand words, and this video may have been watched by more than 150,000 people, but it certainly doesn't explain the whole story of a quite incredible day in Ankara.

Former Fenerbahce captain Umit Ozat was forced into retirement in 2008 after he collapsed on the pitch playing for Cologne in Germany. He then joined up with Roger Lemerre at Ankaragucu before taking over as manager in the summer of 2010.

The video above shows Ozat flooring an unhappy fan who was trying to do what a lot of fans have wanted to for almost a year. Then, having knocked him to the floor, Ozat attempted to stamp on the 21-year-old university student's head.

As if that wasn’t enough to have the media squirming like little girls at a school disco, they then witnessed Manisaspor manager Hikmet Karaman turning up to his post-match press conference wearing an Ankaragucu scarf. The former Ankaragucu boss went on to praise the clubs' fans and claimed that "people should know when it’s time to pack up and leave" – something he has done with a lot of clubs.

In response, Ozat blubbered that he had never "kissed anyone’s hand to stay" and that the board, despite having received his resignation, had asked him to continue.

It was all too much for some (despite Ozat offering to fund the bruised student’s education) and Sabah lead with the headline "Embarrassed in Europe" after the event reached the back pages of France, Italy, Germany and Spain to name a few.

Meanwhile, as Don King prepared to sign up Turkey’s latest talented boxer, there were two VERY important matches to be settled.

On Saturday, Bursaspor disposed of free-falling Galatasaray thanks to Kenny Miller’s first goal and a front runner for howler of the season by goalkeeper Ufuk Ceylan. It was a result that left Cimbom way down in ninth, putting even a European finish in doubt, and pushed Bursa within two points of the summit.

Bursa’s win all but added the pressure on Senol Gunes and his Trabzon side who were in Istanbul to face Fenerbahce. It was of course Trabzon who held Fenerbahce in this fixture last season and prevented their opposition from league glory on the final day.

Well aware that a loss could put them out of the title race this year, the Fenerbahce players set about their opponents like a pack of hungry wolves, leaving no blade of grass uncovered and suffocating the Trabzon midfield. Much to the delight of the home crowd Diego Lugano’s header followed by Mamadou Niang's deft finish effectively sealed the game after 23 minutes.

Trabzon were handed a potential lifeline in the 65th minute when Selcuk Sahin received his marching orders for two yellow cards – but Arkadiusz Glowacki ensured a stress free finish when he also saw red. The Polish defender – a first-half substitute – received two cautions in as many minutes and scuppered any chance of a late comeback while Fener’s win closed the gap to just four points.

They may be four points behind but Fenerbahce will have gained a lot of confidence from the weekend and, if they can sort out their poor away form, will most certainly be near the top come May.

Bursaspor have experienced league success and never gave up last season despite trailing Fenerbahce in the run in. It will be interesting to see if this Trabzonspor side, who have looked much stronger mentally under Senol Gunes, will be able to recover after taking just one point from their first two games following the winter break.

And finally, here's a question for you – Can you name the youngest scorer in MLS history? If you got it right, you might now be thinking: Whatever happened to Freddy Adu?
Well now I can tell you. He has joined Turkish second division outfit Caykur Rizespor. The former poster boy of US soccer never quite lived up to his billing as a teenage superstar. Obviously fame as a 14-year-old has its downfalls and six years on, following spells at Benfica, Monaco and Aris, the striker has opted for Turkey. Still just 21, the blog wishes him the world of luck – it might just be what he needs!

Weekend results: Eskisehirspor 1-0 Konyaspor, Ankaragucu 1-3 Manisaspor, Fenerbahce 2-0 Trabzonspor, Gaziantepspor 1-1 Genclerbirligi, Istanbul BB 2-1 Besiktas, Bucaspor 4-0 Kasimpasa, Bursaspor 2-0 Galatasaray, Karabukspor 0-0 Kayserispor, Sivasspor 1-1 Antalyaspor

Follow Turkish Delights writer Sefa Atay on Twitter and check out his Travel Guide to Istanbul

Besiktas investment paying off, but Miller can't spur on Bursa

2011-01-25T10:35:00Z

A mistake made by many is to presume that money will guarantee success. Just ask Florentino Perez over in Madrid.

However, if Friday night’s opener to the second half of the Turkish Super Lig was anything to go by, it seems Besiktas owner Yildirim Demiroren has got his money spot on this time around.

Besiktas hosted Bucaspor with new signings Hugo Almeida and Simao Sabrosa both given starting places by Bernd Schuster. What happened next appeared almost a formality as Besiktas, thanks to two goals from Guti and yet another dazzling performance by Ricky Quaresma, set about smashing five past their hapless opponents.

Simao was on target with Guti’s brace matched, and bettered, by Mert Nobre’s Hernandez-like back-header.

It was just the start everybody expected from the Black Eagles, and exactly what Besiktas themselves will have hoped for as they optimistically attempt to close what was a 14 point gap to leaders Trabzonspor – a gap reduced to 12 points by the end of the weekend with Trabzon stumbling at home to Ankaragucu.

The league leaders were good value for their money during the first half of the season and manager Senol Gunes was quick to bat away any suggestions of shaky nerves following their 1-1 draw.

With one beady eye on a potentially title deciding weekend trip to Fenerbahce, Gunes reeled off a lengthy press conference, repeated himself many times and did all but push the big red panic button under his desk before his seat shot out of the roof and into infinity.

Fenerbahce were lifted, quite literally, by Gokhan Gonul’s perfectly weighted goal which ensured a 1-0 win at Antalyaspor. It was hardly a performance that oozed class but a statement of confidence was issued with all the players running to surround manager Aykut Kocaman following the goal.

It’s been a turbulent first season in charge for one of the clubs most favoured former players and with speculation about his future rife once again, the message to the big wigs was loud and clear.

Bursaspor’s 0-0 draw at Konyaspor allowed Fener to close the gap between second and third to just two points. Kenny Miller made his first appearance following his ‘career’ move – please, no mention of the words week or £50,000 – but even his presence was not enough to spur on the Bursa attack.

In Istanbul, Galatasaray played host to Sivasspor in the first league game at the sparkling Turk Telekom Arena. Servet Cetin was the unlikely hero as the giant defender poked home on 74 minutes to the delight, and presumably shock, of his own fans.

And finally, as a parting gift, I leave you with the latest video that has been circling the social media networks. Anyone hazard a guess as to why Galatasaray chose to get rid of Ali Turan this month?

RESULTS Kayserispor 3-2 Istanbul BB, Galatasaray 1-0 Sivasspor, Kasimpasa 0-1 Gaziantepspor, Konyaspor 0-0 Bursaspor, Antalyaspor 0-1 Fenerbahce, Genclerbirligi 0-1Eskisehirspor, Manisaspor 4-2 Karabukspor, Trabzonspor 1-1 Ankaragucu, Besiktas 5-1 Bucaspor

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Turkish Delights' Super Lig Awards 2010

2011-01-12T13:45:00Z

After a more than adequate break, the Turkish Super Lig gets back underway this weekend and what better a way to celebrate its return than to take a look back at the best...and worst of the first half of the season? May the Super Lig Awards 2010 begin!

Best Team –Trabzonspor

The Black Sea Storm are doing exactly what their name suggests by throwing around every team that steps into their path. A healthy five point lead was established going into the break after a first half that included a 7-0 away win at Kasimpasa and a 6-1 drubbing of Sivasspor. Not to mention wins over Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Bursaspor.

Top Gaffer – Senol Gunes

Having taken Trabzon to cup glory last year and helping Bursaspor to the league title with a draw at Fenerbahce on the last day of the season, Senol Gunes is hoping to go one better with a league title. Hero-like status awaits with Trabzon’s last league title coming in 1984...no pressure then!

The ‘stop me if you can’ award for best player – Alex De Souza

If this is to be his last year then he sure seems likely to go out with a bang. A stuttering Fenerbahce have had their captain to thank on numerous occasions and the Brazilian is currently leading the goal scoring charts with 12 goals plus countless assists. One of the greatest players to ever grace the league, a player capable of producing the incredible, Alex will live long in the memory for years to come.

The ‘I’m the boss and this is why’ award for top Chairman – Yildirim Demiroren

As far as top name signings go Yildirim Demiroren has outdone himself, and the rest of the league, once again after signing Guti and Ricardo Quaresma last summer Besiktas seemed set to challenge...no, really.

However, a poor first half was clearly not good enough and Demiroren has dug deep into his pockets, presumably full of Euros, to bring in not one but three Portuguese internationals.

Simao has jumped on the wagon from Madrid with Manuel Fernandes and Hugo Almeida completing the trio. Currently 14 points adrift, the new stars will have to hit the ground running if Besiktas are to challenge from 5th place.

The ‘Don’t bank on us’ award for epic failure – Bursaspor in Europe

Five games lost, two goals scored, one point and a -14 goal difference. A well deserved award!

The ‘Sorry? Remind me who you are again’ Award for surprising efficiency – Karabukspor

It’s not often a promoted team ends the first half of the season in the top 10, let alone in sixth place and just six points from a European finish. Some impressive home displays have seen Karabuk more than hold their own and in Emmanuel Emenike they have a striker destined for a big money move this summer (if not in January). With Galatasaray hovering, holding on to the 12 goal Nigerian will be the clubs biggest worry over the next few weeks. A great debut season achievement none the less!

The ‘What on earth are you thinking’ award for transfer lunacy – Galatasaray

Failing to hold on to Elano may not have been entirely the clubs fault, but signing Colin Kazim Richards from Fenerbahce, after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent, certainly was.

Quite what Cimbom were thinking when they decided to sign Cristiano Ronal....Sorry, Kazim Richards, is anyone’s guess. Will I be eating my words come May? I very much doubt it...

The Lifetime Achievement award – Ali Sami Yen Stadium

It may be crumbling, missing a number of seats and in desperate need of a lick of paint but there is only one place that comes to mind when you read the words ‘Welcome to Hell’.

The Ali Sami Yen stadium will write its name into the folklore of Turkish football with a last hoo-rah before Galatasaray’s move to their brand spanking Turk Telekom Arena.

Cimbom’s cup game against Sekerspor is hardly the glamour send off the stadium duly deserves so I will leave it to the video experts at TubeYou to remind us of just how welcoming Hell actually is – with the help of some familiar faces!

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The good, the bad and the down-right ridiculous of the Süper Lig

2010-12-16T10:27:00Z

The Good

Trabzonspor

The league leaders, and deservedly so. Senol Gunes’ men once again proved their title credentials with a battling win at Istanbul B.B. Under Gunes, Burak Yilmaz has looked twice the player who was sold by Fenerbahce last season and helped himself to a brace before Umut Bulut secured the win. Five points ahead of their closest rivals, a fantastic following and an experienced manager – there is seemingly no stopping them!

Trabzonspor fans

What do you get when you mix 50,000 Trasbzonspor fans, a huge stadium and a league leading side. Oh, and did I mention this was an away fixture for Trabzonspor - over 1,000km from home...

Yildirim Demiroren

Following the transfers of Guti and Quaresma, the Besiktas chairman has impressed everybody and pulled another rabbit out of his very deep hat. Highly rated midfielder Manuel Fernandes has joined from Valencia and will restore some much needed bite to the Black Eagles. He is the first of a Portuguese hat-trick reported to be on its way with Simao and Hugo Almeida’s arrivals ‘imminent’....

Karabukspor

While the prize for ‘Surprise package’ could potentially be given to a number of sleazy Super Lig players, the blog will resist in order to congratulate Karabukspor in their debut season. As we approach the half way mark, the team from...Karabuk..are currently sitting nicely in sixth position and boast the league’s top goal scorer – Emanuel Emenike. Long may it continue!

The Bad

Guti

As if his little car prang didn’t result in bad enough press, Besiktas’ star man went one step further when he saw red at Eskisehirspor. A rash kick and a ‘book him’ hand signal (video below) provided Goldilocks with an early bath and even had the commentators suggesting ‘It’s as if he is trying to get sent off’.

But why would he do that? It’s not as though his suspension coincides with the start of the winter break, ensuring an extra week off...not at all!

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray

Over £100m worth of talent yet still struggling to win two consecutive games on a regular basis....

Emre Belozoglu v Ankaragucu directors

‘Firstly, some people need to become men’...hardly the first words the Lig TV reporter was expecting when he started a post match interview with Fenerbahce’s tireless midfielder. It later emerged that Emre had become a little ticked off with a certain member of the Ankaragucu board who had said something, to someone, that the Turkish international didn’t like. All a bit too confusing for the blogs little brain not matter how entertaining!

Kayserispor

Two points from their last four games has seen Kayseri drop to fourth place. Before their dip in form, the blogs dark horses were just two points off leaders Trabzonspor. Now? 10 points – sigh!

Ridiculous

Bursa v Kasimpasa

The sight of 22 men running around in the snow is one I thought I’d seen for the last time during a University skiing trip some years ago. While on that occasion there was certainly no lack of ‘balls’, Monday night’s fixture at Bursaspor was like a Where’s Wally? puzzle. The heavy snow that has taken over the country, and Bursa’s lack of an appropriately coloured ball proved quite surreal viewing. At least the home team’s stadium ban meant no fans were present to witness this farce.

El Clasico inspires Manisaspor, while Galatasaray fans get angry

2010-12-02T11:01:00Z

Note pad? Check! Camera? Check! El Clasico? Check!

Without a doubt the single most impressive display of football I have ever seen.

That was of course a reference to Barcelona’s ass-whooping of Real Madrid on Monday night. I was one of the fortunate 100,000 who packed the Camp Nou to witness total football at its ultimate best but also, surprisingly, joined by a number of famous faces from Turkey!

Legendary coach Fatih Terim and Ntv pundit Ridvan Dilmen enjoyed the showpiece occasion along with Television presenter Acun Ilicali.

However, the most notable appearance was from Manisaspor manager Hikmet Karaman. Equipped with video camera and note pad, Karaman was obviously here to learn from the contrasting styles of two top class managers.

‘The difference between the two systems is fascinating. One team passes the ball around in an attempt to tire out their opposition while the other soaks up pressure before breaking into a counter attack’

We can only salute such dedication to the sport, and more so upon hearing that Hikmet was set to board a 6.45am flight to get back to Izmir via Munich, all in order to make Tuesday’s training session.

Back in Turkey this weekend, Besiktas kept themselves in the title race with a hard earned victory over Galatasaray. The Black Eagles had not won at the Ali Sami Yen since the 2002/03 season but snatched a 2-1 win thanks to Guti and Mert Nobre.

It was more bad news for Galatasaray, and not just because Harry Kewell actually scored. Fans ripped up seats in the soon to be demolished stadium before calling for Chairman Adnan Polat to step down.

While reports suggest Elano has been flogged back to Santos, a loss for Cimbom at rock bottom Kasimpasa this weekend could signal the end for some notable others as well.

At the top, leaders Trabzonspor kept their two point advantage over Bursaspor with a comfortable 3-1 win at Gaziantepspor thanks to a Burak Yilmaz brace and Jaja.

The Green Crocodiles put their 6-1 Champions League humbling behind them in beating Kayserispor 2-0 – a game which even saw a goal from Sercan Yildirim. The striker has looked distinctly lost in recent weeks but even Arsene Wenger, at his visually challenged best, could have seen the delight on the striker’s face.

The performance of the week 14 came from this seasons surprise package Karabukspor. Currently in 7th place, the newly promoted side are more than standing their ground in their debut season and promptly put five past Ankaragucu on Sunday.

Emenike’s double took his goal tally to 10 for the season, joint top with Fenerbahce’s Alex, and added more weight to claims that an offer from Galatasaray could be on its way in January.

A goal or two against Fenerbahce this weekend would more than please his possible employers.

WEEK 14 RESULTS Galatasaray 1-2 Besiktas, Istanbul B.B 0-1 Fenerbahce, Karabukspor 5-1 Ankaragucu, Bursaspor 2-0 Kayserispor, Bucaspor 1-0 Antalyaspor, Eskisehirspor 2-1 Manisaspor, Gaziantepspor 1-3 Trabzonspor, Konyaspor 2-2 Kasimpasa, Genclerbirligi 1-1 Sivasspor

One-sided European matches and one-sided training ground scraps

2010-11-26T09:30:00Z

"So how is it that this team managed to win the league last year?" The million dollar question I was asked by a fellow journalist during the Valencia – Bursaspor match on Wednesday evening.

By this point, Bursa were 5-0 down and on their way to a 6-1 drubbing at the Mestalla. The sarcastic nature of the question was well and truly deserved.

Surprisingly, the Turkish side did start well and could have gone ahead if Sercan Yildirim had not choked when through one on one with Moya. I guess this was even more evidence that one of last season’s top strikers is seriously suffering from a lack of form.

From there on in it was all downhill. Juan Mata got the ball rolling from the spot after Omer Erdogan upended Aduriz. Goals from Soldado and Aduriz made it three before Joaquin’s sublime curling effort – all before half time.

A couple of changes to the Bursa back line failed to make any difference and Soldado grabbed his second shortly after the re start.

The travelling faithful, who had by this time become very quiet, were provided with a piece of history to go home with, as Pablo Batalla marked his introduction with Bursa’s first ever European goal.

Dominguez completed the rout and Ertugrul Saglam’s three minute press conference summed up the mood.

The manager was clear with his words and did not hesitate to hold his hands up. “Nobody should feel responsible for this result other than me. We have two games against Kayseri and Besiktas and it’s up to me to prepare my team so we stay in touch with the leaders.”

As if second against third was exciting enough, there is also the small matter of an Istanbul derby on Sunday night.

Before Bursa – Kayseri on Monday evening, Galatasaray and Besiktas will lock horns in the ‘battle of the struggling giants’ with both sides considerably in need of three points.

History does not favour Besiktas, who have lost 11 league matches at the Ali Sami Yen in the last 12 years. Their only win in that period came in 2002/03 when they went onto the claim the league title.

That said, the Black Eagles need not worry about that record too much longer, with Galatasaray moving to their new Turk Telekon Arena (above) in the New Year.

The news from the Cimbom camp is that Arda Turan will not feature as he recovers from a groin operation. However, Gheorghe Hagi was given a boost this week with Milan Baros returning to training. Whether or not he will be available for the weekend is still unknown but promising signs none the less.

Istanbul B.B (5th) and Fenerbahce (4th) meet on Saturday with the victors set take a step closer to the top. Yet things haven’t been entirely smooth in the Fener camp this week.

The high tempo...or shear madness of Fabio Bilica saw a training altercation between the Brazilian and young defender Caner Erkin (below).

However, a bit like Bursa on Wednesday, Caner didn’t seem to put up much of a fight. Perhaps in this instance that was a good thing…

WEEK 14 FIXTURES Friday Eskisehirspor v Manisaspor Saturday Konyaspor v Kasimpasa, Gaziantepspor v Trabzonspor, Genclerbirligi v Sivasspor, Istanbul BB v Fenerbahce Sunday Karabukspor v Ankaragucu, Bucaspor v Antalyaspor, Galatasaray v Besiktas Monday: Bursaspor v Kayserispor

Two milestones for Alex as Bursa close in on unwanted record

2010-11-24T10:15:00Z

Twenty three minutes. The time it took for Alex De Souza - if he hadn’t done so already - to write himself into the history books at Fenerbahce.

The club’s captain, and greatest player of recent times, smashed home a first half hat trick which sealed not one, but two, milestones in the process.

Having experienced the highs and lows of life at Fener, it was only fitting the Brazilian should be the man to notch the club’s 3000th ever goal. He then went on to score his personal 100th just minutes later with his second of the game.

Bucaspor had certainly read the script. A subsequent headed third coupled with a goal apiece from Mama Niang and Semih completed a 5-2 win and put Fener well and truly back into the title race.

If reports are to be believed, and this is to be Alex’s final year in Turkey, a third league title would be the ultimate send off for a player who will be remembered fondly by the club's fans long after he hangs up his boots.

In all honesty, despite Monday night’s goal fest, week 13 was slightly disappointing.

Trabzonspor were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Eskisehirspor who were obviously fired up by the blog’s claims that they would ‘provide very little to worry the league leaders’.

And likewise Kayserispor and Galatasaray who had been given the label of ‘match of the weekend’ before the wood-work ensured another 0-0.

Bernd Schuster’s ‘life-expectancy’ in Turkish football took a major blow on Saturday as Besiktas dropped yet more points at home.

Their 2-2 draw with relegation battling Konyaspor was hardly ideal preparation ahead of a trip to the Ali Sami Yen, and the side’s hopes were given an even heavier blow when Ricardo Quaresma was stretchered off before half time.

Thankfully Bursaspor upped their game with a 2-0 win at Manisaspor. The Green Croc’s desperately needed a pick me up ahead of their trip to Valencia on Wednesday night and got it thanks to Pablo Batalla close finish and Omer Aysan’s own goal.

Goal-scoring has not been a problem for Ertugrul Saglam’s men in the Super Lig. However, the Champions League fixture at the Mestalla will be Bursa’s penultimate chance to avoid embarrassment and net their first ever European goal.

Hopefully the blog’s presence in the press box will provide sufficient encouragement. If not, the fact that Maccabi Haifa are the only side ever to have lost all six group stage matches without scoring a goal should do the job of covering their backs - for another two weeks at least.

Although they only conceded eight - Bursaspor have conceded nine so far...

Kids, unsolved mysteries and crying at training

2010-11-18T17:28:00Z

International week is like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Generally that decision revolves around whether it’s international ‘friendly’ week or actually a game that people give two hoots about.

This week fell into the category of the former, but Turkish Delights has a public to serve. So, while completely ignoring the spectacle of Turkey’s kids against the World Cup runners-up was very tempting, the blog put selfishness aside and sat through 90 minutes of...very little.

If there was one positive to take out of Wednesday night’s friendly (other than that the score was only 1-0) it would probably be that finally Guus Hiddink has taken a look at a bunch of different players. Until now, the Dutchman had stuck with the group of the players who had previously failed under Fatih Terim.

Hiddink spent his first few months under heavy criticism for a ‘lack of interest’ due to reports suggesting he’d only watched six Super Lig sides live. It was refreshing to see the likes of Umut Bulut, Ibrahim Akin and Burak Yilmaz, who have all been in good form this season and did their reputations proud without really confirming whether they are quite ready to take the step up.

Hiddink’s biggest worry will be the way in which his side has gifted goals. Holland’s came from a familiar ‘shoot yourself in the foot’ moment, Ismail Koybasi hesitating before gifting the ball to Hedwiges Maduro – who squared for Klaas Jan Huntelaar to finish.

The only thing to really bring a smile was the sight of Colin Kazim Richards scuffing his lines in front of an empty net. Quite how the former Sheffield United player is still on the books at Fenerbahce is a mystery yet to be solved...

It must be said, most thoughts have already turned towards the weekend with a number of mouthwatering fixtures in prospect.
Bursaspor warm up for their trip to Valencia with a tough game at Manisaspor. While Manisa currently sit in 12th place, their win at Galatasaray last week will have given them a lot of extra confidence – something that Bursa are currently lacking.

Trabzonspor host Eskisehirspor, who will provide very little to worry the league leaders while the match of the weekend comes with second-placed Kayserispor welcoming Gheorghe Hagi and his boys from Galatasaray. Kayseri are yet to lose at home, conceding just two goals in six games, but Cimbom can take strength from the fact that they have not lost in their last seven encounters against the red and yellows.

In Istanbul, Besiktas and Fenerbahce both know that anything less than three points could put them out of the title race.

Like a lost puppy who has finally found a home, Besiktas's Ricardo Quaresma has described his last two years as a "nightmare" and stated that "At Inter I used to go to training crying, now I go to training smiling". Konyaspor will be handed the job of keeping Q7 on his lead as they sit one point off the relegation zone knowing that a win for either Sivasspor or Bucaspor could push them into the red.

ROUND 13 Saturday Kasimpasa v Genclerbirligi, Manisaspor v Bursaspor, Sivasspor v Karabukspor, Besiktas v Konyaspor Sunday Antalyaspor v Gaziantepspor, Trabzonspor v Eskisehirspor, Ankaragucu v Istanbul BB, Kayserispor v Galatasaray Monday Fenerbahce v Bucaspor

Jaja no laughing matter for Bursa ahead of Spain trip

2010-11-16T10:41:00Z

Anybody who has ever spent time in Spain will surely know that the Spanish way of describing laughter through text is to write ‘jaja’.

Ironic then that, with a trip to Valencia looming next week, Bursaspor are probably already sick of the two syllable word.

That's because Jaja is also the name of Trabzonspor’s Brazilian striker and the man responsible for two goals in the opening 16 minutes that consigned Bursa to defeat and put Trabzon back in pole position in the title race.

Saturday’s meeting between the reigning league champions and the domestic cup holders has more than certified Trabzon’s title ambitions. Senol Gunes’s boys have provided the most entertainment so far this season and boast a goal difference of +21 - even better than Chelsea’s!

On Friday night Kayserispor briefly held top spot after a last gasp win at Konyaspor. Marcelo Zalayeta scored the game’s only goal and ensured his side stayed within two points of the leaders as well as maintaining the blog’s David Haye-like belief that they will finish in the top four!

Like every one before it, this weekend was full of ups and downs – the ups coming from the east and the downs, generally, from Istanbul.
Having won the first of their ‘must-win’ five games Fenerbahce were perfectly on course to continue their run before two late goals left them as empty handed as Fabio Capello in shooting practice and, similarly to the Italian, much to their own fault.

A tendency to drop points despite going ahead has been their down fall and it was reported that Aykut Kocaman dished out some ‘strong words’ following this weekend’s loss. Scary stuff!

Goldilocks (that's Guti to you, and yes guys, the hair is growing back) put last week’s penalty miss behind him with a spot kick that pushed Besiktas within a point of Fenerbahce.

The Black Eagles were described as being in ‘free-fall’ after their cup loss to 2nd Division side B.B.Gaziantep – a game which even saw Ricardo Quaresma nailed by his own team mate.

Galatasaray manager Gheorghe Hagi has admitted that the league title ‘is very far away’ following a hapless defeat at the Ali Sami Yen.

Hagi has managed just four points from four games despite starting his reign with a very promising draw at Fenerbahce.

Since, his side have proceeded to win just one game and have now lost two on the bounce leaving them in 10th position and 13 points of leaders Trabzonspor.

No surprise then that they left the pitch amid a mixture of boos and swearing on Sunday evening as Manisaspor became the third side this season to win at a stadium which is beginning to lose its ‘Hellish’ reputation.

And finally, avid followers of the blog - I know you are out there somewhere - may remember a little wish that Kasimpasa would keep faith with Yilmaz Vural for his all round entertainment value.

Since then, Kasimpasa picked up a draw at Besiktas and continued their rise with a 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Sivasspor this weekend to put them within touching distance of the safety zone.

Who said journalists knew nothing...?

RESULTS Konyaspor 1-1 Kayserispor, Bucaspor 0-0 Ankaragücü, Bucaspor 0-0 Ankaragücü, Bursaspor 0-2 Trabzonspor, Eskisehirspor 0-0 Antalyaspor, Gaziantepspor 2-1 Fenerbahce, Kasimpasa 2-0 Sivasspor, Genclerbirligi 0-2, Istanbul BB 2-1 Karabükspor, Galatasaray 0-2 Manisaspor.

Guti far from spot on as Trabzonspor reach the summit

2010-11-11T10:44:00Z

And then it happened...with two strikes of Umut Bulut’s right boot, Trabzonspor were propelled to the top of the league, displacing Bursaspor, and opening a chasm of 10 points between themselves and their defeated visitors Galatasaray.

Cimbom have since been written off as title challengers, while Trabzon continue to improve under Senol Gunes.

Last year’s cup winners have shown an unusual amount of consistency in reaching the top with victories over Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray – all teams who have proved stumbling blocks to them in previous seasons.

However, their time at the top may be short lived with a trip to Bursaspor this weekend.

The Crocodiles are in desperate need of a win amid a dip in form that has seen them draw their last two games, with question marks over their strength in depth beginning to arise.

An impressive 48 goals between them so far this season suggests the clash between the top two should be a corker, with two Turkish legends coming face to face in the dugout.

It's all movement at the moment and third place Kayserispor could temporarily steal top spot if they claim all three points in Friday night’s game at Konyaspor.

Kayseri missed out on the chance to go ahead of Bursa after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Genclerbirligi.

In Istanbul the mixed fortunes of the Big Three continue. Cimbom’s loss at Trabzon keeps them in ninth while Besiktas, and in particular Guti, suffered an embarrassing weekend after failing to beat Kasimpasa.

With just three points all season, Kasimpasa have cemented themselves to the bottom of the league but took the lead at the Inonu Stadium with Ersen Martin’s header.

A deflected Ismail Koybasi shot put Besiktas level but Kasimpasa keeper Tolga Ozgen had the last laugh as he saved Guti’s penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

As the blog noted last week, Pasa manager Yilmaz Vural is touch line viewing at its best and didn't disappoint, kissing referee Bulent Yildirim’s hand after the full time whistle.

While Vural has saved his job for another week, the pressure on Bernd Schuster continues to build.

Besiktas have just four points from their last five league games and are in danger of losing touch with the front runners.

While the return of Ricardo Quaresma will help ease some of the pain, with just six games left until the winter break (and the blogs holiday), the Black Eagles can ill afford to drop anymore points.

On the other side of the Bosphorus, Fenerbahce powered past Eskisehirspor thanks to two goals from Semih Senturk who, as I type, has taken his tally to four in three games with a goal against Ankaragucu in the cup.

With thick mist limiting visibility on Saturday, both sides were forced to play the second half with 10 men after an altercation between card happy Diego Lugano and Sener Ozturk in the tunnel provided each player with an early bath.

More worryingly for Aykut Kocaman was the sight of Emre limping off. The injury prone midfielder has been in fantastic form this season but could be out for up to a month with reports suggesting a ‘deep tear’ in his hamstring.

I guess some things just never change.

Crocodiles rocked as big boys send them back down to earth

2010-11-05T14:18:00Z

What would you think if, as a player, you looked to your own fans only to see them jumping up and down, making noise, with their backs turned in unison?

You can feel the enthusiasm, the heat of passion, but you know that something just isn’t right.

That ‘something’ is Bursaspor’s European form – reading as Played four, Lost four, Scored none, Conceded nine.

While I am an optimistic follower of Turkish football, Bursaspor have failed to provide anybody with an ounce of hope and continued their pitiful form with a 3-0 loss to Manchester United in week 4.

It was a side not too dissimilar to that which suffered a 3-0 loss to Fenerbahce some years back, and a side that even included a number of the players who were beaten at Old Trafford by Besiktas last season. Reasons to have been optimistic you might think.

Reasons that will have been dashed as Darren Fletcher waltzed his way into the penalty area before guiding the ball into the bottom corner. Unmarked and with all the time in the world.

It must be said, for all their support, Bursa have struggled to take the step up into the big boys’ league.

With the possible exceptions of Omer Erdogan and Vederson, many of the Green Crocodiles have none, or very little experience of top level football - it has certainly showed against the likes of Valencia, Manchester United and even Rangers.

It must also be said that a number of the players who helped Bursa to the league title last season are seriously struggling to find any sort of form.

Sercan Yildirim is not even half the player he was last season and is still searching for his goal scoring boots with just four goals this season.

The jinxing, lively Volkan Sen we once knew is becoming a distant memory, while Huseyin Cimsir is finding it hard to stamp his authority in the centre of the park.

Bursaspor take giant leap as the Big Three falter historically

2010-11-02T10:10:00Z

Turkey's titanic trio are all outside the top three for the first time after 10 games, reveals Sefa Atay...

They say there's a fine line between success and failure. If that line can be crossed with a single step then Semih Senturk certainly proved so this weekend.

Far from a tap-in, Semih’s goal was proof once again that Fenerbahce have long ignored a proven goalscorer while wasting millions on the likes of Mateja Kezman, Nicolas ‘Le Sulk’ Anelka and Dani Guiza.

While the rest of the players in the Bursaspor box stood and watched as Emre’s pass floated to the back post, Semih took one step in anticipation that maybe, just maybe, Alex De Souza’s volley might fall into his path. And so it did. And Fenerbahce were ahead.

Unfortunately, it was not enough to give last year’s runners up all three points as they immediately resorted to sitting back in the second half with Ivan Ergic’s goal ensuring a share of the points in arguably the game of the season so far.

On Tuesday night, Bursa welcome an unpredictable and very out-of-pocket Manchester United with their European adventure hanging by a thread. It will also provide the club with their fourth opportunity to record their first-ever goal in Europe...

THE CHASING PACK
Back on the home front, Besiktas, Galatasaray, Trabzonspor and Kayserispor all gained ground on the leaders as they registered 2-1 victories.

Following his side's promising draw at Fenerbahce, a debut home victory for Gala gaffer Gheorghe Hagi went down well with Guti once again pulling the strings as the Black Eagles beat struggling Sivasspor.

The absence of any of Istanbul’s ‘Big Three’ in the top three league positions after 10 games is something never before seen, according to the brains in the statistics room. With Bursaspor, Trabzonspor and Kayserispor nicely nestled in the box seats, it's yet another encouraging sign for teams previously seen to be simply making up the numbers.

That leaves Fenerbahce in fourth, Galatasaray sixth and Besiktas eighth - and who can complain after decades of predictability? Long may it continue…

RESULTS Fri 29 Bursaspor 1-1 Fenerbahce Sat 30 Eskisehirspor 0-0 Ankaragücü, Gaziantepspor 0-0 Karabükspor, Galatasaray 2-1 Antalyaspor Sun 31 Genclerbirligi 2-0 Manisaspor, Kasimpasa 1-2 Kayserispor, Bucaspor 0-2 Istanbul BB, Besiktas 2-1 Sivasspor Mon 1 Konyaspor 1-2 Trabzonspor

THE ENTERTAINER
At the other end of the table, Kasimpasa are getting worryingly close to losing touch with the 17 teams above them.

Manager Yilmaz Vural's touchline antics would leave South America’s finest in the shade and, in an age where many managers barely bother to smile, it would be a shame to lose one of Turkish football's finest entertainers.

With only two points from 10 games, to say he was walking on thin ice would be a huge understatement. Next up? A trip to Besiktas! Who’d be a manager…

AND FINALLY
Bursaspor-Fener was briefly held up when a cat came on the pitch…

Hagi feeling that Samba sound

2010-10-28T10:03:00Z

Strange things happened on Sunday night, not least the sight of the Galatasaray fans signing jubilantly, lighting flares and jumping up and down following their sides 0-0 draw at Fenerbahce.

While others have highlighted these celebrations as a signal of how far the club has fallen, many simply saw it as a display of relief and a belief that the winds of fortune have finally changed.

Cimbom had, of course, failed to get even a single point at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium over the previous decade, but their performance on Sunday was one that arguably deserved even more.

The return of a legend could be just what the club needs in order to climb back up the table.

Hagi wasted no time in shaking things up despite taking just two training sessions prior to the game. His first job involved reinstating players who had fallen out with Mr.Fickle - Frank Rijkaard.

Hagi and assistant Tugay have already made a positive impact

Servet Cetin and Serkan Kurtulus were both back in the side, but it was the return of a certain Brazilian that will have pleased the travelling fans most.

Elano, a regular choice for Brazil during last summer’s World Cup, had become the forgotten man at Cimbom. Not only did Hagi put him straight back in first XI, he also played him in the position that saw him notch two goals in as many games in South Africa.

On the right of midfield Elano looked very accomplished twice the player who had often shied out of games when surrounded by opposition players in the centre of midfield.

He opened up the Fenerbahce defence on a number of occasions and, with the outside of his right boot, provided the game’s best opportunity for Juan Pablo Pino.

If Hagi and Cimbom are to succeed, it is players like Elano that the Romanian will hope to hold on to.

*****************************

For Fenerbahce, this weekend will provide an opportunity to exact some sort of revenge.

The yellow canaries travel to Bursa to face the league leaders on Friday night and will be hoping to close to gap on the side who pipped them to the title last season.

If they are to do it then they will have to do it the hard way. Ozer Hurmaci, Mamadou Niang and Issiar Dia will all miss the trip through injury while Diego Lugano will be serving a one-match ban.

The absentees could see a return to the starting line up for Colin Kazim Richards/Kazim Kazim/CKR8 or whatever he prefers to be called these days…

Colin 'Kazim Kazim' Kazim-Richards is back in the frame

The former Sheffield United winger has worked himself back in to contention after a controversial pre-season, and even made an appearance in last week’s Derby, albeit a brief one.

Semih Senturk could also start for Fener and will be another player desperate to prove a point.

*****************************

When it comes to predicting league champions in Turkey, it has traditionally been a three horse race.

Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have dominated domestically for years. That was until Bursaspor turned up.

This season could see a six horse race. The usual suspects from Istanbul will be in the mix come May, while Bursaspor are again setting the early pace.

After winning the Turkish Cup last season Trabzonspor have excelled under Senol Gunes and currently boast an impressive goal scoring record having scored 14 in just four home games.

However, if there is a dark horse in this race then that accolade should rightly go to Kayserispor. Not short of money and with an impressive new stadium, the boys in red and yellow have already beaten Fenerbahce and Besiktas at home this season.

While it may be a season too early to challenge for the top, don’t be surprised to see them proving a tough cookie to crack over the coming months.

Fixtures Bursaspor v Fenerbahce, Eskisehirspor v Ankaragucu, Gaziantepspor v Karabukspor, Galatasaray v Antalyaspor, Genclerbirligi v Manisaspor, Kasimpasa v Kayserispor, Bucaspor v Istanbul BB, Besiktas v Sivasspor, Konyaspor v Trabzonspor.

Hagi limits damage as Cimbom hold Fener

2010-10-25T14:51:00Z

It’s the day after the much anticipated derby and my feeling of disappointment has just turned to shock.

As I reel through the morning papers I can’t help but notice Fanatik’s dedication of NINE pages to last night’s derby. Nine whole pages on a 0-0 draw and arguably the least exciting derby of the last decade.

It isn’t until I flick through that I realise each page consists predominantly of an article surrounded by adverts for cars, televisions and credit cards. Relief.
Now it’s my turn to make what I can of last night’s game between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

First things first, the game was as aesthetically pleasing as James Corden in Speedos...on a treadmill...in a desert – that is unless of course you are a Sunday league defender who values head tennis, crunching tackles and minimal flair as quality football.

Without Milan Baros, Arda Turan and Harry Kewell at his disposal, Hagi was forced to set his team up in a 4-6-0 formation with attacking midfielder Juan Pablo Pino playing the lone striker role.

Credit to the Romanian, it was a formation that saw Galatasaray dominate the first half with Fenerbahce failing to force goalkeeper Aykut into a single save.

An initial damage limitation mentality suddenly turned in to optimism and, with Elano back in the starting line up having previously fallen out with Frank Rijkaard, Hagi’s men began to create chances - kind of.

It was the Brazilian who set Pino running for the game’s best chance. The impressive Colombian rounded Volkan only to see his shot hooked off the line by Gokhan Gonul.

Cimbom’s midfield trio of Ayhan, Cana and Mustafa Sarp continued to close every gap, preventing any balls through to Alex, while Lucas Neill battled with Mamadou Niang.

The Australian was booked in the first half and could quite easily have been sent off in the second half as Fenerbahce upped the tempo. Despite an improved start to the second period, Fener still failed to create any clear cut opportunities.

With 20 minutes left Kocaman removed Alex for Semih and Fenerbahce seemed to lose the momentum that they had started to build up. The Fenerbahce captain was way below his best but could have provided a constant threat from set pieces during the closing period.

As it was the game petered out with very little else worthy of note. Pino’s 93rd minute shot worried the home fans but Volkan’s smart save prevented any sort of embarrassment and ensured a share of the points.

The Fenerbahce players trudged off as though they had lost while the Cimbom fans rejoiced over their point as if they had won.

Well, it has been 10 years so who can blame them!

Derby day looms for...somebody

2010-10-21T10:54:00Z

Outraged, abused and let down - three phrases to sum up the blog’s feelings right now.

Having slaved away on Tuesday evening, one eye on Ronaldinho in Madrid and the other on the computer screen, Galatasaray officials were preparing for a press conference that would ruin a whole article.

After a strong drink and several deep breaths the blog can inform with renewed inspiration that Galatasaray manager Frank Rijkaard has been relieved of his duties just days before the super clasico of all clasico derbies at Fenerbahce.

This wise move comes off the back of a weekend in which everybody associated with Cimbom suffered an evening of humiliation...and a 4-2 home defeat to Ankaragucu.

Hardly the morale boost needed for a team already in the knowledge that they have failed to win on enemy soil in over a decade. Let alone without a permanent manager!

Given this rush of news, it is probably better that I find myself writing this while thousands of feet in the air en route to Istanbul with just a handful of morning papers to flick through – all of which had no idea of the Dutchman’s departure when going to print on Tuesday night.

Fatih Terim – who I’m told rejected an offer to take over on Wednesday – was the afternoon favourite along with Cimbom legend Gheorghe Hagi.

If reports are to be believed, the Romanian’s appointment move would also see the arrival of a number of players from the 2000 Uefa Cup winning side - namely Ergun Penbe, Hasan Sas and Tugay Kerimoglu who has taken over temporary charge.

Aside from pre-derby palaver there is the small matter of a Europa League tie involving Besiktas and Porto. It will be a special night for Ricardo Quaresma who will be looking to get one over a former club.

The Portuguese is still a doubt for tomorrow’s game, but this blog senses that a series of tactical injections will see the dazzling winger take his place and continue stepping over...and over...and over.

A mention of Europe would not be complete without reference to Bursaspor - however depressing it may be – who once again pleased the pessimists.

Ertugrul Saglam claimed his side ‘had a chance’ before the game, a feeling dashed by Nani’s impressive strike that kept the Green Crocodiles rock bottom of group C.

Six against - zero for in Europe....and counting.

Sometimes a little bit of hope is all you need. It is something, however, that Frank Rijkaard ran out of a while ago.

STOP PRESS: Since this blog was published, Galatasaray have confirmed Gheorghe Hagi as their new manager...

Turkey going back to the 80s

2010-10-14T10:28:00Z

At about 8pm on Tuesday evening the clouds began to turn a dark shade of grey, the wind picked up in unfamiliar fashion and the realisation that the Turkish national side had just lost to Azerbaijan began to sink it.

Turkey’s hopes/dreams/expectations of reaching the Euro 2012 finals may have taken a rather substantial blow in a matter of four days.

Nothing compared to the blow that Guus Hiddink’s reputation has taken in his newly adopted country.

‘Go on then – sack him’ blasted Erman Toroglu while Ahmet Cakar stated ‘We are going back to the 80’s’ - in reference to the years in which Turkey were merely a small national side who’d pick up the odd point here and there without ever qualifying for major tournaments.

Anybody who witnessed the 1-0 defeat in Azerbaijan would find it hard to disagree. On what Jose Mourinho would describe as a ‘cabbage patch’ of a pitch, Turkey had the majority of the possession in the first half but failed to display any sort of quality.

Hamit Altintop went close when his thunderous strike hit the top of the crossbar before the Bayern midfielder then linked up with Semih to force a good save from Agayev in the Azerbaijan goal.

It was one way traffic...albeit slow moving. Gokhan Gonul then proceeded to waste a good chance to get the opener Turkey’s ‘domination’ deserved but rather softly attempted to loft his shot into the net.

Then it came. A corner, two dummies and a side footed shot. Azerbaijan went 1-0 up. Turkish heads sank and Hiddink’s half time talk consisted of the words – ‘what do I say’, ‘paid 30 times more’ and ‘fix it’

The Dutchman threw caution to the wind by throwing on Nihat and Sercan Yildirim in the second half but the score remained the same.

Many are calling for a radical overhaul, the reality is, Hiddink will stay. Why? Because he has an extremely lucrative contract and has only played four competitive games. While Turkey’s hopes are now slim, they are not over, although whether TFF president Mahmut Ozgener agrees is another matter.

One thing that is glaringly obvious is the fact that this is clearly not a squad picked by the Dutchman. It smells of Fatih Terim, looks like Oguz Cetin, but has Hiddink at the front.

In other words, Hiddink has merely taken over the unsuccessful side left by Fatih Terim. More of a disappointment on his behalf rather than that of Terim.
Hiddinks lack of ‘interest’ in his new job has cost him, and not gone unnoticed.

Old Guus has reportedly watched just seven different teams in the Super Lig. While spending most of his time away from Turkey is hardly the Brian Clough approach to coaching, it does explain why the likes of Ozan Ipek, Volkan Sen and Mehmet Topal have so far been overlooked. How he could have done with Volkan or Arda Turan this past week.

Arda has spent the last few days recovering from surgery on his groin. The Galatasaray winger has been given the all clear to start training sooner than expected and also provided us all with a ‘ah they are human after all’ moment during a TV interview when he came to the brink of tears.

Understandably so when he has idiots highlighting ‘having sex’ as the main reason for his time on the sidelines.

The Turkish media have hit an all time level of lunacy but yours truly is still very much sane – and very much looking forward to the return of league football might I add.

It’s practice week for Fenerbahce and Galatasaray who will meet each in 10 days or so. Fener travel to Konyaspor while Cimbom welcome Ankaragucu.

An easy three points for the pair of them ahead of Derby day then – just like the easy three points against Azerbaijan....oops!

Turkey applauds the one that got away

2010-10-11T13:00:00Z

It’s why we love it. Football has that funny way of producing what is meant to be. So when Mesut Ozil lined up against Turkey for the first time in his career, after a week of questions about nationality, preferences and possible celebrations, there was only going to be one outcome.

As the clocked ticked past 79 minutes, stand-in captain Philipp Lahm fed Ozil who coolly placed his shot into the corner of the net.

There was no badge kissing, no raised arm – hell, there was barely a smile – but as his team-mates rushed towards him there was a resounding appreciation from all of Turkey of a player who is destined for greatness.

Throughout the week the Istanbul press seemed resigned to Ozil producing a defining moment in Friday night’s game. However, post-match it was the way in which Turkey, and more importantly Hiddink, approached the game that worried the journalists.

Typically OTT, Ahmet Cakar wasn't far off with his column titled "One word – Embarrassing". Comparing the side to San Marino or the Faroe Islands may have been a little bit much but it didn’t fail to express his feelings.

There's no hiding the fact that Turkey were very poor. There was no energy, no football and nobody looked capable of doing anything about it - but can you blame the players, given Hiddink’s tactics?

Galatasaray right-back Sabri was played at left back, Hamit Altintop was moved from the right of midfield to left-wing while Ozer Hurmaci, who has struggled to play for Fenerbahce this season, was given a start on the right of midfield. Germany away is hardly the game to start tinkering.

It could be that the Turkish players paid too much attention to Ozil to worry about anybody else. It certainly seemed so when Lahm lofted a hopeful cross into the box which found the head of Thomas Muller before Miroslav Klose tapped in from close range.

The truth is, Germany rarely needed to get out of second gear and it wasn’t until late in the second half that Ozil and Klose wrapped up the win. Ozil’s goal wouldn't have surprised many, nor would the sight of goalkeeper Volkan Demirel committing his umpteenth career howler by kicking the ball straight at Klose to allow the striker in for his second goal.

A bad evening for Turkey was topped off with the news that Mehmet Aurelio will be sidelined for a month after being stretchered off. It will be a big blow for Hiddink, who has already lost Arda Turan and didn’t even consider Valencia’s Mehmet Topal when choosing the squad.

Having flown back from Berlin just days ago, Arda will be back in Germany on Monday to have surgery on his injured groin. He will miss at least six weeks due to his osteitis pubis – a condition which can seriously affect the careers of footballers, according to Wikipedia. He’ll be back in no time then.

Meanwhile it’s off to Azerbaijan for Hiddink & Co. Expect some over-the-top embraces from the big cheeses, who will be very keen to display a sense of unity between two countries who have a shaky past.

It's difficult to imagine the same bonhomie on the pitch – nor in the newspapers on Wednesday morning if Turkey fail to get three points. Pressure? What pressure?

Turkey face mountainous task without Turan

2010-10-08T11:09:00Z

If Guus Hiddink wasn’t sweating before, he most certainly should be now.

Not only do his Turkey side face a mountain of a task when they face Germany on Friday night – but they will also have to do it without Arda Turan.

News came out of the camp on Tuesday that Arda was forced to stop training due to a persistent injury. Not only was he ruled out of Friday’s game, but it has also been suggested that the Galatasaray captain will miss 6–8 weeks of action. Including the derby against Fenerbahce.

On the other side, Joachim Low is not without problems of his own. Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been withdrawn from the squad after he damaged ankle ligaments last weekend. Low is already without Michael Ballack and will hand Philipp Lahm the task of captaining the side.

All eyes will be on a certain Mesut Ozil as he prepares to face his ‘mother country’. It will be the first time Ozil faces Turkey in his short international career and the player has already expressed his excitement at facing ‘his friends’.

Ozil also sent out what sounded to be a ‘don’t be offended’ pre-warning should he find the net on Friday evening. ‘If I score then of course I will react somehow. It depends on the situation, we will see’ - setting the scene up perfectly for a patriotic kiss on the badge while running around like a mad man.

In the absence of Arda Turan, Hiddink will be putting his faith in Nuri Sahin in the hope that the young midfielder can open up the German defence. This unenviable task shouldn’t been too much trouble for the player who is in his fifth with Borussia Dortmund and has already been touted for Europe’s elite after a blistering start to the Bundesliga season.

If all else fails Turkey can be safe in the knowledge that they won’t be without support in Berlin. With over two million Turks living in Germany, we could potentially see an international fixture where the away fans out-number those of the home team.

Something Joachim Low has already highlighted by stating that he “was at the Euro 2000 qualifier in 1999 at Munich as a spectator and it was similar” before reassuring the home fans that it won’t affect his team. A video of Germany’s 4-1 demolition of Argentina at this summer’s World Cup would also have been an appropriate response.

Of course Germany will be the favourites for Friday night’s clash. Turkey will be confident following their promising start and in Hiddink they have a Dutchman who will most certainly do everything in his power to get one over a Germany team.

Should Hiddink orchestrate a win in Berlin, it will most certainly rank up as one of the best achievements in his career while the players could draw confidence from this video.

Hakan Sukur’s goal was the only one when Turkey last beat the Germans in a competitive match. Fingers crossed for some goal-keeping of the same sort this time around.

Curtain call for the untouchables

2010-10-04T15:58:00Z

The word untouchable is one that has often surrounded Fenerbahce and a select number of players. It is, however, quite obviously something that Aykut Kocaman cares very little for.

Within weeks of taking over, Kocaman shocked many by stating that no player was exempt from being substituted. Was this the end of Alex De Souza’s career in a blue and yellow shirt? Not entirely.

At times it may have seemed so, never more so than when Kocaman removed his star player not once, but twice in the opening weeks of the season.

But credit to the Fenerbahce boss - he is not as deluded as the blog once thought. A much-needed kick up the backside has seen Alex return to form and in Mamadou Niang the club finally have a 20-goal striker.

The Senegalese striker has seven goals in six games - causing Fanatik to launch an online poll as to ‘how many goals Niang will score this season’. A lot at this rate.

Niang can score goals with his eyes closed...

Kocaman has stayed true to his intentions of reforming Fenerbahce in to a hard-working, disciplined team who play quick attacking football.

In doing so he dropped Fabio Bilica and Cristian Baroni from the squad for Saturday’s game against Genclerbirligi. Andre Santos was also named on the bench after his poor run of form and lack of desire to perform any defensive duties while playing at left back.

The result? A 3-0 win and arguably Fener’s most impressive performance so far this season.

All in all it was a good weekend for Fenerbahce ahead of the international break. Leaders Bursaspor dropped points with a 0-0 at Istanbul B.B. Belediye were the only team Bursa failed to beat in Istanbul en route to lifting the title last season, and they proved to be a banana skin once again.

It’s not been a good week for Ertugrul Saglam after his side lost their second Champions League game. Their 1-0 defeat to Rangers means they must get at least a point from two games against Manchester United or the trip to Valencia. A tall order given that their European form shows stats of – Conceded five, Scored zero.

Trabzonspor and Besiktas met in the ‘battle’ of the weekend. The hosts snatched a 1-0 win as tempers frayed all over the pitch –the highlight being Teofilo’s attempted left jab at Ibrahim Toraman which saw more handbags thrown in three minutes than you’d see in your average Istanbul marketplace on a Saturday afternoon.

Teofilo was off while Guti ran around asking everyone to ‘play nicely...please’.

Frank Rijkaard took one step closer to the guillotine when his side lost 2-1 to Karabukspor.

The Galatasaray board seem to be running out of patience with their under-performing manager and many papers have singled out the Derby with Fenerbahce as his last chance – giving the Dutchman exactly three weeks to devise a plan to beat Fenerbahce away. Something that no manager in the past 10 years of the club has managed to do...

The other highlight of the weekend came in Ankara where Ankaragucu’s Metin Akan sent an ‘anything you can do I can do better’ message to Dimitar Berbatov in his side’s 4-1 win over Konyaspor.

Bulent Uygun has resigned as manager of Bucaspor. The Fenerbahce legend announced his decision following the 0-0 draw at home to Eskisehirspor. With his side faring better than many others in the league, the arrival of new Chairman Seref Ustundag could be the only possible reason for his sudden change of heart.

In other news, Gus Hiddink faces a Bavarian beer sized task as Turkey travel to face Germany this week. The squad flew out to Berlin on Monday morning to start a mini-camp ahead of Friday night’s Euro 2012 qualifier.

Dortmund’s Nuri Sahin has been included in the squad following his impressive start to the Bundesliga while Mesut Ozil will no doubt start for Germany to add a little spice to an already highly anticipated game.

RESULTS Fenerbahce 3-0 Genclerbirligi, Trabzonspor 1–0 Besiktas, Karabukspor 2-1 Galatasaray, Ankaragucu 4-1 Konyaspor, Manisaspor 0–2 Kayserispor, Bucaspor 0–0 Eskisehirspor, Sivasspor 1-1 Gaziantepspor, Istanbul B.B 0-0 Bursaspor, Antalyaspor 3-1 Kasimpasa.

Bursa roll on as Fener hit six

2010-09-29T10:35:00Z

A blistering start to the season for a certain Ricardo Quaresma has sent to media into overdrive.

Not only are they running out of superlatives to splash across their front pages, but they are also in disbelief as to how such a player failed to make the grade at Inter and previously, Barcelona – presumably indicating that Besiktas are now on a par with the two previous Champions League winners…

It must be said, Tricky Ricky has repaired the broken hearts of Besiktas - to the extent that he even received a standing ovation for catching a stray seagull that found its way onto the pitch during Saturday’s win over Antalyaspor.

Surprisingly, that was the only ovation he received as Fabian Ernst and Bobo took centre stage. The German midfielder fed Bobo to open the scoring, before a mix up between Hilbert and goal-keeper Hakan Arikan gifted Antalya an equaliser. It was the same pair who, as the clock ticked over 90 minutes, combined to keep Besiktas on the tail of leaders Bursaspor - and all of this without Guti!

Bursa continued their winning ways thanks to an early goal from Huseyin Cimsir. The former champions are en route to breaking Fenerbahce’s record of eight straight league victories.
The Ali Sami Yen stadium proved a lucky venue for strikers this weekend. Milan Baros scored a first half hat-trick to help Galatasaray past Istanbul BB. Cimbom looked very comfortable and finally showed signs of improvement after their indifferent performances in the opening weeks of the season.

On Monday night Kasimpasa welcomed Fenerbahce to the same stadium. It was a similar story for another team struggling of late, as Mamadou Niang helped himself to three goals in a 6-2 win. Fenerbahce’s goal rush also saw the much-criticised Alex De Souza net twice with Emre producing the strike of the weekend.

A side story emerging from Galatasaray is that Brazilian international Elano has returned to Brazil, citing ‘family reasons’. The midfielder has spent the majority of the season on the bench or in the stands and has, reportedly, told his agent to find him a new club. Sabah claims that the Brazilian ‘does not seem inclined to return’. Maybe not until January anyway.

TD’s prediction of the game of the weekend ended, unsurprisingly, as a 0-0 draw between Kayserispor and Trabzonspor.

The home side should really have taken all three points had it not been for a deluded linesman who made two errors in disallowing a legitimate goal.

Not only was the player he flagged offside in fact onside, but worse still, he was not even the player who scored the goal – therefore according to Law 100,000,935 of the idiots guide to refereeing – not interfering with play!

At least the blog did manage to get one prediction right this weekend. That was the inkling that Manisa would beat Sivasspor. However, it was not – as I had predicted - down to Ariza Makakula but in fact his strike partner Josh Simpson.

The Canadian forward is making a name for himself and completed the trio of players to score a hat-trick this weekend. It was three points that helped Manisaspor out of the relegation zone and pushed their opponents in to it.

Three hat-tricks, 25 goals and no stone-throwing might sound good, but week seven sees Trabzon host Besiktas and NO Monday night game...can it get much better??!

RESULTS: Kasimpasa 2-6 Fenerbahce, Galatasaray 3-1 Istanbul BB, Kayserispor 0-0 Trabzonspor, Konyaspor 2-2 Karabukspor, Manisaspor 3-0 Sivasspor, Besiktas 2-1 Antalyaspor, Eskisehirspor 0-1 Gaziantepspor, Genclerbirligi 1-0 Ankaragucu, Bursaspor 1-0 Bucaspor.

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Bounce-back-ability and stone throwing

2010-09-23T13:02:00Z

It’s been a fairly uneventful week in the land of the golden horn. And no, I am not talking about Guti’s over exuberant reaction to scoring the derby equaliser.

In fact, other than awaiting the TFF’s decision on the abandoned match, Guti rolling around on the floor in a little bit of pain has been the only bit of ‘news’.

That is of course unless you count reports from Switzerland that Ronaldinho has agreed to join Fenerbahce, Celtic fans adopting Bursa ahead of their clash with Rangers next week, or what will happen to Alex De Souza part XXI. Stories that have become almost predictable in times of need for the chain smoking media moguls.

None the less there is a full weekend of fixtures to ponder over - and ponder we shall.

Bursaspor v Bucaspor

The weekend opens with the team who closed the last. Despite what might seem similar names, these two teams are miles apart - On one side we have a newly promoted team from the second division currently sitting in 11th place with five points from five games. On the other we have the league leaders, reigning champions and the team who, had it not been for a stone throwing Antep fan, would probably have made it five wins from five last week.

TD predicts – Home win

Genclerbirligi v Ankaragucu

An Ankara derby...don’t expect many fireworks here though. Ankaragucu will probably be favourites off the back of a 3-0 win against Kasimpasa last time out, while Genclerbirligi suffered a defeat by the same score line at Karabukspor. In the words of Andre Santos ‘There are no favourites in derby matches’.

TD predicts - Draw

Besiktas v Antalyaspor

Guti or no Guti. Besiktas will win.

TD predicts – Home win

Eskisehirspor v Gaziantepspor

The mouth-watering prospect of two teams yet to win a game this season. Eskisehir are renowned for a providing a very hostile atmosphere while the Antep board will quite sensibly be adopting a strict ‘no stone’ policy for their fans from now on.

A share of the points seems the most likely outcome with Antep drawing their opening three games.

TD predicts - Draw

Kayserispor v Trabzonspor

The tie of the weekend sees third host second on Sunday. Kayseri disposed of Fenerbahce in their last home game and the club is beginning to reap the rewards of their strong financial backing.
Trabzon will have a job on their hands with the home side yet to concede a goal at the Kadir Has Stadium, but the visitors are the league’s top scorers and will have to display their true ‘bounce-back-ability’ after last week’s loss.

TD predicts - Tough one....Away win?

Konyaspor v Karabukspor

There was once a time when Konyaspor were a newly promoted side boasting one of the league’s most in form strikers. That was back in 2004 when Zafer Biryol ended the season as top scorer with 25 goals.

Emanuel Emenike is the man making a name for himself this time round. The Karabuk striker was the top scorer in the Second Division last season and has this week been linked with a move to Galatasaray. With four goals in five games he is certainly one to keep an eye out for this season.

TD predicts - Away win

Galatasaray v Istanbul B.B

A real test from Frank Rijkaard’s men. Istanbul B.B have proved a banana skin for Istanbul’s big three in recent years and with three wins from five, they will go into the match above Cimbom in the league table.

Rijkaard will be treading on very thin ice should Galatasaray fail to win, but his team should have enough to do the job at home.

TD predicts - Home win

Manisaspor v Sivasspor

Potentially one of the games of the weekend here. Manisa will still be in shock wondering how they managed to beat Trabzon – I’ll tell you...it begins with Ariza and ends with Makakula!

With Sivas still waiting to build on their opening day win over Galatasaray, Makakula – last year’s top scorer – could prove the difference again.

TD predicts - Home win

Kasimpasa v Fenerbahce

This game, rather ironically, is being played at Fener’s Ali Sami Yen stadium. Needless to say that Fenerbahce will know the place well while Kasimpasa will be energised by the sight of a stadium that is more than half built.

The ‘home’ side currently sit rock bottom of the league - that is unless you look at the table for away form, which sees Fenerbahce as the only team yet to pick up a point on their travels.

A 20-minute drive across town is hardly travelling, so the blog envisages nothing but an away win for Aykut Kocaman and his men.

TD predicts- ‘Away’ win

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Guti grabs derby delight

2010-09-21T10:24:00Z

Thirty-two... the number of minutes Turkish Delights has sat, thinking long and hard, about where to start with Sunday’s Fenerbahce-Besiktas derby – before remembering Bernd Schuster’s pre-match comments: "Derbies are always the same. You either win or lose."

So, as the stadium stewards usher the German away despite his best efforts to prepare his team for a penalty shoot-out after the 1-1 draw, let's analyse this season’s first derby.

Rule One: Take your chances!
Sunday’s match was most definitely a lesson learned for Fenerbahce. Despite looking like the away team for the opening 15 minutes, Fenerbahce could have gone in at half time three goals up. Mamadou Niang, who scored the opener, was guilty of a glaring miss that his facial expression suggested his uncle could have scored. The same applied to Issiar Dia and Alex De Souza at stages in the game where a goal would have killed off their opponents.

Falling Like Flies
The seven minutes of injury time added on in the first half was an accurate display of a stop-start first half. Fenerbahce goalkeeper Volkan Demirel twice needed treatment for a tap on the knee before his opposite number was introduced to Ibrahim Uzulmez’s boot and swiftly taken to hospital with concussion. Besiktas defender *** Dag also needed two rubs of the magic sponge before realising that his ankle was the size of the ball he was trying to kick and subsequently used the second of Schuster’s three substitute cards before the half-time whistle.

No digging this time
Those of you who have been paying proper attention will remember Fabio Bilica making a molehill from a penalty spot in last season’s fixture (see video below). Referee Cuneyt Cakir was very quick to stand on the spot in order to prevent a repeat performance before Guti – who, we can inform with a heavy heart, can no longer be called Goldilocks after sporting a cropped barnet – duly dispatched the penalty to salvage a point.

"Oi!" says the pitchfork-waving groundsman CLICK TO WATCH

Is Guti the new Alex?
Schuster played the Spaniard in a more advanced role and his second-half performance changed the game for Besiktas. While Alex failed to get any grip on the game for Fener, Guti was pulling all the right strings for the visitors. No surprise that it was through his umpteenth perfectly weighted through ball that Besiktas won the penalty – converted by Guti.

Turkey’s Dani Alves
Having combined every speck of knowledge the blog possesses, TD has decided that Fenerbahce’s Gokhan Gonul is currently the best player in the country. Incorporating an endless desire to run with some good defending, the right back was the first person this season to limit Tricky Ricky Quaresma to one stepover and a backheel.

***************************

As derby fever begins to wane, the people of Istanbul have started to remind themselves that there are another 16 teams in the league, so let's weave them together in a quick narrative.

Galatasaray maintained their ‘rise’ by grinding to a 1-0 win at Bucaspor. The Izmir side are not to be confused with champions Bursaspor, whose game at Gaziantepspor was abandoned after the referee’s assistant was struck by an object thrown by the home fans. More on this in a later blog, but the locals were angered by the decision to allow the champions' 57th-minute goal, which was setting them on their way to a fifth successive win.

By contrast, Manisaspor had lost their last four games before disposing of second-placed Trabzonspor thanks to a wonder strike from Ariza Makakula (see video below). They weren’t the only team left in a state of shock after Sivasspor conceded a 94th-minute equaliser against Eskisehir. Eski sehir translates as ‘old city’ while ‘big city Istanbul’ (Istanbul Buyuksehir) held fifth place with a win over Konyaspor.

Another team ending in Spor are Antalyaspor who overcame Kayserispor after former Juventus striker Mauro Zalayeta had halved the score line to make it 2-1. Half is the amount of stadium currently in use at Kasimpasa, who lost 3-0 at Ankaragucu, the same score by which Karabukspor finished off Genclerbirligi, which subsequently finishes off this week’s round-up. Phew!

Makakula's wonderstrike CLICK TO WATCH

Fenerbahce 1-1 Besiktas
Istanbul BB 1-0 Konyaspor
Karabukspor 3-0 Genclerbirligi
Ankaragucu 3-0 Kasimpasa
Antalyaspor 2-1 Kayserispor
Bucaspor 0-1 Galatasaray
Sivasspor 1-1 Eskisehirspor
Trabzonspor 1-3 Manisaspor
Gaziantepspor A-A Bursaspor (Match abandoned on 57 minutes at 0-1)

Turkish Delights will be providing a live Mehmet Topal report from the Mestalla stadium as La Liga leaders Valencia host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening. Tune into Twitter at 22h BST/CET.

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Gala get lucky as Trabzon hit six

2010-09-15T12:06:00Z

Following the international ‘break’, the Super Lig was back in full throttle this weekend and it was a sense of the same old for many teams.

Fenerbahce fans will be wishing it had never come back after enduring a week of turmoil and disappointment.

Their side’s 2-0 defeat at Kayserispor came amid claims that club chairman Aziz Yildirim is to be questioned regarding his failure to complete the obligatory Turkish military service.

The claims, reported by Haberturk (who have since been banned from Fener’s training ground), suggest that Yildirim may have acquired suspect papers in order to avoid military service – due to health reasons.

It was a photo of Yildirim in his youth, stood next to the rest of his team-mates for a pre season photos that has, understandably, led to speculation as to what exactly these ‘health’ problems were.

Their worries were not eased when manager Aykut Kocaman withdrew Captain Alex De Souza at half time for the second time this season. Failing to even win a single corner Fener lacked any sort of creativity.

New signing Joseph Yobo limped off after an hour into his debut and – having failed to take any defenders to Kayseri – Kocaman was forced to put midfielder Selcuk Sahin in at centre back. Two goals followed in the space of five minutes and Kocaman was left looking rather silly.

A red face will be the least of his worries should Fener fail to beat Besiktas in this season’s first derby. Besiktas are in red-hot form and again managed to put four goals past their opponents.

All without the help of Ricardo Quaresma might I add. Striker Bobo signalled a return to form with two goals while ex Fenerbahce striker Mert Nobre and Ibrahim Toraman completed the rout against Ankaragucu.

Guti Watch – The calm before the storm. Did exactly what was expected, nothing less, nothing more whilst looking very pretty in the process.

While form rarely plays a part on derby day, Besiktas fans will be travelling to the Sukru Saracoglu with a whole lot more confidence than their hosts. What the weekend will bring is anyone’s guess!

TD’s guess – A lot of goals with a point each...3-3?!

The kafuffle around the national basketball team’s appearance in the World Cup Final meant the rest of the weekend fixtures were to be played on Monday evening. Galatasaray and Trabzonspor were both in action, the latter more so as it turned out.

Three goals in the space of seven first half minutes set Trabzon on the way to a 6-1 win over Sivasspor. Teofilo Gutierrez grabbed a brace as he doubled his tally for the season and added to an already growing reputation.

However, his limelight was partly stolen by Sivasspor defender Sedat Bayrak, who can expect a hefty ban – presumably from both his club a the Turkish FA - after throwing his shirt at referee Bulent Yildirim upon receiving his marching orders.

Bayrak was shown a straight red for his comments towards the linesman. Sadly for the wannabe lip readers out there, the cameras failed to catch his words. Not along the lines of ‘good decision’ one would imagine.

Galatasaray hosted Gaziantepspor in the final game of the week. New signings Emiliano Insua and Zvjezdan Misimovic were both given starts by Frank Rijkaard, with Cimbom showing very little sign of any improvement.

The thought of relying on Harry Kewell would send shudders down spines at Anfield, however the Aussie grabbed the only goal to move his side up to seventh.

The unconvincing team’s performance drew a lot of criticism from the national press, with Ahmet Cakar of Zaman stating ‘Cimbom don’t have football, they have luck’.

Unfortenetly for Cimbom, luck does not win league titles.

Results round up:

Galatasaray 1-0 Gaziantepspor
Genclerbirligi 2-1 Istanbul BB
Kasimpasa 1-2 Karabukspor
Trabzonspor 6-1 Sivasspor
Besiktas 4-0 Ankaragucu
Kayserispor 2-0 Fenerbahce
Konyaspor 1-1 Bucaspor
Manisaspor 1-2 Antalyaspor
Bursaspor 2-1 Eskisehirspor

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Kissing the head of Van Buyten

2010-09-08T14:58:00Z

Ridvan Dilmen is not only one of the greatest footballers in Turkish history; he is also one of the only pundits who actually knows anything about football.

It is for that precise reason that when he says something, it usually comes back to prove him right. When Vincent Kompany received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, Dilmen, commentating for NTV, stated (in his most sportsman like way) that the players should play on the Belgian in order to get him sent off.

Whether or not the players were also aware of the defenders lack of discipline remains to be seen, however come the 64th minute Kompany had seen red and Dilmen was probably applauding himself in the commentary box.

Semih’s goal shortly after looked to have completed the come-back after Hamit Altintop had cancelled out Van Buyten’s first half goal. But, as we all know, this is Turkey and anything is far from simple.

Onur Kivrak, making his home debut in goal, flapped at a lofted free-kick and Van Buyten was there to head the visitors’ level again. The boos rang around, the heads shook and many felt the strong gust of déjà-vu that swept through the stadium.

Hiddink sat, calmly watching, as his team pressed for a winner. A lack of quality on the final ball was frustratingly evident until the Dutchman replaced Sabri with Gokhan Gonul.

The Fenerbahce right back is arguably the best defender in the league and proved exactly why when picking out Arda, whose shot deflected off Fellaini, and into the back of the net. Rejoice!

We have ‘broken the devils leg!’ (Sabah’s headline). The blog was obviously not the only one watching this game with a large sense of pessimism.

Likewise, the general consensus in this morning’s press is one of relief. Dilmen has expressed a desire to ‘kiss the head of Van Buyten’, citing the defenders first goal as the catalyst for a formation change at half time, hence a much improved performance in the second half.

Erman Toroglu of Hurriyet has picked up on the obvious in saying that ‘despite scoring three goals we still managed to concede two’ while Turgay Seren of Aksam questions where ‘the old Tuncay has gone’. A statement the blog completely agrees with about a player who can’t even make it into the Stoke side and is still leading the national team’s attack.

It must be said the football, at times, was very nice. Emre Belozoglu was the engine of the side and his ability rarely fails to shine through.

Likewise Arda Turan who, despite being fairly quiet at times, again created a number of chances before scoring the winner. It is further back that Hiddink should be worried about.

Onur Kivrak, the Trabzonspor goalkeeper making his home debut, was at fault for both goals and Servet proved everybody doubter right when failing to pick up Van Buyten for Belgium’s first goal. While the players showed a lot of pride and belief, they will need to step up many levels for the trip to Berlin.

The Germans put six past Azerbaijan and Hiddink will need to stiffen up his defence to avoid a similar embarrassment in October. None the less, six points is six points and a perfect start towards qualifying for Euro 2012.

Quote of the week
Turkey defender Servet Cetin after their 3-2 victory over Belgium “I’m happy to say we didn’t give away and goal scoring chances”...Sure about that one Servet?

Goal of....the season!
I think this one is already in the bag. Hamit Altintop’s strike against Kazakhstan. See for yourself.

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Turkish football just got Merk'd

2010-09-06T15:55:00Z

The blog is not happy. The new season began four weeks ago but TD, like a drunk teenager with jet lag, is still struggling to get to grips with the four day ‘weekend’ fixture schedule.

The extent of this drastic change is evident on Monday afternoons as the blog regularly finds itself ambling around unable to write, read nor debate due to the last round of matches still to come.

This is of course due to the fact that Lig TV - Turkey’s Sky Sports - have started screening every single match live on TV. That means, Friday to Monday is now officially the weekend.

Whether it’s a derby from the Ali Sami Yen or a mid table clash from a half built stadium in Kasimpasa, Lig TV are there. Don’t get me wrong, four days of live football is not necessarily something the blog is against. By all means a week of football would be welcome at times.

However, with more matches spread over a longer period of time, it does mean a minimum of four days of three hour shows broadcasting the opinions of every ex referee, reformed alcoholic and wannabe pundit the TV channels can get their hands on [Sounds familiar – ed].

Lig TV’s latest bright idea for their ‘Maraton’ highlights and analysis show – once the blogs favourite weekend football show – is to have ex Bundesliga referee Markus Merk as one of their panellists. A refereeing critique if you like. And why not, after all he is one of the most renowned officials in the world.

Alas, not only does the German know very little about the Super Lig, but he also speaks barely a word of Turkish; resulting in a rather comical voice over translation while viewers enjoy the sight of Markus desperately trying to hear the translated questions through his most unsubtle of ear pieces. Turkish TV at its best!

So, in between watching Merky decipher each decision, the blog did manage to watch a little bit of football. A big ‘phhewww’ for Frank Rijkaard who managed to save his skin for another week after Galatasaray picked up their first win of the season.

Entirely thanks to Eskisehir goalkeeper Ivesa who gifted Milan Baros the opener and Volkan Yaman who chose to find the top corner of his own net with it seemingly easier to clear the ball.

Back in Istanbul, Fenerbahce played out their final game behind closed doors and again managed to score four goals. Mamadou Niang laid rest to any fears that he was to become the next Daniel Guiza - netting two goals as Fener disposed of Manisaspor 4-2. The signing of Everton’s Joseph Yobo will no doubt strengthen a defence who have conceded five goals in their last two league games.

Guti watch was on full alert this weekend as Goldilocks scored his first goal in black and white, albeit from 12 yards after Tricky Ricky Quaresma went down in the area.

However, it was Q7 again who stole the show and capped his performance off with his side’s fourth goal.

Despite all this Bursaspor are still the ones to catch. Stopping Ertugrul Saglam’s men will not be easy and they remain the only team to maintain a 100% record after Trabzonspor were held to a goalless draw with Antalyaspor.

Despite starting the game with five attacking players, Trabzon failed to break down the Antalya defence and the lack of electric on the pitch was matched when the flood lights went out, stopping the game for almost half an hour.

The international break will see millions of watchful, fickle, critical eyes on Guus Hiddink as he prepares himself for his first official test as manager of the national side.

With the temperature in the very impressive Astana Arena expected to drop as low as 2 degrees, it will certainly be a night to wrap up for the likes of Emre and Arda Turan. All the best Guus!

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My Perfect 10: Gheorghe Hagi

2010-09-03T08:45:00Z

As we enter the final day of Playmakers Week here on FourFourTwo.com, Turkish blogger Sefa Atay recalls the impact the Romanian made on Galatasaray...

It could be the weather, the luxurious lifestyle or simply the open nature of the football, but Turkey attracts traditional number 10’s.

Way before this blogger’s time legends were made. The likes of Lefter, Hami and Sergen Yalcin will be remembered by all. Likewise imported stars such as Jay Jay Okocha, Haim Revivo and Alex De Souza. The latter could arguably have been awarded this title. However, amid this haze of talent there is one man whose left foot, international reputation and ridiculous talent set him higher than the rest - the one and only Gheorghe Hagi.

In a career spanning over 19 years, Hagi played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, competed in three World Cups and was named Romanian Player of the Year a record number of times. However, it was at the ripe old age of 31 that he made his name in Turkey. Fondly remembered as the ‘Maradona of the Carpathians’, Hagi’s reputation at Galatasaray will be set in stone forever.

He joined the red and yellow of Istanbul in 1996 and became the pivot in a team boasting experienced heads along with the future of Turkish football. The likes of Emre Belozoglu, Okan Buruk and Umit Davala would all go on to become household names while established stars such as Hakan Sukur, Taffarel and Gheorghe Popescu carried a wealth of experience. Cimbom became the force of Turkish football, not only domestically but also in Europe.

Lead by Fatih Terim, Galatasaray were crowned Champions of Turkey from 1996 to 2000. In 1998/99 they would add the Turkish Cup to complete a domestic double. However, it would be the following year that the team, and in particular Hagi, would make a name for themselves.

It was to be a season remembered for the wrong reasons as much as the successes. A 2-0 UEFA Cup semi final win over Leeds United was marred by the death of two supporters after clashes between fans in Istanbul.

Galatasaray travelled to England for the second leg amid heavy security and received a hostile reception from the home fans. Hagi’s first half penalty put Cimbom ahead and his assist to Hakan Sukur for Galatasaray's second was not only brilliant, but it sealed the match. With the ball rolling towards him and the deftest flick off his heal the Romanian beat his man before feeding Sukur with an inch perfect pass. Cimbom were in the final and, with Arsenal the opponents, the stage was set for the magician.

As with many a no.10, Hagi was occasionally culpable of lashing out. After tangling with Tony Adams, Hagi was shown a red card for appearing the strike the Arsenal defender on the back. Adams was lucky to only be shown a yellow, but Galatasaray would play out the rest of the extra time with ten men. None the less, thanks mainly to a man-of-the-match performance from Taffarel, Cimbom clinched the first European trophy in Turkey’s history and ensured themselves heroes status.

It would be a summer of red for the Romanian as he was again sent off in his final appearance in the famous yellow shirt of his country. “A star has fallen from the sky", read the headline in Bucharest daily, ProSport after Romania’s elimination from Euro 2000 at the hands of Italy. It signalled the end of an international career spanning 125 games.

ProSport editor Catalin Tolontan reasoned; "Should we drag Hagi's name through the mud, treat him like a snake because he could not control his temper? Certainly not." It was a willingness to forgive that matched a nation’s love for a true legend.

Hagi was temperamental but he was also the stuff of genius, an entertainer and an advocate for the beautiful side of the game. Nobody could argue with that. Born in Romania, made in Turkey and loved across the World.

There really is only one Gheorghe Hagi.

My Perfect 10: Paul Simpson on Vladimir Petrovic
My Perfect 10: Riccardo Rossi on Roberto Baggio
My Perfect 10: Steve Morgan on Robert Prosinecki
My Perfect 10: Andy Mitten on Eric Cantona
My Perfect 10: Michael Cox on Rui Costa
My Perfect 10: Hugh Sleight on Zico
My Perfect 10: James Horncastle on Francesco Totti
My Perfect 10: David Hall on Zinedine Zidane
My Perfect 10: Jamie Bowman on Michael Laudrup
My Perfect 10: Joel Richards on Juan Roman Riquelme

Videos: Football's finest playmakers in full flow

The 'Playmakers Special' issue of FourFourTwo is in stories throughout September 2010.

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Did Trabzonspor tempt European fate?

2010-08-31T12:11:00Z

The words ‘don’t tempt fate’ can often be heard around Turkey, and in the Trabzon area in particular.

Club chairman Sadri Sener will have been wondering whether to celebrate or seek a witch doctor when his side took an early lead against Liverpool only to concede two late goals. It was of course Sener who had hoped for his team NOT to score an early goal in Thursdays Europa League tie.

With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Remzi Kacar put the ball into his own net before Dirk Kuyt sealed the game for the visitors. Black cats, voodoo dolls and the number 13 have all been banned from the Avni Aker stadium...

It was in fact a bad night for three of the four Turkish teams competing in the competition. Fenerbahce hosted PAOK Saloniki knowing that a 1-0 score line would take the game to extra time.

Emre Belozoglu’s second half goal ensured an extra 30 minutes of entertainment. However, the Greek side had the last laugh when Fabio Billica misjudged – not for the first time – a long ball that found its way into the path of Zlatan Muslimovic who finished empathically. The result means that Aykut

Kocaman’s side have failed to win in any of their four European ties this summer. Not the best way to start your first season in charge.

Galatasaray suffered their umpteenth, and possibly most painful, disappointing night this season when they travelled to Ukraine and Karpaty Lviv. After a 2-2 draw in Istanbul, Cimbom seemed to be going through when Aydin Yilmaz finished neatly on the stroke of full time. Artem Fedetski made sure the joy lasted a mere two minutes and Cimbom joined Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor in the loser’s pen. Suddenly the blogs prediction of an early dismissal for Frank Rijkaard is not so absurd.

The inept ability of Turkish sides has left the blog with just two teams to follow around Europe this season. Bursaspor will be competing in the ‘Champions’ League against lowly Manchester United, Villa-less Valencia and the only other team to actually have won their domestic league, Rangers.

TD prediction – third place finish with one win and a draw.

Besiktas have landed a slightly more favourable draw in the Europa League. Déjà-Vu will be the order of the day for Ricardo Quaresma when he faces former side Porto while BJK fans will be hoping Rapid Vienna and CSKA Sofia are just there to make up the numbers.

TD prediction – 2nd place finish and Q7 to score against his old employers.

Alas, it’s back to domestic football for the rest. Fenerbahce are still stuck in first gear, Galatasaray have not even moved out of neutral while Besiktas are edging closer to Bursaspor and Trabzonspor - flying in the fast lane.

The drama is well under way in the East. Stay Tuned!

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Big three not having things their own way

2010-08-25T11:45:00Z

If TD was a betting blog, it would most certainly have not won any money this weekend.

A surprise is not uncommon in the Super Lig, however, even with an aggressive scratch of the head, the blog is failing to recall a weekend when all of the ‘big three’ lost. In fact, it has been a weekend where the ‘big three’ – Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray – are potentially in danger of losing their status in favour of the ‘big two’. The two being Bursaspor and Trabzonspor.

Having spent last Thursday evening in the away end at Anfield, TD was fairly sure that Fenerbahce would not come away with much from Monday night’s league encounter with Trabzon. Senol Gunes’ side took a 2-0 lead within twenty minutes only for Fenerbahce to grab a goal back. Another goal a piece made the half time score 3-2 and that was how it stayed thanks to Fenerbahce goalkeeper Mert who saved a well struck Gustavo Colman penalty.

The weekends other glamour tie saw Champions Bursa visit the infamous Ali Sami Yen. Derelict it may be but the UltraAslan still know how to create an atmosphere. It is just a shame Frank Rijkaard's men cannot repay the favour. A 2-0 defeat left Galatasaray in the relegation zone and many question marks surrounding the futures of Rijkaard and Chairman Adnan Polat. It may only be the second week of the season, but sooner rather than later seems to be the call from the stands.

The real shock of the weekend occurred at the Inonu Stadium. Despite the best efforts of Ricardo Quaresma – the only player to still be cheered at the end of the game – Besiktas failed to score against neighbours Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor and suffered a slightly embarrassing 2-0 loss.

Belediye took the lead early on before ex Besiktas striker Ibrahim Akin scored their second in injury time. With Goldilocks presumably tired or having a haircut, Schuster waited for just over an hour to introduce his only player to have ever been a REAL galactico. Guti twisted, turned and picked out a couple of tidy passes but was unable to save his team.

Elsewhere, the Robinho saga took another twist this evening with the player stating that, despite holding the Turkish league in high regard, his career belongs in Europe, and in particular Italy or Spain.

Given that no clubs from either country have been linked with the Brazilian, it may be a ‘come and get me’ plea that will go unanswered. Besiktas are, of course, situated on the European side of Istanbul but it seems they have conceded defeat after failing to find a company willing to invest £28 million on a liability waiting to happen. Presumably opting for a British bank as a more reliable option.

And finally, hopes are high in Trabzon for the visit of Liverpool this week. Having held out to return to Turkey with a promising 1-0 deficit, fans and club a-like share a genuine belief that the team can progress. So much so that chairman Sadri Sener has even devised a cunning tactic of his own.

Upon stating his wish that the team write themselves into the history books, Sener claimed that he also hopes his team don’t score an early goal. The blog is not sure what type of psychology that comes under but, having witnessed Liverpool against Manchester City, is rather looking forward to the prospect of a very big upset. Fingers crossed.

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Robinho: Eagle or Canary?

2010-08-23T13:46:00Z

What do Fenerbahce and Besiktas chairmen Aziz Yildirim and Yildirim Demiroren have in common? No, not the ability to go 90 minutes without changing their facial expression. They are both in desperate need of a big signing to regain the faith of their respective club’s fans. The player of choice? None other than dummy-spitting, cold urticaria-suffering, twinkle-toed Robinho.

The Brazilian international is weighing up a move to Istanbul but is yet to decide on which side of the Bosphorus he’d prefer to wash up ('wash up' as in Robinho’s career rather than the quality of the Turkish Super Lig, or for that matter Istanbul’s coastline).

This is, after all, the same Robinho who spent three years as Real Madrid's No.10 and has amassed a total of £55million in transfer fees. The same Robinho who, at the age of 26, should be approaching his prime as a footballer. Instead, unwanted at Manchester City, Robbie is seemingly left with the choice of blue and yellow or black and white.

If Fanatik is to be believed (pah!), Robinho will be here by the middle of next week. The daily claims Besiktas are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a sponsor to fund the deal, given that Demiroren has spent all his pennies on Ricardo Quaresma and Guti. Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor – literally translated as Istanbul Big-City Council-sport – has set the alarm bells ringing around the Inonu Stadium as fears of another trophy-less season kick in.

Hello goodbye? Mancini, Balotelli and Robinho

Anybody who witnessed the attempts of Quaresma & Co. to control a football on what can only be described as a campsite of a pitch would argue that money could be better spent elsewhere. Besiktas were poor and the performance of Schuster’s men in their first home game was suitably epitomised by the large brown stripe down the middle of the pitch.

In England the tune is a little different. The Daily Mail has suggested that City officials will meet with the dealmakers at Fenerbahce this week, with Fener able to meet the £20m price tag. Fenerbahce have had a successful summer in the transfer market, first stealing Miroslav Stoch from under the noses of Galatasaray before signing Issiar Dia and Mamdou Niang from Ligue 1 – two wingers and a striker to join Alex De Souza in a front four that could become a potentially lethal quartet.

This begs an obvious question: do Fenerbahce really need Robinho? The answer is a categorical no, and history can tell us why. When Nicolas Anelka joined from Manchester City in 2004, Fener fans thought they’d signed a star. In reality, Anelka was no more than his nickname ‘Le Sulk’ suggested, rarely caring about anything until he moved back to the Premier League.

Van Hooijdonk and Anelka for Fenerbahce. Happy days...

Robbie is of a similar mould – ridiculously talented but only when it suits him. Signing the Brazilian would not only cause unrest to a team beginning to settle, but also see a possible battle of egos between player and manager.

Nonetheless, both teams are battling it out for his signature – a move that might not seem so ridiculous in a few years’ time. There is no doubt a transfer to Turkey would be a step down from the Premier League, but it could benefit Robinho in the long run. The Super Lig offers a more open game with a tendency towards protecting attacking players. It could, potentially, be the wake-up call needed by the former hottest prospect in world football.

It would also shed light on the ever-increasing power and popularity of the Turkish Super Lig. Shirt sales would go through the roof and Robbie would find himself on the front of every cereal box, magazine and billboard in Istanbul.

This blog is still not convinced.

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Fener put on a show for no one

2010-08-18T10:29:00Z

After the disappointment of losing the league title, coupled with failure to qualify for the Champions League, Fenerbahce’s 4-0 win over Antalyaspor on the opening weekend could not have been better timed. The only problem was, there was nobody there to see it. The game, played in near silence, was the first of two home games that Fener will play without the support of their fans after the riots on the final day of last season.

Exclusive riot footage from phonecam-wielding TD – CLICK TO WATCH

One of the small group who were allowed to watch the most notable was new signing Mamadou Niang. The Senegalese striker touched down in Istanbul to complete his switch from Marseille and put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Aykut Kocaman’s decision to start Semih Senturk for the first time this summer proved a master stroke as the Turkish international grabbed two goals and an assist within half an hour. A 4-0 half time score effectively ended the match and Fenerbahce can now go into Thursday’s Europa League tie at PAOK full of confidence.

Galatasaray provided their travelling fans with little to cheer about with a lacklustre display at Sivasspor – though it was hardly a surprise after Frank Rijkaard opted for Harry Kewell as his lone striker. With Cimbom only ever looking dangerous through Arda Turan, their failure to bring in any half-decent players this summer was glaringly obvious. Turkish Delights predicts a tough season for Rijkaard and his men unless they bring in some creative midfielders.

Reigning champions Bursaspor and this year’s league favourites Besiktas both scraped through with 1-0 wins. Goldilocks Guti chipped in with his first assist for the Black Eagles while Q7 Quaresma ran more rings around himself than any of the opposition defenders. Elsewhere, newly-promoted Karabukspor got off to a perfect start on a weekend where nine teams failed to score a single goal.

Weekend Results
Gaziantepspor 0-0 Kasimpasa
Sivasspor 2-1 Galatasaray
Bucaspor 0-1 Besiktas
Eskisehirspor 0-0 Genclerbirligi
Ankaragucu 0-2 Trabzonspor
Karabukspor 2-1 Manisaspor
Fenerbahce 4-0 Antalyaspor
Bursaspor 1-0 Konyaspor
Istanbul Buyuksehir 0-2 Kayserispor

The ‘Hakan Sukur’ Player of the Week Award
This week’s award for goalscoring prowess is conveniently named after one of Turkey’s greatest-ever strikers. While Semih’s ‘sure you want to sell me?’ performance for Fenerbahce was certainly eye-catching, Teofilo Gutierrez is a man on a mission at the moment and deservedly earns TD’s player of the week award. After blasting a hat-trick in the Turkish Super Cup the Colombian striker continued his goal-scoring streak with both goals for Trabzonspor this weekend. Next stop... Anfield!

Press Story of the Week
Daily sports paper Fanatik have claimed that Fenerbahce are ‘days away’ from announcing the signing of Robinho. Despite the Brazilian being heavily linked with Besiktas this summer, reports in Turkey believe Fenerbahce have stepped in to seal the deal. Sabah claim that Fener agreed to provide the Brazilian dummy-spitter with a private driver, luxury villa and personal bodyguard, but his demand of a private jet for away games had thrown a Boeing 747-sized spanner in the works. TD wonders if, when the Turkish winter kicks in, the Brazilian will also require a sun lamp.

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Turkey's unfriendliest friendly

2010-08-13T06:55:00Z

With the Turkish Super Lig season back in action this weekend, Turkish Delight has taken time out from its very busy schedule (ahem) to bring you a round-up of the summer months and a preview of the season ahead.

Wheeling and Dealing
Firstly, TD sends out a big high five to Yildirim Demiroren & Co at Besiktas. The chairman was scarcely seen at homes games last season after falling out of favour with the fan group Carsi. While many expected to see a new hierarchy at the club, Demiroren went about his business, bringing in Bernd Schuster as manager and recruiting Ricardo Quaresma and Goldilocks himself, Guti.

While each of those players arrive with a considerable number of question marks over aspects of their private lives, it was clearly not something that bothered the thousands of Besiktas fans who flocked to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport to greet their new stars. Nicknamed Q7, Quaresma has already produced a number of fine displays which suggest he could be one to watch out for in the coming months... if he can avoid the lure of Istanbul’s nightlife.

Neighbours Galatasaray have been fairly quiet given their efforts last season. Lorik Cana has joined from Sunderland to replace the departing Mehmet Topal who has joined Valencia. Arda Turan has remained at the club despite heavy interest from Bayern Munich and Tottenham.

Rivals Fenerbahce have opted for pace and width, snapping up Miroslav Stoch and Issiar Dia. Marseille striker Mamadou Niang is reportedly close to joining Fener, based on whether the French club can negotiate a deal for Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano. The deal would surely spell the end for Daniel ‘Barn Door’ Guiza, with Fener set to make a big loss on the original €14million they paid in 2008.

Super Cup
For the first time since 1980, the Turkish Super Cup did not feature one of Istanbul’s ‘Big Three’. Instead it was very much an eastern affair between League Champions Bursaspor and the team which helped them win the league, Trabzonspor. Trabzon, and new signing Teofilo Gutierrez, showed no signs of offering any favours this time around as the Colombian striker helped himself to a hat-trick in a 3-0 win. An ideal start for Trabzon, but worrying for Bursa who will surely need to step up to avoid embarrassment in the Champions League.

Heee-Dink
After failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, the Turkish FA have appointed a tried and tested, guaranteed-success, trophy-winning manager... well, according to history anyway. Yes, Guus Hiddink has taken over as coach of the national side and promptly took the squad to the United States for a quick tour. With a very expectant nation, Hiddink will be hoping for a perfect start to their Euro 2012 campaign when the squad meet up in early September.

Friendly?
Picture the scene: members of the Turkish FA sat around their office, puffing on cigars, wondering what they could possibly do to win over the country who, for the past season, have been crying out for a change in leadership. Suddenly, one bright spark comes up with the idea of a pre-season friendly between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Genius...

The reality was never going to produce a game anywhere near the hoped-for ‘friendly’, even if it was played in Moenchengladbach. Fener gained the first bragging rights of the season with a 1-0 win, sweetened by the fact that they managed to hold out for 76 minutes with 10 men after Selcuk Sahin received his marching orders. Sahin was shown a second yellow card (eight were shown in total) for attempting to trip up the referee and the match was stopped for almost 20 minutes when, in the aftermath of Andre Santos's goal, flares outnumbered the amount of players on the pitch.

Battle of Legends at Fener
Fenerbahce look set to start their season in turmoil. After a poor pre-season and failure to qualify for the Champions League, reports in Turkey claim a poor relationship between captain Alex De Souza and manager Aykut Kocaman could lead to one of the two leaving the club.

Kocaman’s decision to remove Alex at half time in the 2nd leg of the 3-2 defeat to Swiss side Young Boys was labelled as the end for one of the club's greatest-ever players… depending on which paper you read. While Milliyet opted for ‘The Alex Crisis’, Hurriyet claims the pair have made up, while Sabah believe Galatasaray are planning a bid to take the Brazilian across town.

Looks like an interesting season in store. The rollercoaster begins on Saturday with Sivasspor vs Galatasaray. Besiktas travel to new boys Bucaspor while Fenerbahce host Antalya behind closed doors in the first of their two match stadium ban. Buckle up, the funfair's back in town...

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Welcome to... Turkey

2009-12-11T15:00:00Z

Hello hello,

My name is John, and I will be blogging for FourFourTwo on the wonderful world of Turkish football.

Why? I lived in Ankara for a while, during which time I developed a soft spot for Turkish football in general and the Ankaragücü in particular.

I think it was the name that did it (translated, it means “Ankara Power”) – although a snazzy yellow and blue strip that puts Sweden to shame and the presence of Darius Vassell also helped.

Hopefully I'll be able to help disprove the silly notion that Turkish football is all 'Welcome To Hell' signs and violence.

Did you know, for instance, that Turkey had a team whose fans use their club's stadium for socialist protests (Beşiktaş)?

One sign, 16 years ago...

Or that Galatasaray are in fact the team of the Turkish aristocracy? Or that every other team's name has to end in “spor”?

If you did, please still read on, as that's not all I will talk about.

Indeed, the main reason I held FourFourTwo to ransom, demanding somewhere to scrawl about Turkish football, is that the Premier League (super lig) is just so damn interesting at the moment.

There's Frank Rijkaard at Galatasaray, who started the season with a bang but seems to be going through a sticky spell of late, Roberto Carlos at Fenerbahce (yes, before I went to Turkey I thought he had given up too) pinging in those monstrous left-footed free kicks, not to mention Beşiktaş, the mighty slayers of Manchester United's creche team.

But it's not just about the 'Big Three'. Oh no.

In fact there's probably more interesting stuff going on elsewhere.

Take Sivasspor. for example. They finished second last year and almost qualified for the group stage of the Champions League.

This season? They're second bottom.

Sivasspor, January: "What could possibly go wrong?"

Ankaraspor have been relegated for mysterious “enigmatic” dealings with Ankaragücü and, as of 11pm on Monday December 7, the leaders of the super lig are none of the 'Big Three' but little-known (rather underrated) Kayserispor.

I'll try to tease out the interesting parts for your reading pleasure.

If I veer into snoozing territory, there is a comment facility, so please feel free to suggest alternative topics or remind me (politely) that Denizlispor against Manisaspor on a Friday night isn't everyone's idea of fun.

Right, that's the introduction out the way with. Next time I'll get down to action.

Until then, görüşürüz!* (see you!)

*The wonders of Turkish means the umlaut will get a good run out in this blog – don't worry, it needs the exercise...

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