Ismail Kartal Speaks Out on Greenwood! 'We All Agreed on It'

İsmail Kartal spoke to the media following Fenerbahçe’s 2-1 victory over LASK.

'IT WAS A BOOST'

Fenerbahçe coach İsmail Kartal said they had two very good training camps and would be ready for the match against Gornik Zabrze.

The experienced coach answered questions from the press following their 2-1 win against Austria’s LASK at Raiffeisen Arena. Noting that they had a very productive period for identifying areas for improvement, Kartal said, “We really had a great training camp here. We had a good camp during the first phase at Topuk Yaylası. We played three matches here. We identified our weaknesses and saw how we could further improve both our play and as a team. Of course, we won all three matches, and that boosted our morale.” Noting that they experienced ups and downs during the matches—which he described as natural—Kartal continued:

“At times during these three matches, we put in very strong performances. At other times, we had some dips in our play. This is very normal during the preseason. When we analyze these matches, it’s crucial for us to identify our shortcomings—to see where we can improve and what we need to do. It was a good match. We played Ake, our new signing, for the first time. We gave almost all of our players a chance. Everyone is trying to do their very best. I think the players returning from national team duty need a little more time, but the players we’ve been working with since the start of camp are in very good shape. We’ve trained well and had a good camp. We want to prepare as best as we can for our first match on the 21st and advance to the next round.”

GREENWOOD’S COMMENTS!

İsmail Kartal stated that new signing Mason Greenwood will contribute greatly to the team.

Kartal, announcing the completion of a major transfer they had approved, said, “May it be a blessing both for him and for our club. He’s a very talented player—his achievements speak for themselves. I believe he’ll make a significant contribution to us as well. I’m confident he’ll deliver those contributions. We all approved this transfer together. I wish him all the best, and I hope he joins us as soon as possible," he said.

Reminding everyone that there are injured players at camp, as well as players returning from loan and national team duty, Kartal concluded his remarks as follows: “First of all, I’d like to thank my coaching staff and the support staff very much. Believe me, we get up at 7:00 or 7:30 in the morning and do three or four short training sessions throughout the day so that no player falls behind. We’ve prepared very well, working one-on-one and in groups with every player, but this is our job—we don’t get tired of it. By staying motivated, we’re striving to prepare these players as best as possible on the path to the championship. The players we’ve been working with since the start of camp are in better shape. The other players need a little more time.”