27.11.2025 23:50
Fenerbahçe's head coach Domenico Tedesco, whose team drew 1-1 with Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League, stated that his team is a tough opponent and does not easily lose matches. Tedesco emphasized the importance of the upcoming derby match against Galatasaray, saying, "In one hour, I will only think about the Galatasaray match. I know the significance of this match. There is no room for excuses in derbies. We will be hungry, ready, and fresh."
In the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 at home against Hungary's Ferencvaros. After the match, head coach Domenico Tedesco made statements at the press conference.
'THERE IS NO ROOM FOR EXCUSES'
Stating that he focused on the derby one hour after the Ferencvaros match, the Italian coach said, "I know how important the derby is for Fenerbahçe, for our Fenerbahçe family, and for our fans. We have 2-3 days until the next match. There is no difference in preparation for a derby because there is no room for excuses in such matches. We will be very eager, ready, and fresh for that match." he expressed.
Emphasizing that he was very happy for Yiğit Efe Demir, whom he fielded in the starting eleven, Tedesco stated, "It's not easy to play against such an opponent after having played zero minutes throughout the season. I am proud of him. I am also prouder of the whole team than usual. We played against a tough opponent with our shortcomings. Yiğit Efe couldn't complete the 90 minutes. The players who came in did so with confidence. We were also close to winning. I am extremely happy with the performance my team showed." he explained.
'WE DID A GREAT JOB'
Highlighting that they defended Varga, who scored Ferencvaros's goal, well during the game, Tedesco said: "We won more duels than usual. We did a great job. My players did everything I asked of them. I told them, 'If you think you can't win the duels with Varga, then step back.' The goal we conceded came from a good cross and a good header. As I mentioned yesterday, some positions are difficult to defend."
'WE NEVER LOST OUR FAITH'
Tedesco stated that the effects of the team's shortcomings were evident against Ferencvaros, but emphasized that they compensated for this situation well.
Pointing out that some obvious situations were present, Tedesco said, "The absence of players like Fred, İsmail, and Jayden is evident. We trust all the players in our squad. My team and I are trying to find the best solution. In this match, Edson moved to the 8 position, and Semedo to the 6 position. There is a nice energy and unity within the team. We may suffer at times, but it is not easy. It is not easy to play against us, it is not easy to beat us. We need to continue this way. I am happy with the performance my team showed. Europe is always difficult. We lost in Zagreb, and today we drew 1-1. We could have won today's match and the Plzen match. If we had won, we would have had 4 more points. But this is football, and such situations can happen." he stated.
'THEY WHISTLED HIM DUE TO HIS PERFORMANCE'
Responding to a question about Youssef En-Nesyri being whistled as he left the game, Tedesco said: "I don't think they whistled him because of his performance. He missed a goal before leaving the game. Football is a game of emotions. He didn't play in the last match because he had just returned from the national team. He has always performed well when he came on in the last matches. I think his game tempo is good. The pressure he puts and the runs he makes behind are very important. Looking at the characteristics of our three forwards, Talisca is like a false forward, Jhon is a pivot striker, and En-Nesyri is a runner. I am also happy with the performance he showed. He will continue this way."
Emphasizing that they missed the victory against Ferencvaros, Tedesco said, "We wanted to win. The important thing is to show a positive reaction. We did that after going 1-0 down today. After the substitutions, they became physically stronger. We never lost our faith. I think we were the team closer to victory today. It was a nice feeling to experience such a match." he concluded his statements.
MESSAGE FOR THE GALATASARAY DERBY
Speaking about the Galatasaray derby, Tedesco said, "It is a very important match. For both us, our families, and our fans. We will prepare for the derby with 100%. Some of our players will return. We will have less time to prepare according to the opponent, but we will go into that match ready and fresh." he stated.
"I WILL ONLY THINK ABOUT GALATASARAY"
Continuing his statements regarding the derby, Tedesco said, "One hour later, I will only think about the Galatasaray match. I know the importance of this match. There is no room for excuses in derbies. We will be eager, ready, and fresh." he said.