04.08.2026 19:40
Ahead of the first match of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, where they will visit Fenerbahçe, Austrian team Sturm Graz's head coach Fabio Ingolitsch made statements before the match, saying, "We are aware that a special atmosphere and match await us. No one on the team has ever played in such an atmosphere before. We want to approach this match as normally as possible, even though we know we are clearly not the favorites."
UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg, Austrian side Sturm Graz's head coach Fabio Ingolitsch, who will be a guest of Fenerbahce on Wednesday, made statements at the press conference held at Chobani Stadium, saying that the yellow-navy team is the favorite of the round.
''NOBODY HAS PLAYED IN SUCH AN ATMOSPHERE''
Explaining that his players have never experienced the atmosphere that will form in Kadikoy, the Austrian coach said, "We try to keep everything as simple and normal as possible. We are aware that a special atmosphere and match await us. Nobody in the team has played in such an atmosphere before. Therefore, it will be exciting for me to see how our young team will react to this environment and atmosphere. The good thing is that we experienced a similar atmosphere in Edinburgh. We saw how calm and composed the kids remained. We will need the same stance tomorrow. We want to approach this match, where we clearly know we are not the favorites, as normally as possible."
''THIS IS OUR BIG CHANCE''
When asked about the star players in Fenerbahce's squad, Ingolitsch said, "Being brave is a great trait. We cannot let ourselves be intimidated by big names or the atmosphere. All we need is to respect the opponent and play our own game. We must exhibit a collective team game rather than standing out individually. If we fight individually, we will be lost, but I believe that as a team we can offer a better unity than Fenerbahce. This is our big chance."
''THESE DETAILS GIVE US COURAGE''
Ingolitsch noted the following regarding the yellow-navy team's performance against Polish representative Gornik Zabrze in the second qualifying round:
"We had little chance to watch Fenerbahce because their league hasn't started yet. They completed their task on paper by passing the round against the Polish runner-up. They want to eliminate us and continue on the Champions League path. They were very dominant in the first match in Istanbul, but we also saw that they struggled against a brave opponent in the match in Poland. These details give us courage. We will try to implement our own plan and reflect our strengths on the field."
''OUR GOAL IS TO LEAVE WITH THE BEST RESULT''
When reminded that Fenerbahce has not been able to participate in the "Champions League" for a long time, Ingolitsch said, "We will see that next Tuesday in Graz. Our goal is to leave here with the best result for the rematch in Graz. Our fans support us everywhere. Next week, at home, we want to create that 'witch's cauldron' and be the side that advances from the round."