17.08.2026 22:40
In the match where Fenerbahce was defeated by Genclerbirligi, head coach Ismail Kartal's squad preferences and the rotation he made became a topic of discussion. The setup of Skriniar, Ake, Guendouzi, and N'Golo Kante, which was disrupted by Kante starting on the bench, changed when Kante entered the game. The French star transformed the team's appearance as soon as he came on. Here are the details...
In the first week of the Trendyol Super Lig, Fenerbahce were defeated 2-1 away by Genclerbirligi, and head coach Ismail Kartal's squad choices and rotation became a topic of debate. Considering the upcoming critical match against Lyon, the experienced coach rested some of his key players, but his decisions negatively reflected on the game on the pitch.
KANTE'S ABSENCE DISRUPTED PLANS
The yellow-navy team's biggest assets this season—the setup involving Skriniar, Ake, Guendouzi, and N'Golo Kante—was disrupted when Kante started on the bench. Instead of the French star, who directs the passing traffic and plays a key role in pressing the opponent, Ismail Yuksek took his place in the starting eleven. However, the incompatibility of the Ismail-Guendouzi duo was noticeable, and Genclerbirligi's first goal came after Guendouzi lost the ball.
CHANGED THE GAME AS SOON AS HE CAME ON
Kante, who entered the match in the 59th minute replacing Ismail Yuksek, quickly increased the midfield's resilience. In the approximately half-hour he spent on the pitch, the experienced player touched the ball 48 times, surpassing Ismail Yuksek's performance (40 touches), eased the burden on Guendouzi, and visibly raised the team's tempo.