Solskjaer on the Fenerbahçe derby: Injury nightmares and expectations
Beşiktaş coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out ahead of the fiery Fenerbahçe derby in the 34th league round. The Norwegian coach revealed both positive and negative news about the team’s condition.
After a solid 5-1 win over Hatayspor, Beşiktaş is in full swing with preparations for the summit. Solskjaer made a number of statements during a press briefing before training.
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“This is not Mourinho against me – it’s Fenerbahçe against Beşiktaş”
“It’s not about José Mourinho against me, it’s about Fenerbahçe against Beşiktaş. The players decide the match. I have enormous respect for Mourinho – he is one of the most successful coaches of all time with a career full of triumphs.
Damage: Two out, one back
The coach revealed a mixed situation on the injury front:
– Vincent Aboubakar and Emirhan İlkhan are not ready for training yet. Felix is back in training for the first time, but is not ready to play. I hope the others will be ready, but we have to deal with the situation. Such absences give other players opportunities.
“Derbies are the best football has to offer”
“Every game gives us the opportunity to assert ourselves,” said an enthusiastic Solskjaer. Sometimes I wish I was still a player – games like that are why we love football. I have a lot of experience with highly dramatic matches, and this is among the best days in the football calendar.
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Tactical Considerations
“Fenerbahçe are in a transition phase, but are among the most attacking teams in the league,” Solskjaer analysed. They are especially dangerous on the flanks, so we have to dominate the midfield. This will be a match that requires maximum effort until the very end.
Beşiktaş is still in the lead to secure third place, with five games left in the season. The club will make a final decision on the squad during the weekend after assessing the injury situation.
On Sunday, May 4th, it’s time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer VS Jose Mourinho at Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi
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