Game Day: Fenerbahce vs. Besiktas

Game Day: Fenerbahce vs. Besiktas

By Nathan L. Redd

Turkish Super Cup game day is here, with longtime rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas set to take the pitch later today. "First of all I have to admit that it feels great to be here and to be able to play in the final. Both teams have really deserved to be here. I hope that the fans will watch an amazing final" said Fenerbahce Manager Zico. The team arrived in Germany Saturday morning, one day ahead of the clash with Besiktas.

Both managers and captains met with the media at a press conference on Saturday. Zico stated "This year three important challenges are waiting for us: The Turkcell Super League, Turkish Cup and of course the Champions League. It is not logical only to concentrate on one style. Appiah is still suffering from his injury, Lugano has just come back from holiday and Tümer is not allowed to play. I have to make the best out of my footballers. Tomorrow I will let the best footballers wear the kit on the pitch. It is not important to focus on single players, however it is really important to respect your rival. We have to take our rival seriously. Both teams consist of important players but concentration is what matters the most. We do not transfer players just by watching 1 or 2 games. This final won’t effect our vision about the transfers. Fenerbahce is a great club and we are able to transfer every player we want."

Besiktas comes into the game having the most experience of the two sides, having just disposed of FC Sheriff 1-0 in Champions League qualifying. Fenerbahce, on the other hand, has only a few friendlies under their belt and a large number of new transfers joining the club during this offseason. Additionally, team leaders Umit Ozat and Tuncay Sanli are gone, with Alex de Souza now taking the captainship for the Canaries. Besiktas will certainly be seeking revenge after losing the Turkcell Super Lig title to Fenerbahce last season. Zico knows that Fenerbahce has a golden opportunity this year, however, to make some noise in the UEFA Champions League. Fener wants to get off to good start and build confidence by taking the Super Cup title on Sunday.

Gametime is set for 21:00 in Turkiye (2 PM EST in the U.S.) at Koln Rhein Energie Stadium in Cologne, Germany.