Fenerbahce soccer team of Turkey drew with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands 0-0 in the European Champions League second match Group G in Eindhoven on Tuesday.
Until the dismissal of Deivid, who was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute for kicking an opponent, Fenerbahce had dominated the match but could not fashion a goal.
The draw saw the Turkish side slip to second place in the group a point behind Inter Milan, who moved top on six points after a 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in Tuesday's early match.
PSV stay in third place with four points from their three matches above the Russian side who have just a point.
"It was a fair result after an irritating match that never had any tempo because there were too many freekicks," PSV coach Ronald Koeman told reporters.
"We played well for spells but were also very sloppy in our build up. Our final pass and cross were not good enough."
ZICO SATISFIED
PSV also looked shaky in defence but Fenerbahce nevertheless found it hard to translate pressure into clear chances although their manager Zico was happy with a share of the spoils.
"I'm satisfied with a point today," said the Brazilian. "We played well and eliminated their dangerous players. We defended well and also created chances but to win you have to score.
"Our chances in this group are good. We still have two home matches to play and have to make sure we stay in control."
Deivid came closest to scoring for the visitors in the first half when he fired just wide and shortly after the interval Semih Senturk wasted two more chances within a minute.
The striker had a close range effort blocked by Eric Addo after goalkeeper Gomes dropped the ball and seconds later was a whisker away from connecting with a fine cross by Ali Bilgin, who had replaced injured playmaker Alex after 34 minutes.
PSV's best opportunity to snatch all three points came 13 minutes from time when substitute Danny Koevermans headed a Jan Kromkamp cross just wide.
"It is obvious we are not in control (of the group) and the return (on Nov. 7) will be crucial," added Koeman.
We now have to try to turn that result to our advantage."
Referees: Howard Webb, Philip Sharp, Darren Cann (England)
PSV Eindhoven: Gomes, Kromkamp, Addo (Zonneveld), Marcellis, Salcido, Perez, Simons, Mendez (Koevermans), Bakkal (Aissati) , Farfan, Lazovic
Fenerbahce: Volkan Demirel, Gokhan, Lugano, Edu, Roberto Carlos, Deivid, Deniz, Aurelio, Vederson, Alex (Ali), Semih (Kazim)
Yellow Cards: Marcellis, Lazovic, Farfan (PSV Eindhoven), Aurelio, Deniz, Lugano (Fenerbahçe)
Red Card: Deivid (Fenerbahce)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MUST-WIN MATCH FOR LIVERPOOL AND BESIKTAS
COULD BESIKTAS STOP LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool returns to the city where it won the 2005 Champions League title on Wednesday needing a victory in Istanbul to avoid an early exit from this season's competition.
The five-time European champions, who have just one point from their opening two matches, could be in danger of failing to reach the group stage if they falter against Besiktas.
"We need to go there and try to win because we need three points," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said Tuesday.
Liverpool's chances won't be helped by the absence of star striker Fernando Torres, who hasn't recovered from a thigh injury.
After losing in last May's final to AC Milan, the team it beat for the title in 2005, Liverpool is off to a woeful start to this season's campaign and is third in Group A.
A 1-1 draw at FC Porto in September was followed earlier this month by a dire 1-0 defeat to Marseille at Anfield.
"It is difficult," Benitez said. "We will see what happens in the other game (between Porto and Marseille), just wait and keep working, thinking about winning every game."
Besiktas, though, has lost both its matches and is winless in the Champions League in almost four years.
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam will watch from the stands as he serves a one-match ban. Saglam was punished by UEFA for being sent from the dugout in Besiktas' 1-0 loss to FC Porto.
Benitez said the hostile atmosphere which usually greets visiting English teams in Istanbul can't be used as an excuse.
"We have enough experience in Europe," the Spaniard said before Liverpool flew to Turkey. "I don't think it will be a big problem."
With four matches remaining, the Reds need to start drawing inspiration from their unbeaten start in the domestic league, capped by Saturday's 2-1 victory at crosstown rival Everton.
Liverpool is fourth in the Premier League, six points adrift of leader Arsenal, and eager to end its 18-year wait for the English title.
Midfielder Javier Mascherano doesn't believe that domestic priorities are holding Liverpool back in European competition.
"I want to win both," Mascherano said. "We've got a big enough squad. We have pretty much two players battling for every position, so we're able to battle on all fronts."
The weekend derby victory was clouded by Steven Gerrard's anger at being substituted in the 70th minute - before Dirk Kuyt's winner.
"I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because," the captain said. "I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me."
Benitez insists there is no lingering rift.
"As a manager you need to make decisions in a moment," Benitez said. "You can understand the reaction because it is a derby and special. But for me, Steve is our key player so I think everything will be the same in terms of if I need to use him."
And Benitez won't be afraid to drag the England midfielder off the pitch again.
"After talking with him, he knows my idea," Benitez said. "If I need to replace him he knows that I am thinking about what is best for the team."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is in contention for Wednesday's match after recovering from a foot injury.
Besiktas goalkeeper Hakan Arikan hasn't recovered in time from a recent injury and will be replaced by 34-year-old Turkey international Rustu Recber.
Besiktas came from 2-0 down to beat Trabonzor 3-2 on Saturday.
"God willing, we are going to repeat the same playing mentality against Liverpool," Saglam said.
With Saglam suspended for Wednesday's match, assistants Mutlu Topcu and Sinan Engin will be in charge.
Liverpool is winless in three away games against Turkish clubs in European competitions, while Besiktas has never beaten an English team in Europe at home.
Liverpool returns to the city where it won the 2005 Champions League title on Wednesday needing a victory in Istanbul to avoid an early exit from this season's competition.
The five-time European champions, who have just one point from their opening two matches, could be in danger of failing to reach the group stage if they falter against Besiktas.
"We need to go there and try to win because we need three points," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said Tuesday.
Liverpool's chances won't be helped by the absence of star striker Fernando Torres, who hasn't recovered from a thigh injury.
After losing in last May's final to AC Milan, the team it beat for the title in 2005, Liverpool is off to a woeful start to this season's campaign and is third in Group A.
A 1-1 draw at FC Porto in September was followed earlier this month by a dire 1-0 defeat to Marseille at Anfield.
"It is difficult," Benitez said. "We will see what happens in the other game (between Porto and Marseille), just wait and keep working, thinking about winning every game."
Besiktas, though, has lost both its matches and is winless in the Champions League in almost four years.
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam will watch from the stands as he serves a one-match ban. Saglam was punished by UEFA for being sent from the dugout in Besiktas' 1-0 loss to FC Porto.
Benitez said the hostile atmosphere which usually greets visiting English teams in Istanbul can't be used as an excuse.
"We have enough experience in Europe," the Spaniard said before Liverpool flew to Turkey. "I don't think it will be a big problem."
With four matches remaining, the Reds need to start drawing inspiration from their unbeaten start in the domestic league, capped by Saturday's 2-1 victory at crosstown rival Everton.
Liverpool is fourth in the Premier League, six points adrift of leader Arsenal, and eager to end its 18-year wait for the English title.
Midfielder Javier Mascherano doesn't believe that domestic priorities are holding Liverpool back in European competition.
"I want to win both," Mascherano said. "We've got a big enough squad. We have pretty much two players battling for every position, so we're able to battle on all fronts."
The weekend derby victory was clouded by Steven Gerrard's anger at being substituted in the 70th minute - before Dirk Kuyt's winner.
"I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because," the captain said. "I'm a local lad and the derby means everything to me."
Benitez insists there is no lingering rift.
"As a manager you need to make decisions in a moment," Benitez said. "You can understand the reaction because it is a derby and special. But for me, Steve is our key player so I think everything will be the same in terms of if I need to use him."
And Benitez won't be afraid to drag the England midfielder off the pitch again.
"After talking with him, he knows my idea," Benitez said. "If I need to replace him he knows that I am thinking about what is best for the team."
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is in contention for Wednesday's match after recovering from a foot injury.
Besiktas goalkeeper Hakan Arikan hasn't recovered in time from a recent injury and will be replaced by 34-year-old Turkey international Rustu Recber.
Besiktas came from 2-0 down to beat Trabonzor 3-2 on Saturday.
"God willing, we are going to repeat the same playing mentality against Liverpool," Saglam said.
With Saglam suspended for Wednesday's match, assistants Mutlu Topcu and Sinan Engin will be in charge.
Liverpool is winless in three away games against Turkish clubs in European competitions, while Besiktas has never beaten an English team in Europe at home.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
BESIKTAS COACH ERTUGRUL SAGLAM SUSPENDED!...
HELLO TURKISH MEDIA!.....WAKE UP & SMELL THE NEWS!........
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam has been handed a one-match touchline ban by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body after being sent off in the UEFA Champions League game against FC Porto in Istanbul on 3 October.
He will not be allowed on the bench for next Wednesday's match at home to Liverpool FC. In addition, the Besiktas coach will not be permitted to enter the technical area, tunnel or dressing rooms for the game.
Besiktas v Liverpool: Preview
Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool into their Champions League crunch match in Istanbul on Wednesday acutely aware boss Rafael Benitez would substitute him again without a second thought.
Benitez caused a storm by withdrawing Gerrard in Saturday's high-tension Mersey derby win at Everton, preferring the ball retention skills of 20 year-old Brazilian youngster Lucas.
Gerrard has since said he was ``hurt and disappointed'' by the decision, and Benitez has held talks with his skipper to explain his reasoning, something the manager considers was way short of a showdown.
But as Benitez led his squad to Turkey on Tuesday, he said: ``Would I do it again? Yes, if it helped the team.
``I have talked to Stevie and he obviously wanted to play out the match. But I repeat that my decisions are based on what the team needs.
``If I felt that I needed to substitute my captain again, of course I would do it. Everything I do is aimed at benefiting the team.''
Many feel Benitez put down a marker at Goodison Park on Saturday by hauling Gerrard off because he was playing with his heart and not his head.
He added: ``Making big decisions is an important part of my job, making that decision played a big part in our victory at Everton.''
Publicly, Gerrard has accepted his manager's viewpoint, but privately it is believed he is still concerned by the situation.
A source close to the player said; ``Do you think he is concerned? What do you think?''
It is also believed that when Gerrard handed Jamie Carragher the captain's armband, he was asked ``are you injured?''
Benitez will be unmoved by any such debate. He has never been a fan of the star status at any club he has managed, and by taking Gerrard off, he has established his authority over the squad.
Benitez was never happy with Gerrard playing twice in four days for England earlier in the European Championship qualifying campaign, having not fully recovered from a broken metatarsal.
Gerrard had only recently said he has been pain free, and he played a full 90 minutes of both England's games last week.
In that time, his form has been poor for Liverpool, and Benitez was saying at Goodison Park that someone else could do the job required better.
Now Benitez will expect a disciplined display from Gerrard in Istanbul, where Liverpool's Champions League future is on the line.
With only one point from two games, and facing a tough away match with Besiktas, Liverpool are in danger of ending up in the UEFA Cup less than five months after being European Cup runners-up.
Benitez flew from Liverpool without Spain striker Fernando Torres, who has failed to shake off a calf injury and is now being nursed through the week in preparation for Sunday's visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal to Anfield.
Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa was also ruled out with a thigh injury, while Daniel Agger has not fully recovered from a broken metatarsal.
But midfield playmaker Xabi Alonso was on board, having recovered from a similar injury, and could well play against the Turks, who won at Trabzonspor to move to second in their league last weekend.
Benitez knows how vital a victory tomorrow is, saying: ``We have to win, we need three points after losing to Marseille and only drawing in Porto.
``The players know how important this game is, I will be expecting good performances from senior players.''
Without Torres, Liverpool are likely to stick with a front pairing of Andriy Voronin and Dirk Kuyt.
In defence, Benitez has added reserve skipper Jack Hobbs to the party, but the youngster is only involved as cover for Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
Benitez said: ``Our confidence will be really good now going into big games with Besiktas and Arsenal.
``Previously, we were working hard without winning and people were talking and doubting the players. So it is really good to play against Besiktas now with a good win behind us.
``The one very positive thing about this team now is that we work right to the end, and if we can do this right to the end of the season, maybe we will be talking about winning trophies.''
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam has been handed a one-match touchline ban by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body after being sent off in the UEFA Champions League game against FC Porto in Istanbul on 3 October.
He will not be allowed on the bench for next Wednesday's match at home to Liverpool FC. In addition, the Besiktas coach will not be permitted to enter the technical area, tunnel or dressing rooms for the game.
Besiktas v Liverpool: Preview
Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool into their Champions League crunch match in Istanbul on Wednesday acutely aware boss Rafael Benitez would substitute him again without a second thought.
Benitez caused a storm by withdrawing Gerrard in Saturday's high-tension Mersey derby win at Everton, preferring the ball retention skills of 20 year-old Brazilian youngster Lucas.
Gerrard has since said he was ``hurt and disappointed'' by the decision, and Benitez has held talks with his skipper to explain his reasoning, something the manager considers was way short of a showdown.
But as Benitez led his squad to Turkey on Tuesday, he said: ``Would I do it again? Yes, if it helped the team.
``I have talked to Stevie and he obviously wanted to play out the match. But I repeat that my decisions are based on what the team needs.
``If I felt that I needed to substitute my captain again, of course I would do it. Everything I do is aimed at benefiting the team.''
Many feel Benitez put down a marker at Goodison Park on Saturday by hauling Gerrard off because he was playing with his heart and not his head.
He added: ``Making big decisions is an important part of my job, making that decision played a big part in our victory at Everton.''
Publicly, Gerrard has accepted his manager's viewpoint, but privately it is believed he is still concerned by the situation.
A source close to the player said; ``Do you think he is concerned? What do you think?''
It is also believed that when Gerrard handed Jamie Carragher the captain's armband, he was asked ``are you injured?''
Benitez will be unmoved by any such debate. He has never been a fan of the star status at any club he has managed, and by taking Gerrard off, he has established his authority over the squad.
Benitez was never happy with Gerrard playing twice in four days for England earlier in the European Championship qualifying campaign, having not fully recovered from a broken metatarsal.
Gerrard had only recently said he has been pain free, and he played a full 90 minutes of both England's games last week.
In that time, his form has been poor for Liverpool, and Benitez was saying at Goodison Park that someone else could do the job required better.
Now Benitez will expect a disciplined display from Gerrard in Istanbul, where Liverpool's Champions League future is on the line.
With only one point from two games, and facing a tough away match with Besiktas, Liverpool are in danger of ending up in the UEFA Cup less than five months after being European Cup runners-up.
Benitez flew from Liverpool without Spain striker Fernando Torres, who has failed to shake off a calf injury and is now being nursed through the week in preparation for Sunday's visit of Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal to Anfield.
Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa was also ruled out with a thigh injury, while Daniel Agger has not fully recovered from a broken metatarsal.
But midfield playmaker Xabi Alonso was on board, having recovered from a similar injury, and could well play against the Turks, who won at Trabzonspor to move to second in their league last weekend.
Benitez knows how vital a victory tomorrow is, saying: ``We have to win, we need three points after losing to Marseille and only drawing in Porto.
``The players know how important this game is, I will be expecting good performances from senior players.''
Without Torres, Liverpool are likely to stick with a front pairing of Andriy Voronin and Dirk Kuyt.
In defence, Benitez has added reserve skipper Jack Hobbs to the party, but the youngster is only involved as cover for Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
Benitez said: ``Our confidence will be really good now going into big games with Besiktas and Arsenal.
``Previously, we were working hard without winning and people were talking and doubting the players. So it is really good to play against Besiktas now with a good win behind us.
``The one very positive thing about this team now is that we work right to the end, and if we can do this right to the end of the season, maybe we will be talking about winning trophies.''
PSV Eindhoven v Fenerbahce: Preview
PSV Eindhoven v Fenerbahce............ Live Gamecast
Head coach Ronald Koeman insists his side are fully aware of what they have to do to defeat Turkish giants Fenerbahce on Tuesday night.
Fenerbahce are top of Group G, while PSV are third after beating CSKA on the opening matchday and losing 2-0 to Internazionale last time out.
PSV faced Fenerbahce's rivals Galatasaray in the group stages of last year's Champions League, but Koeman believes that Zico's side will pose a bigger threat.
``They are a better team than Galatasary SK, who we met last year. If you look to their match versus Internazionale you saw that they are a big team,'' he said.
``We know what we have to do to get an acceptable result.''
Assistant manager Tonnie Bruins Slot watched Fenerbahce as they defeated Konyaspor 4-1 at the weekend and he is in no doubt of the challenge facing his side.
``Fenerbahce showed they are a strong side. They are a very good team with strong strikers, who have great skills on the ball,'' he said.
Fenerbahce will be without former PSV striker Mateja Kezman who misses a return to the Philips Stadion through injury.
Home forward Danko Lazovic paid tribute to Serbia team-mate Kezman, but believes his absence is a boost.
He said: ``Fenerbahce have a very good team with players like Roberto Carlos and Alex. It is sad for Mateja Kezman that he will not play, but for us it is a big plus. He is a great player.''
PSV are further boosted by the return of defensive duo Dirk Marcellis and Mike Zonneveld following suspension.
Fenerbahce head coach Zico believes his side are capable of leaving the Philips Stadion with three points.
The Sari Kanaryalar go into their visit to Holland leading Group G following their opening-matchday win over Italian giants Inter and the thrilling 2-2 draw with CSKA in Moscow.
``We respect PSV Eindhoven, but our only aim is to win that match in the Champions League. We want to turn back to Turkey with a victory,'' Zico told the club's official website, www.fenerbahce.org.
Despite their excellent start to the European campaign, Fenerbahce have been inconsistent in the Super Lig, although the 4-1 win over Konyaspor at the weekend did much to appease their passionate fans.
Turkish defender Vederson grabbed his first goal for Fenerbahce in that game and he is hoping the players can continue their momentum into Tuesday's match.
``The win at the weekend can act as a positive motivation for us when we face PSV,'' he said.
Influential Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah made his return from a serious knee injury as a second-half substitute against Konyaspor and could feature against PSV.
Zico was delighted to see the 26-year-old make his comeback and is hoping to see him back to his best soon.
``Although Appiah had been suffering from a serious injury for a long time, he managed to make his comeback. I was very happy with his performance,'' added Zico.
source(PA)
Head coach Ronald Koeman insists his side are fully aware of what they have to do to defeat Turkish giants Fenerbahce on Tuesday night.
Fenerbahce are top of Group G, while PSV are third after beating CSKA on the opening matchday and losing 2-0 to Internazionale last time out.
PSV faced Fenerbahce's rivals Galatasaray in the group stages of last year's Champions League, but Koeman believes that Zico's side will pose a bigger threat.
``They are a better team than Galatasary SK, who we met last year. If you look to their match versus Internazionale you saw that they are a big team,'' he said.
``We know what we have to do to get an acceptable result.''
Assistant manager Tonnie Bruins Slot watched Fenerbahce as they defeated Konyaspor 4-1 at the weekend and he is in no doubt of the challenge facing his side.
``Fenerbahce showed they are a strong side. They are a very good team with strong strikers, who have great skills on the ball,'' he said.
Fenerbahce will be without former PSV striker Mateja Kezman who misses a return to the Philips Stadion through injury.
Home forward Danko Lazovic paid tribute to Serbia team-mate Kezman, but believes his absence is a boost.
He said: ``Fenerbahce have a very good team with players like Roberto Carlos and Alex. It is sad for Mateja Kezman that he will not play, but for us it is a big plus. He is a great player.''
PSV are further boosted by the return of defensive duo Dirk Marcellis and Mike Zonneveld following suspension.
Fenerbahce head coach Zico believes his side are capable of leaving the Philips Stadion with three points.
The Sari Kanaryalar go into their visit to Holland leading Group G following their opening-matchday win over Italian giants Inter and the thrilling 2-2 draw with CSKA in Moscow.
``We respect PSV Eindhoven, but our only aim is to win that match in the Champions League. We want to turn back to Turkey with a victory,'' Zico told the club's official website, www.fenerbahce.org.
Despite their excellent start to the European campaign, Fenerbahce have been inconsistent in the Super Lig, although the 4-1 win over Konyaspor at the weekend did much to appease their passionate fans.
Turkish defender Vederson grabbed his first goal for Fenerbahce in that game and he is hoping the players can continue their momentum into Tuesday's match.
``The win at the weekend can act as a positive motivation for us when we face PSV,'' he said.
Influential Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah made his return from a serious knee injury as a second-half substitute against Konyaspor and could feature against PSV.
Zico was delighted to see the 26-year-old make his comeback and is hoping to see him back to his best soon.
``Although Appiah had been suffering from a serious injury for a long time, he managed to make his comeback. I was very happy with his performance,'' added Zico.
source(PA)
Monday, October 22, 2007
TANJU COLAK ARRESTED!.....
APA’s Turkey bureau reports that Istanbul police carried out operation in 67 places and detained 32 men, three of them are women. 52 lux cars, equipment damaging the security system of cars, 4 pistols without documents, $20,000, €600, vouchers and documents cost 190,000 Turkish liras, counterfeit seals of some official bodies, 50 counterfeit marks, 47 diplomas, 65 counterfeit university diplomas, 14 computers and other things and a lot of counterfeit documents were found in the houses and working places of the detainees.
Tanju Colak, former Turkish football(SOCCER) star, who played for Galatasaray and FenerbahcE, is also among them. Colak is the second footballer in the country, scoring the most goals after Hakan Sukur, who scored 240 goals in 252 official matches and is continuing his career at present. He was arrested for stealing cars in 1994 and had to end his career at the age of 31.
/APA/
Tanju Colak, former Turkish football(SOCCER) star, who played for Galatasaray and FenerbahcE, is also among them. Colak is the second footballer in the country, scoring the most goals after Hakan Sukur, who scored 240 goals in 252 official matches and is continuing his career at present. He was arrested for stealing cars in 1994 and had to end his career at the age of 31.
/APA/
Sunday, October 21, 2007
GORDON MILNE:“I think Liverpool will be too strong and powerful for Besiktas"
A men who is known for both teams as legand, as a player for Liverpool and as a coach for Besiktas, Gordon Milne said Liverpool shouldn't have any problem beating Besiktas.
Gordon Milne was big soccer player for Reds in his hey days....
In 1965 Milne helped create one of those truly special moments which those lucky enough to witness still talk about more than 40 years on,winning the the FA Cup for the first time.
As far as Besiktas story.....
He became a legend in Turkey thanks to his management of Besiktas.
At a time when other British managers were being feted for bringing limited success to clubs in Spain, the softly spoken Lancastrian was sparking a revolution in Turkish football which makes him a revered figure in Istanbul even today.
Gordon Milne:'“It was 1987 and I had just finished a stint at Leicester,” he recalls. “I was planning on taking a break from football because I had just done 15 years on the bounce in coaching and management.
“Bobby Robson was England manager and I called in to see him at Lilleshall. We chatted about different things and he asked me would I fancy managing in Turkey.
“It obviously wasn’t something I’d even considered but he told me Don Howe had been offered a job by Besiktas but hedidn’t want to take it as he wanted to remain as England coach.
“Bobby told me to come back the following day to speak to Don so I did and he told me they were looking for an English coach and asked would I be interested.
“A couple of days later I was in Istanbul, I signed a contract and I ended up spending six and a half Milne became one of the most successful managers in Besiktas’ history winning a trio of league championships and two domestic cups.
In one season, Besiktas went the entire campaign unbeaten – a record which has never been matched in the history of Turkish soccer.
Gordon wen on to say,“There are three teams in Istanbul – Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray – and each one expects to be the best.
“Finishing second is no good. In my first season we finished second and it wasn’t long before I came under a bit of pressure but in the second season we won the cup and that took some of the pressure off.
“The next season we won the league and then we won the double and the following year we went unbeaten all season.
“It was a wonderful time for me and I only ended up leaving when I was given the opportunity to go and manage in Japan and work with Gary Lineker whom I’d worked with as a youngster at Leicester,”
In 2005, Milne made a brief return to Besiktas in an advisory role but he was kicked out of his role by the Besiktas board of directors. He said "“When I first got to Turkey the facilities were dreadful and in many ways they were primitive.
“We were training on sand and I found it all very hard. But we made little changes here and there and if you look at the way Turkish football has progressed since then it is clear that they have paid dividends.
“The facilities are wonderful now – there are grass pitches, synthetic pitches and all the kind of things you would associate with a top European club.
“Another factor in the improvement has been the increased exposure to top level football.
“In the late Eighties Turkey were being beaten 8-0 and 5-0 but that isn’t happening anymore.
“A lot of this is down to the fact that clubs like Besiktas, Galatasary and Fenerbahce are now playing regular European football and picking up great experience thanks to the format of the Champions League which allows teams to play more games than they used to under the old knockout rules.”
WHAT DOES GORDEN MILNE THINKS ABOUT THE MATCH IN ISTANBUL?
“I think Liverpool will be too strong and powerful for them, at least I hope they will be,” he answers.
“Besiktas are a good side and they have a sprinkling of good players from Brazil and Argentina alongside the native Turkish players but I just think Liverpool will have a little bit too much for them on the night.”
Gordon Milne was big soccer player for Reds in his hey days....
In 1965 Milne helped create one of those truly special moments which those lucky enough to witness still talk about more than 40 years on,winning the the FA Cup for the first time.
As far as Besiktas story.....
He became a legend in Turkey thanks to his management of Besiktas.
At a time when other British managers were being feted for bringing limited success to clubs in Spain, the softly spoken Lancastrian was sparking a revolution in Turkish football which makes him a revered figure in Istanbul even today.
Gordon Milne:'“It was 1987 and I had just finished a stint at Leicester,” he recalls. “I was planning on taking a break from football because I had just done 15 years on the bounce in coaching and management.
“Bobby Robson was England manager and I called in to see him at Lilleshall. We chatted about different things and he asked me would I fancy managing in Turkey.
“It obviously wasn’t something I’d even considered but he told me Don Howe had been offered a job by Besiktas but hedidn’t want to take it as he wanted to remain as England coach.
“Bobby told me to come back the following day to speak to Don so I did and he told me they were looking for an English coach and asked would I be interested.
“A couple of days later I was in Istanbul, I signed a contract and I ended up spending six and a half Milne became one of the most successful managers in Besiktas’ history winning a trio of league championships and two domestic cups.
In one season, Besiktas went the entire campaign unbeaten – a record which has never been matched in the history of Turkish soccer.
Gordon wen on to say,“There are three teams in Istanbul – Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray – and each one expects to be the best.
“Finishing second is no good. In my first season we finished second and it wasn’t long before I came under a bit of pressure but in the second season we won the cup and that took some of the pressure off.
“The next season we won the league and then we won the double and the following year we went unbeaten all season.
“It was a wonderful time for me and I only ended up leaving when I was given the opportunity to go and manage in Japan and work with Gary Lineker whom I’d worked with as a youngster at Leicester,”
In 2005, Milne made a brief return to Besiktas in an advisory role but he was kicked out of his role by the Besiktas board of directors. He said "“When I first got to Turkey the facilities were dreadful and in many ways they were primitive.
“We were training on sand and I found it all very hard. But we made little changes here and there and if you look at the way Turkish football has progressed since then it is clear that they have paid dividends.
“The facilities are wonderful now – there are grass pitches, synthetic pitches and all the kind of things you would associate with a top European club.
“Another factor in the improvement has been the increased exposure to top level football.
“In the late Eighties Turkey were being beaten 8-0 and 5-0 but that isn’t happening anymore.
“A lot of this is down to the fact that clubs like Besiktas, Galatasary and Fenerbahce are now playing regular European football and picking up great experience thanks to the format of the Champions League which allows teams to play more games than they used to under the old knockout rules.”
WHAT DOES GORDEN MILNE THINKS ABOUT THE MATCH IN ISTANBUL?
“I think Liverpool will be too strong and powerful for them, at least I hope they will be,” he answers.
“Besiktas are a good side and they have a sprinkling of good players from Brazil and Argentina alongside the native Turkish players but I just think Liverpool will have a little bit too much for them on the night.”
Saturday, October 20, 2007
FORTIS Turkish Cup Groups Announced
Group:(A) Beşiktaş, Ankaraspor, Ankaragücü, Çaykur Rizespor, Diyarbakır Büyükşehir Belediyesi DİSKİ Spor
Group (B): Trabzonspor, Gençlerbirliği, Vestel Manisaspor, Adana Demirspor, Kırıkkalespor
Group(C): Fenerbahçe, Kayserispor, Gaziantepspor, Şanlıurfaspor, Alanyaspor
Group(D): Galatasaray, Bursaspor, Denizlispor, Gençlerbirliği OFTAŞ Spor, Sarıyer
First matches in the groups will be played on October 31th,2007.
The teams will play two home and two away matches in their group and top two two teams in the each group will advance to the next round.
FIRT MATCHES.....
Group A
Beşiktaş - MKE Ankaragücü
ÇAYKUR Rize - Diyarbakır BB DİSKİ
Ankaraspor bye
Group B
MKE Kırıkkalespor - VESTEL Manisaspor
Adana Demirspor - Trabzonspor
Gençlerbirliği bye
Group CŞanlıurfa - Fenerbahçe
Alanya - Gaziantepspor
Kayseri bye
Group D
Sarıyer - Galatasaray
Gençlerbirliği OFTAŞ - Denizlispor
Bursaspor bye
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