LAST 16 HOPES

The Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim is of the opinion that the qualification for the last 16 stage of the Champions League will prove to be the catalyst for the club in their efforts to bring about sustained improvement in all levels. Galatasaray have been showing a lot of resurgence in recent years, which has been the only positive aspect for Turkish football in recent seasons. After getting good results against the likes of Manchester United, Galatasaray have now qualified for the last 16 stage of the European cup. This is something that will boost the fortunes of the club significantly according to the manager.

Galatasaray made it into the last 16 stage following a tough victory over the Portuguese club Braga. They have been one of the consistent performers in the group alongside Manchester United and hence it was not a surprise that they qualified for the knockout stages. Galatasaray were in danger of being knocked out of the competitions as they were trailing the Portuguese club during the break. However, they recorded a stunning comeback in the second half to take all three points, and consequently, their progression to the next stages was sealed. Terim is of the opinion that the team can improve even more when the knockout stages resumes in February.

“I’m very pleased that we completed the job on our own instead of waiting for help elsewhere. Earlier I said ‘we haven’t had our final word, there’s more to come’. You see, Galatasaray still have plenty to say in Europe. It is a long road, but we’ll try anyway. If we encounter a hitch, we’ll try again. With the help of our fans, we can do this. With the prayers and positive energy of our fans, we created a thing of beauty,” said Terim after the Braga match.

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Albert Riera Video Rating: / five

TERIM UNSURE ON KAKA

The Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim has said that he is not sure whether the Turkish club have made an approach for the Brazilian midfielder Kaka after he expressed his interest on the player in the midweek press conference. The 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder is on the fringes of the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu and is widely expected to leave the club in the January transfer window. He has been linked with many clubs in the past, but has not been able to seal a move due to the exorbitant transfer demands by the club. However, due to the fact that he has only two seasons left on his deal, Real Madrid are willing to discuss terms with other clubs over the sale.

Galatasaray are one club who are chasing his signature for a long time, but Fatih Terim has said that he is not sure whether Kaka will be joining him at the Turkish club. Even if Kaka is indeed for sale, then he would cost a lot of money according to Terim not just transfer fees but in wages as well. Only very few clubs like the French club Paris St Germain will be able to afford him according to Terim. Yet, they will be looking into every avenue as they look to bring the former world player of the year.

“If there is contact with the player only the president knows. I know nothing about it. The president asked me if I wanted to sign Diego Ribas or (Wesley) Sneijder. I told him I wanted Kaka,” said the Galatasaray manager. “My colleagues and I are working with all our powers to fulfill his desires. Terim said he needed a player so we must sign someone in January. We will do it as Terim is very important for us and we want him to be happy,” said the Galatasaray president Aysal.

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Albert Riera Online video Score: 4 / five

GALA LOSE TO BRAGA

Galatasaray has been defeated by Braga in a Champions League match played at Turk Telekom Arena. Braga won the match by 2-0. This was the second match of Galatasaray in the ongoing Champions League and the team has lost both the matches.

This match was played at the home ground of Galatasaray and more than 46,000 people were in the stadium to cheer for the home team, but, the Galatasaray team disappointed the huge crowd that had turned up. Not even a single Galatasaray player looked in great touch. The Braga players lost a couple of opportunities in the second half; otherwise, the margin of their victory could have been bigger than this.

Ruben Micael was the one who took Braga ahead in the 27th minute of the match. Eder passed the ball to Amorium inside the box who hit a powerful shot towards the goal post, but, his shot was blocked by the Galatasaray goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera. Ruben Micael got the ball on the rebound and he had no problems whatsoever in flicking it into the bottom corner of the net. That was the only goal to be scored in the first half.

In the second half, the Braga players were a bit casual in their approach. They didn’t manage to take advantage of the chances that came their way. The lead of Braga was doubled in the injury time. It was Eder again who set up the goal with a perfect cross. Alan gave the finishing touch with an angular shot into the left hand corner of the net. It was the final nail in the coffin. Just a few seconds later, the final whistle was blown by the referee and Galatasaray lost the match.

Galatasaray’s next match will be a Super Lig encounter against Eskisehirspor K on Saturday.

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Albert Riera Video Rating: two / five

TERIM LOOKING FORWARD TO UNITED

Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim has said that his side would be looking at the possibility of completing a unique treble for the Turkish club’s when they take on Manchester United in the group stages of the Champions League. Fenerbahce and Besiktas have already enjoyed success against Manchester United in the last few seasons.

If Galatasaray complete the set by winning against Man Utd at Old Trafford in the first match of the group stages, then it would be a great delight according to the manager Fatih Terim. He will be having a number of shows former Premier league players like Albert Riera at his disposal when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They happen to find Manchester United in a difficult situation due to the number of injuries they have suffered in the defensive positions. However, they have started finding some form after the poor start to made to the season in terms of defensive abilities. They were defeated by Everton on the opening day of the season, while the conceded two goals against both Fulham and Southampton in the last two matches. The 4-0 win over Wigan during the weekend was the first clean sheet of the season for Manchester United.

“They are our big rivals but I remember Fener and Besiktas both did a fantastic job. We have drawn at Old Trafford in the past, but now we hope to follow them. We want to achieve something exactly as our rivals did. It would have been better to play against Cluj or Braga. Then we could have gained more experience. Instead we have to play against one of the best sides in the world immediately. Manchester United have been so successful in the Champions League for many years,” said Fatih Terim ahead of the opening Champions League match for this season.

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GALA WANT EURO RUN

The former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has said that Galatasaray are well prepared for a good run in the Champions League this season. After many troubles in the Turkish league, Galatasaray will finally be able to participate in the Champions League this season. The former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue moved to the Turkish club last season after sealing his € 3.5 million move. He was extremely instrumental in helping the club lift the title last season after he made 33 appearances in all competitions. He also created three goals for his teammates, while scoring three himself during last season.

Emmanuel Eboue was speaking ahead of the match with Fenerbahce in the Super Cup encounter. He has said that the Super Cup encounter is extremely important for the fans because it is a match with their arch rivals. As a result, the club will be taking the match extremely seriously. He has also said that the club needs to be victorious in the match in order to grow into the new season with great confidence due to the fact that Galatasaray will be playing in the Champions League this season. Emmanuel Eboue has said that his teammates are extremely well-prepared for the group stages of the Champions League.

“The match [Super Cup] is important to our fans, to us and our community, at the end of the day this is a cup and we must take all cups seriously. If you lose your focus you lose everything. We are returning from a long break and have to get back into condition. Training is going well, it’s something we all take seriously, we are about to enter into one of the most important competition in football, the Champions League. We have been playing friendlies against strong opposition, our match against Fiorentina is a prime example of this,” said Eboue.