Nihat Kahveci criticizes Galatasaray management: 'Don't they hear the fans?'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Galatasaray drew their opening match of the Trendyol Süper Lig season 2-2 at home against Çorum FK.
- Former player Nihat Kahveci criticized Galatasaray's management for not addressing fan demands for transfers and for ignoring protests during the match.
- Kahveci highlighted Çorum FK's extensive transfer activity, contrasting it with Galatasaray's single loan signing, and praised Çorum's performance.
Galatasaray, the reigning champions of the Trendyol Süper Lig for the past four seasons, stumbled in their season opener, drawing 2-2 at home against newly promoted Çorum FK. The result immediately sparked criticism from former player and sports commentator Nihat Kahveci.
If the team that has been champion for 4 years, in the first match of the new season, hears 'Resign' from the stands, this message must be received, and what is necessary must be done. The reason for the shouting must be analyzed well!
Kahveci expressed his dismay on Kontraspor, pointing to the "Istifa" (Resign) chants from the stands during the match. He argued that Galatasaray's management must "hear the fans" and analyze the reasons behind their discontent, particularly regarding the perceived lack of transfer activity. "Don't they hear the Galatasaray fans asking 'Where are the transfers?' for two months?" Kahveci questioned.
Don't they hear the Galatasaray fans asking 'Where are the transfers?' for two months?
He contrasted Galatasaray's transfer approach with that of Çorum FK, noting that the promoted side had made "15 times more transfers." Kahveci detailed Çorum's numerous signings throughout July and August, while Galatasaray's main acquisition mentioned was a loan for Lesley Ugochukwu. Despite Çorum's busy transfer window, Kahveci also commended their performance, noting they "gave no clear chances" to Çorum until the 59th minute and welcoming the team back to the Süper Lig.
Osimhen started with two goals. He was all over the field. He shot, he fought. He headed, he kicked. He pressed the opponent and started the season with two goals. Happiness. Until the 59th minute, he didn't give Çorum a clear chance.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.