Vlahovic to debut for Beşiktaş, coach confirms midfield search

Beşiktaş manager Vincenzo Italiano has provided an update on new acquisition Dusan Vlahovic, confirming the Serbian striker will be included in the squad for the UEFA Europa League play-off match against Lithuania's Kauno Zalgiris. Vlahovic is expected to feature as a substitute, with Italiano noting his improving fitness and rhythm following a period away from the pitch.

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Vlahovic will be among the reserves tomorrow. His fitness and rhythm are improving. He has been away from the field for a long time. I hope he gets playing time tomorrow, and even more time. His journey with the team begins tomorrow.

"Vlahovic will be among the reserves tomorrow. His fitness and rhythm are improving. He has been away from the field for a long time. I hope he gets playing time tomorrow, and even more time," Italiano said, adding that the player's journey with the team begins now. The coach stressed the need for caution with the valuable new signing, warning, "We need to be very careful. If we are not careful, we may face problems."

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We have added a very valuable player to our squad. We need to be very careful. If we are not careful, we may face problems. We are curious to see what he will do because he is a very high-quality player.

Italiano also addressed the team's midfield situation, clarifying that no changes were made because the current players have performed well. He views the midfield as crucial for team balance, which is why he has continued to play with Orkun, Salih, and Olaitan. "It's no secret, we are looking for a midfielder, a quality midfielder. We are also looking for a U23 player," he admitted.

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I have not made changes in midfield because these players of mine have played very good matches. Midfield is the balance of the team. That's why I continued to play with these players. Some came from the bench. They also played well. I think this balance is very important right now. That's why I played these 3 (Orkun - Salih - Olaitan) players.

The manager is actively seeking to strengthen the squad to foster greater competition. "We want to be a competitive team. The players who come will help us in this competition," Italiano stated, indicating ongoing transfer discussions with the club's management.

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It's no secret, we are looking for a midfielder, a quality midfielder. We are also looking for a U23 player. We are talking to the management. We are searching. We want to be a competitive team. The players who come will help us in this competition.