'We laughed at those who said Beşiktaş would win,' says Konyaspor captain Demirbağ after cup final qualification

As Konyaspor's captain, Adil Demirbağ's words after reaching the Ziraat Turkey Cup final resonate deeply with our club's spirit and the unwavering support of our fans. His joy is palpable, reflecting the collective effort and belief that propelled us past a tough semi-final. Demirbağ's confidence, particularly in addressing the pre-match predictions that favored Beşiktaş, speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of our squad. We proved that Konyaspor is a force to be reckoned with, not just a team to be underestimated.

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I am incredibly emotional. For days we've been talking amongst ourselves, saying we will get through this round. Now we have a final match ahead of us. We won with a last-minute goal, but we must not be hasty. We have a final match ahead of us. We will wait for our opponent. Hopefully, as Konyaspor captain, I want to lift the cup.

His personal ambition to lift the cup as captain is a sentiment shared by every player and supporter. This final is not just another match; it's an opportunity to etch our name in history. The journey to this point, marked by a last-minute penalty, underscores the drama and passion inherent in Turkish football. Demirbağ's acknowledgment of the team's fighting spirit and the importance of playing with heart is a testament to the values we uphold.

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We fought very well. At times we conceded chances, and we also created chances. We won with a last-minute penalty goal. In football, you have to show spirit; you don't win without playing.

The impact of coach İlhan Palut cannot be overstated. His arrival injected a much-needed dose of morale and tactical acumen, transforming a struggling team into a cohesive unit. Demirbağ's description of the team becoming a 'family' under Palut's guidance highlights the profound effect of strong leadership and a shared sense of purpose. This unity, extending even to the players' families, is the bedrock of our success.

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A brother on TV said 'Beşiktaş will play smoothly and win,' I send him greetings. We laughed at him. Now Konyaspor is the victor, Konyaspor is in the final and will await its opponent. I, as Konyaspor captain, want to lift the cup.

Furthermore, Demirbağ's candid remarks about his national team aspirations offer a glimpse into the individual dreams that fuel our collective drive. While we celebrate this significant achievement, the desire for personal and national recognition continues. His belief in his own performance and his dedication, even sacrificing sleep and family time, showcases the commitment required to compete at the highest levels. This story is uniquely interesting from our perspective because it captures the heart of Turkish football: passion, resilience, and the deep connection between the club, its players, and its devoted fanbase.

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A change of coach can change the atmosphere. When Coach İlhan first arrived, he tried to lift a demoralized team, and he succeeded. His strategies worked. I have worked with the coach before at Konyaspor; he helped me, and our coach touched the team. There's nothing much to hide; we became united. There was a bad run; we couldn't accept it; we had talks, we had dinners. Our coach made us feel like a family. When we gained that family feeling, motivation and strength increased.