Çorum FK head coach Burak Yılmaz said his team will play to win when they face Fenerbahçe. He spoke to reporters at the club’s training facilities before training.
Yılmaz recalled that Fenerbahçe beat Liverpool 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League. He said, “Whether Fenerbahçe win or lose, whether they have been in poor form for a long time, it does not take away from their greatness. Fenerbahçe is always Fenerbahçe. That is why we are not looking at their last win or defeat. We are preparing against one of Türkiye’s major clubs.”
Yılmaz said the team is focused on the match. “We see that our tickets have sold out. We see that our city is focused on this game. Thank God, we are also in good shape. What matters is putting our game plan and strategy into practice together on the pitch. We have endless respect for Fenerbahçe, but we will play our own game, our own strategy and our own plan. We want to play good football and take points, without fear.”
Aim to Win
Yılmaz said the team wants to leave the match with a win. “We will do everything we can to win, perhaps even more. After this, we will go into the national team break. Our win against Fenerbahçe and our win against Erzurumspor are equal in points, but a win here will give us a lot in confidence. It will bring great things to our city. Perhaps this is a threshold match for us. Perhaps we will begin to climb. Every point earned is equal to every point earned from anyone else.”
On the appointment of Emre Belözoğlu as Fenerbahçe head coach, Yılmaz said, “Whether Emre Belözoğlu has arrived or İsmail Kartal is not there does not matter to me. What matters is that we will play against Fenerbahçe. Emre Belözoğlu may be new, and I wish him success, but it does not mean much to me.”
Turkish Cup Focus
Yılmaz also commented on the draw for the Ziraat Turkish Cup fourth round, where Çorum FK will face Karacabey Belediyespor. He said he wants to give more playing time to players who have featured less in cup matches.
“We must be realistic. To go far in the Turkish Cup, we need a big squad. Our club needs to be strong. If we set goals in a realistic way with our feet on the ground, we can succeed with God’s permission. But we cannot chase unrealistic goals.”
Players’ Comments
Defender Hrvoje Smolcic said the team’s style of play has changed since Yılmaz took charge. “There is a new style of play. As players, we are trying to play in line with the coach’s approach. We have taken 9 points from our last 4 matches. That is good, but we also believe there are areas we need to improve. We will work on those areas.”
Ylber Ramadani said the team knows they face a difficult opponent. “Fenerbahçe may not be where they want to be in the league table, but they are a very strong team with very high-quality players. So we need to approach this match with that in mind.”
Meanwhile, all players took part in training except Fredy, who is injured.
