The Turkish media are critical of Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The coach saw Besiktas narrowly escape in the Europa League match against Olympique Lyon: 0-1. In Turkey, they hope for a wake-up call for the Rotterdam native. 'They won despite Gio's mistakes.'
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Besiktas managed to secure a win against Olympique Lyon, largely due to a single goal in the second half, but the narrative of the game leaned heavily in Lyon’s favor.
The French team dominated possession, exerted constant pressure, and racked up an impressive thirty attempts on goal, demonstrating a stark contrast in control and fluidity on the field.
Turkish sports outlet FotoMaç highlighted the unexpected outcome with a mix of disbelief and irony, saying, “I don’t know who prayed for this, but he must be Allah’s favorite.” Despite Besiktas’ head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tactical blunders and the underwhelming performances of several players, Besiktas’ goal remained miraculously unbreached. This improbable clean sheet, achieved through what many saw as sheer luck and some brilliant individual performances, sparked frustration among Turkish commentators, who were quick to point out flaws in the team’s approach and execution.
FotoMaç criticized Van Bronckhorst's inability to adapt strategically, portraying him as out of touch with the team’s weaknesses. According to the publication, the coach might simplistically celebrate the victory, saying, “We’re winning, right? What more do you want?” But for the Turkish press, this wasn’t enough. They urged the coach to “pray” for more players like Gedson Fernandes, who stood out for his passion and commitment. Fernandes not only scored the game’s only goal but also set an example through his dedication, symbolized by playing “with his heart on the grass.”
The newspaper went so far as to describe the game’s saviors as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” a biblical allusion to heralds of impending judgment. Fernandes, Felix Uduokhai, Emirhan Topcu, and goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu formed a line of defense that barely held Lyon at bay. According to FotoMaç, without these players' individual contributions, Besiktas’ performance would have crumbled entirely, as they alone prevented the collapse that Lyon’s offensive onslaught could have caused.
Although Van Bronckhorst eventually brought in Semih Kilicsoy, Onur Bulut, Al Musrati, and Salih Ucan to strengthen the lineup, the publication pointed out that these adjustments came too late. Critically, they noted that Lyon’s one weakness, a static defense, could have been exploited from the start by using Kilicsoy instead of starting Ciro Immobile. The delay in these substitutions hinted at a lack of awareness or adaptability in Van Bronckhorst’s tactical approach, fueling further discontent among fans and media alike.
Former Besiktas player Nihat Kahveci didn’t hold back his disappointment, particularly with the team’s dismal first half. “I don’t even want to talk about that first half. What a disgrace. I was embarrassed. I was mortified in the first half,” Kahveci admitted, expressing a sentiment that resonated with fans. For Kahveci, it was unfathomable that a team with such talented players could deliver such an uninspired performance, a perspective that underscored the frustration with Van Bronckhorst’s leadership.
The night’s standout performer, however, was undeniably goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu. Playing in just his second match of the season, the 23-year-old pulled off eight critical saves, preventing what could have easily been a defeat. Kahveci offered heartfelt praise to Destanoglu, advising him to keep the recording of this match as a lasting memory. “Show it to your grandchildren. What a game!” he said, commending the young keeper’s heroics that ultimately secured Besiktas’ narrow victory.
The match left Turkish media and fans with mixed emotions. On one hand, there was relief that Besiktas managed to scrape a win; on the other, deep concern over the tactical and managerial flaws that nearly cost them the game. For Van Bronckhorst, the result may have spared him immediate scrutiny, but the performance left no room for complacency. The game served as a reminder that individual brilliance can only go so far and that cohesion, preparation, and tactical adaptability are essential if Besiktas is to maintain success in the Europa League.
Updated: 11:39, 25 Oct 2024
