Van Bronckhorst Responds to Criticism: I Know When to Play Salih

Beşiktaş’s head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst stated that he disagrees with the criticism regarding experienced player Salih Ucan.

Following a 3-1 defeat to Frankfurt in the Europa League and a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep in the Super Lig, Van Bronckhorst addressed concerns about Salih’s playing time. After a post-match evaluation with Football Coordinator Feyyaz Ucar and Football Director Samet Aybaba, he commented on the situation regarding the player he did not field in Gaziantep:

“Let’s Be Patient for a Few More Weeks”
“I decide where and when Salih will play. I talk to Salih regularly, and he is uncomfortable with this situation. These kinds of issues arise at the beginning of the season when the team is still settling in. If we had won in Gaziantep, I don’t think Salih or any other players would have been a topic of discussion. Our team is in a period of adjustment. Let’s be patient for a few more weeks.”

“I Wanted Him Not to Be Sold”
“All players in the team are very valuable to me. However, I am also the closest to their performances. I do not differentiate between players in the team. I have no issues with Salih’s work ethic. We are competing in both the Europa League and Super Lig. I am the one who wanted Salih not to be sold and expressed my desire to play him.”