Dzsudzsak: “My transfer to Fenerbahce was canceled, Galatasaray and Sallai…”

Balazs Dzsudzsak, the legendary name of Hungarian football who once played for Bursaspor in the Super Lig, made special statements to Spor Arena about his career in Turkey. The 37-year-old experienced player, now playing for Debrecen, also touched upon his compatriot Roland Sallai, who was recently signed by Galatasaray from Freiburg.

Balazs Dzsudzsak, who played for PSV Eindhoven between 2008 and 2011, became one of Europe’s most effective attacking players during this period, winning the Eredivisie and Dutch Super Cup titles.

The successful footballer, who was linked with Super Lig giants for many years, joined Bursaspor in 2015. During his time at the green and white club, he made a mark on the fans with his 4 goals and 5 assists in 25 matches, impressing with his attacking play. Dzsudzsak, who has played 109 matches for the Hungarian national team, contributed with 21 goals and became one of the team’s legends. Currently playing for Debrecen, the experienced attacker shared his thoughts about his days at Bursaspor, coach Ertugrul Saglam, his canceled transfer to Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray’s new signing Roland Sallai.

BALAZS DZSUDZSAK’S SPECIAL STATEMENTS ABOUT HIS CAREER ARE AS FOLLOWS:

“There is an incredible fanaticism towards football in Turkey”

You have played football in countries like Hungary, the Netherlands, and Russia. How do you evaluate Turkish football in terms of passion and mentality?
Especially when thinking mentally, I can say that the Super Lig is stronger compared to the mentioned leagues. There is an incredible fanaticism towards football in the country, and this is a wonderful feeling for a footballer. It makes a huge difference. I have never forgotten how the fans welcomed me in Bursa and the love and respect they showed me. They also created an amazing atmosphere in the stadium in all the matches we played.

“The fan pressure in the Super Lig was motivating”

What do you think about the stadium atmosphere and fan pressure in Turkish football?
In the Super Lig, there is a fantastic and goosebump-inducing atmosphere. I really liked the atmosphere in the stadiums. Honestly, we also felt the fan pressure in away games. But I want to use the word pressure here in a positive and motivating way. Is there a footballer who doesn’t like playing in front of full stands?

“I can’t forget the matches we played against Galatasaray and Besiktas”

You played matches against the big 4 teams in the Super Lig. Which matches’ atmosphere impressed you the most?
All these teams have very beautiful stadiums. As match day approached, I would look forward to the moment of playing in these stadiums. I would say the matches we played against Galatasaray and Besiktas were unforgettable and had an amazing atmosphere. And of course, I can’t forget our first match in our new stadium in Bursa.

“My transfer to Fenerbahce was canceled after they signed Robin Van Persie”

Between 2010 and 2016, there were many reports in the European media that the big 4 clubs were interested in you. Was there any interest from these clubs at that time?
During my time at PSV (2008-2011), it was well known that my “price” was 12 million euros. I really wanted to play in Turkey, but unfortunately, there were no official offers at that time. I always heard rumors about interest from Fenerbahce and Besiktas, but nothing serious happened. I remember the time I transferred to Bursaspor (2015). Before going there, it was true that Fenerbahce had been wanting to sign me for a long time, and there were negotiations. However, after Robin Van Persie went there, they couldn’t sign me.

“Ertugrul Saglam was a highly motivated and thoughtful coach”

At Bursaspor, you worked with coaches Ertugrul Saglam and Hamza Hamzaoglu. What do you think about their management styles and communication with the players?
I really enjoyed working with these coaches, especially Ertugrul Saglam. He played a big role in bringing me to the team. Unfortunately, the results didn’t go well, and he left shortly after. Ertugrul Saglam was a highly motivated, thoughtful coach who played attacking football. His style was closer to mine. After that, it became more difficult for me because the team’s playing style changed. New tactics came with the new coach. Bursaspor was a very well-functioning team back then. It had a fantastic fan base, success-hungry people, and great players. That’s why I was very sad when the club was relegated from the Super Lig.

“I WAS EXTREMELY PROUD TO SCORE 2 GOALS LIKE RONALDO IN THAT MATCH”
I want to talk about the Portugal match at EURO 2016, where you advanced to the next round as group leaders. You crowned your brilliant performance with 2 goals in that match. Can you talk about the place of the Portugal match in your career?
It was truly a fantastic match for me and an unforgettable experience. I will never forget this match in my life. In that match, Hungarian football reached a new level in the eyes of the public. We gave hope to millions of Hungarians again and made them proud. Because we played against a team like Portugal, who won the tournament that year, and we dominated the match. This was one of the best moments of my life, perhaps even the best. I am especially very proud that I scored 2 goals in that match like Cristiano Ronaldo.

“ROLAND SALLAI REALLY DESERVES TO BE AT GALATASARAY”
Galatasaray signed Roland Sallai from Freiburg last week. Can you evaluate the potential of Roland Sallai, who is your friend from the national team?
I have a very good friendship with Roland Sallai. Before going to Istanbul, Sallai called me and asked for my opinion. I was very happy that he signed with one of the biggest clubs in Turkey. I am very proud of him because he truly deserves to be at a top-level team like Galatasaray. Everything is given there for him to progress in his career. He can improve in every aspect, such as pressure, responsibility, and character. Because when you play for Galatasaray, you constantly have to prove that you belong there. I’m sure Sallai will rise to this level. He is a very humble and hardworking footballer. Everything is about football for him, and he always wants to be better. I think it was a good decision for him to transfer to Galatasaray. I’m sure he will rise to an even higher league from here, and I will support him to achieve his life goals.

“I’M SURE SALLAI WILL BRING GREAT JOY TO THE FANS”
Do you think Roland Sallai can handle the pressure and atmosphere of Turkish football?
Of course! Roland Sallai is a footballer who is ready to handle this pressure and atmosphere. I believe anyone who can play in the Bundesliga for 6 years can handle this anywhere. He has a very good character. Sallai is also one of the best players in our national team. He developed a lot during his 6 years in Germany. I hope he gets a chance to play for Galatasaray as soon as possible. I’m sure Sallai will bring great joy to the fans.

“SALLAI WILL EASILY INTEGRATE WITH THE ATTACKING PLAYERS”
At Galatasaray, attacking players like Mauro Icardi, Michy Batshuayi, and Victor Osimhen play in the forward positions. Will Roland Sallai be able to play in harmony with these players?
Roland Sallai has never been afraid of challenges because he always had to fight to make it into the team, both in the Bundesliga and in the national team. He has proven that you can benefit from him anywhere because of his strong character. That’s why I think Sallai will easily integrate with Galatasaray’s attacking players. Of course, showing his best form in training and matches will be easier and better for him. I expect good news about him soon.