‘The scariest place I played, man of the match could be…’
Galatasaray’s former Cameroonian star Aurelien Chedjou and Fenerbahce’s former defender Abdoulaye Ba made exclusive comments to Spor Arena ahead of today’s massive derby between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray in Kadikoy for matchday 6 of the Trendyol Super Lig. The former star players, who took part in unforgettable derbies, also shared their thoughts on the atmosphere of this eternal rivalry.
In matchday 6 of the Trendyol Super Lig, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray will face off today. The critical match between the two eternal rivals will be played at Ulker Stadium Sukru Saracoglu Sports Complex. Galatasaray, who have won all 5 of their matches and sit at the top of the table, will step onto the pitch to defend their lead. Meanwhile, the yellow-dark blue team, currently in 2nd place with 13 points, will play their first derby under coach Jose Mourinho, aiming for victory with the support of their fans. Aurelien Chedjou, who made a name for himself with Galatasaray between 2013-2017, and Senegalese footballer Abdoulaye Ba shared their analysis ahead of the tough battle.
AURELIEN CHEDJOU AND ABDOULAYE BA’S ‘DERBY’ COMMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AURELIEN CHEDJOU: “KADIKOY WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST PLACES I PLAYED”
I have great respect for Kadikoy, its atmosphere, and Fenerbahce fans. No matter what happens, they always stand behind their team. I used to tell my friends that Kadikoy was one of the scariest places I played. You can’t name a favorite in these kinds of matches between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Of course, I’m on Galatasaray’s side because it’s my team. I’m a Galatasaray supporter, but Fenerbahce playing at home could make a difference in the match.
“PLAYERS WANT TO DIE ON THE PITCH FOR JOSE MOURINHO”
It’s going to be a tough match because Jose Mourinho wants to make his mark in his first year in Turkey. As always, Mourinho knows how to relieve all the pressure on his players to allow them to perform efficiently on the pitch. He also knows very well how to give confidence to his players. That’s why his players want to die on the pitch for their coach. Fenerbahce has great players like Fred, Allan Saint-Maximin, Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, and En-Nesyri. All of these players are at a very high level, so watching such a game will be fantastic.
“VICTOR OSIMHEN COULD BE THE MAN OF THE MATCH IN THE DERBY”
Victor Osimhen, of course, is Africa’s golden boy. I think Osimhen wants to reciprocate the love that all Galatasaray fans have for him. He’s highly motivated right now. Osimhen could be the man of the match in the derby. The coach I know from my time at Basaksehir, Okan Buruk, is, first and foremost, a good person. The key to his success with his players lies in this. He was always like a mentor to his players in the teams he worked with. If you had any personal issues, he would always talk with you and try to help you find solutions to your problems. As a result, you would perform well on the field. Coach Okan is a very good manager, which is why he’s won the Super Lig for the past two years. Okan Buruk also knows very well how to manage dressing rooms filled with egos.
ABDOULAYE BA: “THE SEASON REALLY STARTS NOW, BUT MOURINHO HAS EXPERIENCE”
There is an incredible atmosphere in Kadikoy. Playing against Galatasaray at home is a very special game because it’s unique. You feel like a soldier going to war there. Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world. I’m very happy that my favorite team has a coach like Mourinho in charge. The season really starts now, but Mourinho has experience in such matches. Success in the derby depends on the mental structure and teamwork. Fenerbahce has been fighting for the championship they’ve wanted to achieve for years. With very experienced players like Amrabat, Fred, Allan Saint-Maximin, Tadic, Dzeko, and Irfan Can Kahveci leading the team, I feel that we will have a successful season this year and will celebrate the championship in Kadikoy in the end. Victor Osimhen can be a danger in the derby. Victor is a great player, and with every step he takes in his journey to success, he has fought hard. Playing in the Turkish League is like a stone in the pyramid, helping to make the level higher and stronger.
