Tumer Metin shared his conversation with Irfan Can Kahveci
As speculation grows about whether Irfan Can Kahveci will extend his contract with Fenerbahce, Tumer Metin made striking comments about the player, who has not been getting much playing time under Jose Mourinho this season. Metin also shared details of his conversation with Irfan Can.
Irfan Can Kahveci’s contract with Fenerbahce is set to expire at the end of the season, and his status as a free agent is already a topic of curiosity. After last season’s impressive performances, Irfan Can has found himself mostly on the bench since Mourinho’s arrival. His representatives are expected to meet with Fenerbahce in the coming days to discuss contract terms and the potential for a new deal. If both sides agree, it’s expected that Irfan Can will sign a new 3-year contract with the club.
“IRFAN CAN ISSUE MUST BE WEIGHING ON MOURINHO”
While Mourinho’s reluctance to start Irfan Can has sparked debate among Fenerbahce fans, former footballer and pundit Tumer Metin shared some candid thoughts. Metin also revealed a message he sent to Irfan Can during his analysis on Asist Analiz. “I messaged Irfan Can and said, ‘Keep pushing, that jersey will be ours, brother,’ and I mean it. He replied, ‘Keep going, brother, we won’t give up.’ His attitude really pleased me.”
Commenting that Irfan Can should be starting, Metin said, “The Irfan Can issue must be eating away at Mourinho. Irfan proved himself last season, rising like a phoenix from a rough patch, and now he’s in a battle for a starting spot, which I, as an analyst and former player, cannot accept.”
“STILL TRYING TO PROVE HIMSELF”
Metin also touched on Irfan Can’s national team performances: “The kid is still trying to prove himself. He goes to the national team, solves two games with critical goals that secure points.”
“LET MOURINHO WORRY”
Tumer Metin wrapped up his comments by saying, “If I were in Irfan Can’s shoes—though I can only say this from the perspective of a 50-year-old—if I don’t play tomorrow, I’d just lean back and not worry. Let Mourinho figure it out.”
Fenerbahce’s focus on the upcoming Samsunspor away game
After injuries to Caglar Soyuncu, Mert Hakan Yandas, and Maximin were resolved during the international break, only Ismail Yuksek remains sidelined. Despite significant improvement, Ismail is not expected to be risked in the Samsun match.
Tough decisions for the center-back position
Ismail is expected to be fit for Thursday’s Manchester United match. With Caglar’s recovery and Filip Kostic now an option for the left-back role, questions about Fenerbahce’s new defensive setup have arisen. If Kostic starts, Oosterwolde may become a versatile center-back alternative again. Mourinho is expected to play Osayi on the right and Kostic on the left, with two of Caglar, Becao, Djiku, and Oosterwolde as center-backs.
Irfan Can on the right, Tadic on the left
In midfield, Amrabat, Fred, and Szymanski seem to have secured their spots, while Tadic is likely to replace Maximin on the left, and Irfan Can—who returned with high morale after scoring two goals in national team matches—will play on the right. Moroccan striker En Nesyri is likely to start as the forward, with veteran Bosnian striker Dzeko, who played in two Nations League matches, expected to come off the bench in the second half depending on the score.
Noteworthy stats ahead of the Samsunspor match
Fenerbahce is undefeated in their last 23 away games in the Super Lig, winning 19 and drawing 4, with clean sheets in the last three. In nine of their last 11 Super Lig matches, Fenerbahce has not conceded a goal, and they currently hold the best xGA (expected goals against) in the league (4.8 xGA). Mourinho aims to become the first foreign coach since Daum (March-May 2010) to keep a clean sheet in 4+ consecutive away games in charge of Fenerbahce.
