Countdown to the Great Derby-Galatasaray v.s Fenerbahce

By: Musab | April 22nd, 2008

This Sunday, the whole of Turkey will be fixed on one match. The great Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. What makes this seasons derby so important is that both teams are tied at the same amount of points with Fenerbahce holding a +1 goal average advantage. So, simply put, the winner of this match will be the champion. It’s as simple as that.

The Galatasaray squad has completely cut themselves off from the rest of the world and have refused to allow media personnel to visit the training grounds. However they have released some statements.

Arda Turan and Mehmet Topal visited a High school on Monday and had this to say.

Arda Turan
“Every year we witeness this match, however this year its special. Of course there is stress and excitement on us, however we know that all of our hard work this season will lead us to success this Sunday”

In response to a question: “I believe that for me to prove that I have contributed to Galatasaray’s success, I have to help my team mates win this match. I hope to enjoy this match as well.”

Mehmet Topal

“I have always enjoyed playing at this club and have no plans to leave any time soon. Of course there are offers from European clubs, but as long as my “big brothers” ask for me to stay, I will continue playing for my team because I am very happy here”

“When it comes to the derby, I say this, this match will determine the champion. We know that this is a very serious match and that Fenerbahce are a very strong team. However we as a team believe in ourselves and we know our fans will help us defeat our rivals.”

And finally, living Galatasaray god Hakan Sukur had this to say in an interview given to GSTV”

Hakan Sukur

“Even though we are the same standings with our rivals, there are three matches left. We have to treat every one of these matches as a finale match. We have to be very serious and yet comfortable with ourselves. If we win this sunday, we will gain a very big advantage coming into the final two weeks. Without a doubt we have the potential to accomplish this”

“I ask the Galatasaray fans to come and support their team in the way that everone in the world knows of. I also ask them to be careful not to allow their support get out of hand.”

The team seems to be ready, are you??????