The Goal Machine comes to a grinding halt
By: Musab | October 5th, 2009As we went through 6 wins and a draw in our first 7 games, many expected Galatasaray to perform well away at Ankaragucu. Nobody expected the 3-0 defeat we suffered. The game was one of extreme frustration as Galatasaray boasted 69% ball posession and yet conceded 3 goals in the last 7 minutes of the game. However that posession consisted of back passes and defenders passing amongst themselves. Ankaragucu played a thoroughly defensive game, put pressure on the Galatasaray players as often as they could, and tried to break through with counter attacks. At around the 20th minute I openly declared that we would not be able to win this game.
The problem with this Galatasaray team is very simple. If it can’t find open spaces where it can play football, it simple doesnt have the strength to defeat its opponent. Our defenders are unable to play the ball succesfully and our star players are easily lost when they aren’t given the ball. Rijkaard is trying to overcome this by playing players out of their natural position in defense (Caner Erkin as a left back) And while this sometimes works, overall it isnt as succesful. During the transfer window, before we went and got Elano, I stated on this site that Galatasaray needs to spend very big money (~$10 million) on a very high class defender that can use the ball effectively. Unfortunantly we went into the season with only adding Gokhan Zan as a central defender on a free transfer.
Another important point is the fact that Mustafa Sarp has strayed away from his early season form and I believe that it is time we give him a break. Unfortunantly both Mehmet Topal and Ayhan are playing way under their ability. This would be the perfect time for Linderoth to come in and save the day but unfortunatly the Galatasaray board dont see any problem with paying a million dollar salary to a player who hasnt played in 15 games for us in three years.
Category: Postmatch
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I myself was quite shocked and disappointed with our 3:0 defeat to Ankaragucu. Our defense is error-prone and does create a lot of space for opponents. A solid defense could fix the problems so that even if we have to grind out some games, we can still come out victorious.(as Fenerbahce has been doing all season long).
The season is very long, and has its ups and downs.
Fenerbahce’s loss to Gazientepspor was very helpful.
Today’s derby against Fenerbahce is very critical, and a win for Galatasaray will help the team in many ways in its quest to win the Turkish Super Lig Title.Posted from
United States
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First Half: Galatasaray is down by a score of 1 to nil in favor of Fenerbahce,since the 12th minute.
Galatasaray has more possession of the ball, but very few clear cut opportunities to score. Fenerbahce’s defense is very disciplined and keeping us at bay.
However, we have been very lucky not to concede more goals b/c our defense and the goalkeeper made a lot of mistakes. Galatasaray does not really have a defense b/c all of the “defenders” are attacking leaving only 1 or at most 2 players, and an erratic goalkeeper in the back.
Fenerbahce fans are very unsportsmankile! They are throwing bottles and other objects on the field toward Galatasaray players,fixing green laser lights in the eyes of the Galatasaray Goalkeeper, and hurling insults towards the players. It’s definitely, a horrific atmosphere for our players to be playing in, but there is no excuse.
Let’s hope we can transform the ball possession into goals, in the 2nd half.
Go Galatasaray!!!Posted from
United States -
Goaaaaaaaaaaal Galatasaray!
Just after a second a goal(from a boneheaded penalty by our Goalkeeper…Please keep the ball away from, he doesn’t know how to clear a ball…and goes on to grab the legs of the Fenerbahce’s player in the penalty box)….
Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal Galatasaray Balta!56th minute
2:1Posted from
United States -
Game is over. Fenerbahce just scored a 3rd goal in the 92nd minute. Final score 3:1 in favor of Fenerbahce.
The Galatasaray defenders just could not keep up with Fenerbahce strikers. Playing out of position, a non existent man-to-man marking, defenders playing headless, an unfamiliarity with zonal marking and discipline.
Servet Cetin looks old and slow. The rest of the defenders are just pathetically lost. The Goalkeeper Franco is freaking erratic.
If Galatasaray were to become Champion, they have to implement better defensive strategies and discipline.
The Istanbul Derby was very physical, ugly, too many fouls, and an unruly Fenerbahce fan base.
Let’s hope the team can get back to the early season winning ways in the weeks to come with a shored up defense.
Go Galatasaray!!!Posted from
United States -
Great win against Sivasspor today! 2:0 for Galatasaray by Nonda and Kewell.
The good news is we are only 3 points removed from 1st place Fenerbahce who tied against Kayserispor.
Let’s hope we can fix our defensive woes,reduce our errors and play as a team.
I am definitely happy! Great Week for Galatasaray!Posted from
United States -
The scary thing being up by a score of 1 to nil, is one never knows when the opponent is going to tie.
So far the defense has held up despite being on the backheel. Kewell and Nonda had great opportunities to kill off the game for good but no luck on our side.
80 minutes so far, 1:0 in favor of Galatasaray against Manisaspor at home. I so hope we win…and my heart rate is up!!!Posted from
United States -
1:1 by the way, Manisaspor tied the game, after a defensive blunder on a set piece(corner kick), where a Manisaspor striker was left uncovered, while our defense was standing still in zone.
5 minutes before game is over.Posted from
United States
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