Post-Match Unity Call from Göztepe Head Coach Stanimir Stoilov
Making statements following the Gaziantep FK defeat, Göztepe's head coach expressed that the team is going through a difficult period and addressed the community.
Following Göztepe's defeat against Gaziantep FK in the fourth week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, head coach Stanimir Stoilov evaluated the team's performance at the post-match press conference and emphasized that they are going through a critical period.
The Worst 45 Minutes
Göztepe Head Coach Stanimir Stoilov stated that they left behind the worst first half he has experienced during his three-year tenure. The experienced manager pointed out that they made all possible mistakes on the pitch and completely failed to reflect their playing identity in the first half.
The seasoned coach expressed that throughout the first half, they lost all duels both in attack and defense, which created a major disappointment for them.
Red Card and Turning Point
Stoilov stated that they made a stronger start to the second half of the match, but after the red card incident, the match completely broke apart and was over for them. He noted that this situation disrupted their game plan.
Stating that the team has to cope with these difficulties, the head coach conveyed that the negative events were reflected on the pitch and they could not fully show the desired reaction for the rest of the match.
Difficult and Dangerous Process
Stoilov stated that they are currently going through a very difficult and dangerous process together, emphasizing that this table needs to be reversed. He expressed that the only way to achieve this is to use our minds correctly, work much harder, and have the entire Göztepe family unite.
Calling on the community for unity and solidarity, the experienced manager underlined that they can only leave these difficult days behind through common sense and solidarity.
Injuries and Squad Status
Touching upon the importance of injured center-backs returning to the team as soon as possible, Stoilov stated that with Sonko and Godoi returning to the pitch, the defensive line will reach a much stronger and more stable position. He reminded that experienced name Bokele is also in the squad.
Stating that young players Taha and Ege might experience pressure due to their age, the coach noted that they are working intensively to maintain squad planning and player balance.
Reason for Player Substitutions
He stated that he personally made the substitution decisions to protect the psychology of young player Ege and to prevent the fans' reaction towards goalkeepers Lukas and Luca from negatively affecting the team. He noted that he always takes responsibility for such decisions.
He added that these moves were entirely aimed at protecting the players and that he made this discretion by observing the general balance of the team.
Transfer Evaluation
He expressed that they considered making a transfer for the center-back position during the mid-season or under current conditions, but could not find a player of the desired quality. He stated that they gave up on this move, taking into account that there would be player congestion within the team.
Pointing out the importance of preserving the current squad structure and evaluating the potential inside in the best way, Stoilov noted that they will work to get the best result with the group of players they have.