Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe maintain perfect records

Two Istanbul teams lead the Turkcell Super League with six victories in as many games. While Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard enjoys the club’s best season-opening performance in history and 19 league goals so far, tough-earned one-goal wins create some kind of pressure on Fenerbahçe coach Cristoph Daum



Galatasaray Chairman Adnan Polat (C) smiles after beating Kasımpaşaspor with late goals Monday night. Polat watched the game in the regular stands with supporters to protest the ticket prices. Tickets for the game were sold for 120 Turkish Liras each while the season ticket for Kasımpaşaspor is sold for 90 liras.
Two Istanbul teams are dominating the Turkcell Super League at the end of the sixth week, raising questions about whether at least a third club can be in the title competition.



Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are both six for six, leading the league with 18 points. It is the first time Galatasaray, leader by goal difference, has accomplished such a success, while Fenerbahçe is repeating it 45 years later.

Galatasaray, which made best use of the off season by signing big names, including Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard and his assistant Johan Neeskens, won 3-1 at minnow Kasımpaşaspor Monday night with two late goals.

Kasımpaşaspor’s Brazilian player Andre Moritz gave his team the lead in the 26th minute at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium. Galatasaray’s Shabani Nonda of Congo, who replaced Milan Baros in the second half, leveled the game in the 62nd, added one more in the 89th and capped a hat-trick three minutes later. It was the fifth league goal for Nonda this season, carrying him to the top of the top goal scorers list, ahead of Barros with four goals.

Nonda was happy to have accomplished the mission. “Our coach did not give special tactics for the second half, but we knew we should be aggressive,” he told official broadcaster Lig TV after the game. “We wanted to win, and we did what we had to do.”

Abdulkader Keita was also fielded in the second half to replace Brazilian midfielder Elano, and he supported Nonda with two assists. “We have something special with Keita, like play buddies,” Nonda said. “We are friends and we have a harmony on the field.”

Galatasaray coach Rijkaard admitted the game was tough for his side. “The first half was very difficult, but the team managed to get up and snatch the victory in the second,” the Dutch man told reporters at a post-game press conference.

The sixth victory in the league marked a record for the Istanbul team, but Rijkaard is not so keen on records. “I don’t think much about records, but I see no problems as long as the team plays well and makes the supporters happy.”

The most memorable moment of Monday’s game was in the eighth minute, when Kasımpaşa defender Ali Güneş dived on the goal line to block a shot by Elano with his hand. Despite having a clear view of the player, referee İlker Meral ignored a well-deserved penalty shot and a red card to the player.

The referee was heavily criticized by pundits, but Rijkaard was not so harsh on him. “We must not focus on the referees,” said the coach. “They are human and they can make mistakes. The referees do not decide the outcome of a game; it is your performance that matters.”

Fenerbahçe coach Christoph Daum was not as “cool” as Rijkaard on his team’s success. “It is the points not the quality of football that brings you the success,” he said after Fenerbahçe’s tough-earned 1-0 home win against Istanbul Municipality on Sunday night.

The team has been criticized by many fans and pundits for getting one-goal wins in a season that has seen Galatasaray scoring 19 goals in six games. “Those who criticize us should check the standings,” the angry German told reporters. “When was the last time the criticizing fans witnessed a perfect six-week league record from Fenerbahçe,” he asked, adding points earned in such close games is the key to the title.

Daum reacted when a reporter recalled Galatasaray’s three-goal wins. “What are you talking about, Playstation?” he asked angrily. “Let’s get real. Maybe other teams scored more goals then we did, but do you know how many wins this team got in the first six weeks of last season. I will be happy with more goals, but I am ready to settle for the points.”

The two Istanbul teams are already six points ahead of third placed Eskişehirspor, which is still unbeaten. Defending champion and cup winner Beşiktaş is way behind in the 11th place with six points, raising doubts over the future of coach Mustafa Denizli.