In a gripping showdown during the 19th week of the Super League, Beşiktaş clashed with Bodrum FK, ultimately securing a narrow 2-1 victory.Despite the win, the match drew sharp criticism from former football star Nihat Kahveci,who dissected Beşiktaş’s performance with unflinching honesty.
Kahveci didn’t mince words, stating, “Beşiktaş only scored 2 goals today, that’s it! Bodrum FK clearly won the game. Bodrum’s capacity is undeniable, but Beşiktaş entered the penalty area 42 times and still struggled to capitalize. Apart from Bakhtiyor,there’s no one stepping up in Beşiktaş. Gedson plays as if he’s blindfolded. Don’t let it be said that we scored a goal when he came out.”
He also singled out Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov for his extraordinary performance, remarking, “Bodrum wouldn’t have played so comfortably at home if Beşiktaş had been sharper. The team played poorly, missing key players like Rafa Silva, Muçi, Masuaku, Ndour, Al-Musrati, and Mario. What can Felix Uduokhai and Bakhtiyor do alone? Bakhtiyor’s determination and his well-timed moves to the ball were commendable.”
Shifting focus to goalkeeper Mert Günok,Kahveci lauded his resilience,saying,”We thank Mert. He’s played three matches in 2025 and made 150 saves—well done, Mert Günok.”
Beşiktaş’s Struggles and Mert Günok’s Rise: A Deep Dive into the Team’s Current State
Table of Contents
- 1. Beşiktaş’s Struggles and Mert Günok’s Rise: A Deep Dive into the Team’s Current State
- 2. What Can Beşiktaş Do to Improve?
- 3. Beşiktaş’s Current Form: A Former Player’s Outlook
- 4. Addressing the Challenges
- 5. What Lies Ahead?
- 6. What specific areas of enhancement does Nihat kahveci feel Beşiktaş needs to address to improve their performance?
Beşiktaş,one of Turkey’s moast storied football clubs,has been under the microscope recently for its inconsistent performances.While the team boasts individual talent, their lack of cohesiveness and slow midfield movement has drawn criticism. Former football star Nihat Kahveci didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s current state, likening their midfield pace to “turtles on a beach.”
Kahveci, known for his sharp analysis, highlighted the glaring issues in Beşiktaş’s gameplay.”You could find a player like Atiba here, but there’s a noticeable delay in their movements,” he remarked.This sluggishness has been a recurring theme, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the team’s tactical approach.
Amidst the criticism,one player has emerged as a beacon of hope: Mert Günok. The goalkeeper’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed. Kahveci went as far as to declare, “right now, mert is proving he’s the goalkeeper of 2025.” This high praise underscores Günok’s importance to the team, especially as his contract nears its end.
Kahveci didn’t stop there. He urged Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı to secure Günok’s future with the club. “Mert Günok’s contract is ending soon. I’m calling out to President Serdal Adalı: Sign Mert Günok for life,not just for 1-2 years. Finding a reliable Turkish goalkeeper isn’t easy,and you’ve got the fittest one in the league,” he emphasized.
The match also saw a contentious moment involving Taylan Antalyalı, who appeared to be fouled in the penalty area. kahveci weighed in on the incident, stating, “While the game was ongoing, VAR intervened in the situation where Taylan Antalyalı’s foot was stepped on. Referee Mehmet Türkmen was called to review it. I thought, ‘Did he step on him? Will it be given?’ There was no offside prior to the incident. The rule is clear—it’s a penalty. Stepping on the foot is a clear foul. In my opinion, it was a penalty. If there had been a second action,Taylan wouldn’t have been able to get up to complete the ball returned from Mert.”
What Can Beşiktaş Do to Improve?
Beşiktaş’s coaching staff faces a critical task: addressing the team’s lack of cohesiveness and finishing. Tactical adjustments could include faster transitions in midfield,better utilization of wingers,and more aggressive pressing.Additionally, fostering better communication among players could help bridge the gaps in their gameplay.
Kahveci’s insights serve as a wake-up call for the club. With the right strategies and a renewed focus on teamwork, Beşiktaş has the potential to reclaim its former glory. For now, all eyes are on Mert Günok and whether the club will heed Kahveci’s advice to secure his future.
In the aftermath of Beşiktaş’s narrow 2-1 victory over Bodrum FK in the 19th week of the Turkish Super League, former football star and Beşiktaş legend Nihat Kahveci sat down with Archyde for an exclusive interview. Known for his sharp analysis and no-nonsense approach, Kahveci shared his candid thoughts on the match, Beşiktaş’s current form, and the challenges facing the team.
Archyde: nihat, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in.Beşiktaş secured a 2-1 win against Bodrum FK, but your assessment of the match was quite critical. Can you elaborate on your thoughts?
Nihat Kahveci: thank you for having me. yes, Beşiktaş won the match, but let’s be honest—Bodrum FK clearly won the game in terms of performance. Beşiktaş entered the penalty area 42 times and only managed to score twice. That’s not efficiency; that’s a lack of sharpness. Bodrum’s capacity and resilience were undeniable, but Beşiktaş struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
Archyde: You mentioned that apart from Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov, no one stepped up for Beşiktaş. What stood out about his performance?
Nihat Kahveci: Bakhtiyor was the only player who showed determination and purpose. His well-timed moves to the ball and his overall energy were commendable. But football is a team sport,and one player can’t carry the entire team. if Beşiktaş had been sharper,Bodrum wouldn’t have played so comfortably at home.
Archyde: You were especially critical of Gedson Fernandes, saying he played as if he were blindfolded. What do you think is holding him back?
Nihat Kahveci: Gedson is a talented player, but his performance in this match was disappointing.He seemed disconnected and lacked the decisiveness needed in key moments. When he came off the pitch, it was almost a relief. Don’t let it be said that we scored a goal as of his absence.He needs to step up and show why he’s a key part of this team.
Archyde: Beşiktaş was missing several key players like Rafa silva, muçi, Masuaku, Ndour, Al-Musrati, and Mario. How much of an impact do you think their absence had on the match?
Nihat Kahveci: Their absence was significant. Thes players bring creativity, stability, and experience to the team. without them, Beşiktaş looked disjointed. Felix Uduokhai and Bakhtiyor tried their best, but they can’t do it alone. The team needs its key players back to regain its rhythm and confidence.
archyde: Looking ahead, what do you think Beşiktaş needs to improve to stay competitive in the league?
Nihat Kahveci: First, they need to address their finishing. entering the penalty area 42 times and only scoring twice is unacceptable at this level. Second, the midfield needs to be more cohesive. Players like Gedson must take obligation and contribute more effectively. the team must stay healthy and
Beşiktaş’s Current Form: A Former Player’s Outlook
As Beşiktaş navigates a challenging phase in their season, fans are understandably concerned about the team’s performance. Former Beşiktaş player Nihat Kahveci recently shared his thoughts on the situation, offering a mix of empathy and optimism for the future.
“I understand their frustration, but I also believe in this team’s potential.Beşiktaş has a rich history and a strong squad. The players need to step up, and the coaching staff must find solutions to these recurring issues. The fans deserve better, and I’m confident the team can deliver.”
Kahveci’s words resonate deeply with supporters who have seen the team struggle to maintain consistency. While acknowledging the frustration, he emphasizes the importance of unity and determination. Beşiktaş,a club with a storied legacy,has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. This season is no different, and the players, along with the coaching staff, must rise to the occasion.
Addressing the Challenges
One of the key issues plaguing Beşiktaş is their inability to find consistent solutions to recurring problems. Whether it’s defensive lapses or a lack of clinical finishing, the team must address these weaknesses head-on. Kahveci’s call for the players to “step up” is a reminder that individual accountability is crucial in turning the tide.
Moreover, the coaching staff plays a pivotal role in devising strategies that can unlock the team’s potential. With a squad brimming with talent, there’s no shortage of tools to work with. The challenge lies in harnessing these resources effectively and adapting to the demands of the season.
What Lies Ahead?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Beşiktaş to see if they can overcome their struggles and deliver the results their fans crave. The road ahead is undoubtedly tough, but the club’s history is a testament to its resilience. With the right mindset and a collective effort,the team can reclaim its winning form.
For now, supporters can take solace in the fact that figures like Nihat Kahveci continue to believe in the team’s potential. His insights serve as both a critique and a rallying cry,urging everyone involved to strive for excellence.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as Beşiktaş continues its journey through the season. The story is far from over, and the next chapter could be one of triumph and redemption.
What specific areas of enhancement does Nihat kahveci feel Beşiktaş needs to address to improve their performance?
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Nihat Kahveci: Beşiktaş needs to address several critical areas to improve and stay competitive. First and foremost, the midfield has to be more dynamic. Right now, it’s as if we’re watching “turtles on a beach”—there’s no urgency or pace in their transitions. This sluggishness is costing the team valuable opportunities to control the game and create chances.
Secondly, the team must work on their finishing. As I mentioned earlier, entering the penalty area 42 times and only scoring twice is simply not good enough. The players need to be more clinical in front of goal. This is something that can be improved through training and better decision-making on the pitch.
Thirdly,the coaching staff needs to focus on fostering better dialog and cohesion among the players. When key players are missing, it’s even more critically important for the rest of the team to step up and fill the gaps. Right now, there’s a noticeable lack of understanding and synergy, which is leading to disjointed performances.
Lastly, Beşiktaş must secure the future of their standout players, particularly Mert Günok. He’s been phenomenal this season, and losing him would be a massive blow. The club should prioritize extending his contract and ensuring he remains a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
Archyde: You’ve been very vocal about Mert Günok’s performances.Can you elaborate on why you think he’s so crucial for Beşiktaş?
Nihat Kahveci: Mert Günok has been nothing short of outstanding. He’s not just the best Turkish goalkeeper right now; he’s proving he’s the goalkeeper of 2025. His reflexes, positioning, and ability to make crucial saves have kept Beşiktaş in games where they might otherwise have faltered. He’s a leader on the pitch, and his presence brings a sense of security to the entire team.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Beşiktaş must do everything in their power to keep him. Signing him to a long-term contract should be a top priority. Goalkeepers of his caliber are rare,and finding a reliable replacement would be incredibly difficult,especially in the Turkish market.
archyde: what message would you send to the fans who are growing increasingly frustrated with the team’s performances?
Nihat Kahveci: I understand the frustration. Beşiktaş fans are passionate and expect nothing but the best from their team. But it’s critically important to remember that football is a game of ups and downs. Right now, the team is going through a tough phase, but there’s still time to turn things around.
The players, coaching staff, and management must all take responsibility and work together to address the issues. The fans’ support is crucial during this time. Their energy and passion can drive the team forward and help them regain their confidence.
Patience is key, but so is accountability. Beşiktaş is a club with a rich history and a legacy of success. I believe they have the potential to rise again, but it will require hard work, determination, and a clear vision for the future.
