The Chess Match Begins

The Chess Match Begins

On February 26, 2014, the UEFA Champions League game between Chelsea FC vs Galatasaray AS will be played at 'Turk Telekom Ali Samiyen Stadium', in Istanbul, Turkey. 

This is the knock-out phase of the competition, and the next game between the two clubs will be on March 18, 2014, in London, England. 

          Mourinho 

The winner will be in the 'last 8', semi-finals of this tournament.  

However, before dreaming about titles, Chelsea's Coach Jose Mourinho, will need to win the 'Chess Match', with Galatasaray's Coach of Roberto Mancini.   

          Mancini

Mr Mourinho had the following to say, about this tie:

“I think this is a tie that will go to the end. It will go right to the end.”

I do agree with Mr Mourinho; this will be a tricky couple of games, and it will go right to the wire.

Thank you, 

Ben

Game Over for Cesare Prandelli

Game Over for Cesare Prandelli 

Galatasaray Football Club has sacked Mr Cesare Prandelli following a series of poor results that culminated in the teams early exit from UEFA's Champions League.

I wish Mr Prandelli success in his future endeavours.  

Court Confirms Fenerbahce SK's Conviction

Court Confirms Fenerbahce SK's Conviction  

I want to give brief back ground information on 'Fenerbahce SK' and 'Aziz Yildirim'.   

Who is Fenerbahce SK? 

Fenerbahce SK, or 'Fener' as known among most everyone, is a 'Top' football/soccer team from Istanbul, with numerous trophy titles held. 

          Fenerbahce emblem

The President of Fener is Aziz Yildirim, he has been at this position for 15 years. 

Now, today's news.  

The Turkish Appeals Court has upheld Fenerbahce President Aziz Yildirim's conviction for 'match-fixing' & 'trying to influence the outcome of matches' & 'leading a criminal gang'.  

The conviction of 'match-fixing' occurred in July 3, 2012; and afterwards, Aziz Yildirim was sentenced to 6 years in prison. 

          Mr Aziz Yildirim

The 'final appeal' is the last avenue available for Mr Yildirim, who denies any wrongdoing.  

However, if the stated conviction above is confirmed, Mr Yildirim is expected to return to prison and be forced to step down as Fenerbahce's President. 

Due the conviction on July 3, 2012; Fenerbahce SK was expelled from the UEFA competition for these past years and is barred from qualifying for next season's competition.  

I will monitor the future outcomes from this scandal. 

Thank you,

Ben

Sergen the Coach

Sergen the Coach 

I wanted to write about a coach named Sergen Yalcin today. 

Why you ask?

I like to keep current in the game of soccer/football, and look for interesting stories within this sport.  

Here is an a good story, you will not have heard/read on many news channels. 

Sergen Yalcin become the coach of Gaziantepspor Soccer Team, 45 days ago. 

The soccer team fired the previous coach, due to unsuccessful results and ended in the bottom of an 18 team league titled, 'Super League' of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). 

Since taking over the club as a coach, Sergen Yalcin has won all 4 games in charge for Gaziantepspor.  This is very surprising, as all games were against difficult clubs.  

After 4 weeks, the team went from being 'last' in the table to now in 10th place.  

Here is where the story gets interesting.  

Mr Sergen Yalcin has stated this week that he will quiet his job as a coach after 2 weeks, which will be after the end of 2 games, since the players are not getting their salaries regularly.

After 2 weeks, there will be a 1 month vacation in the 'Super League' of TFF.  

My advise to the management of Gaziantepspor Football Team are:

- solve the financial problem within the club, 

- pay your employees salaries on time, 

- respect each other,

- act professionally,

- try to keep your current coach Sergen Yalcin, and 

- try to sign him for a minimum of 2 year contract. 

I do believe there is success in the future for this club, if the above 'points' are implemented.  

Thank you for reading. 

Preview, Galatasaray vs Real Madrid in November 2013

Preview, Galatasaray vs Real Madrid in November 2013

This game will be the 5'th for both teams, who are in Group 'B' of the UEFA Champions League.  Real Madrid is in first place with 10 points, and has guaranteed to make it to the coveted 'last 16' of this competition.  Galatasaray have 4 points, and is in second place, and requires a 'good game' to boost their confidence, and try to 'steal' a win, with a likelier result of a 'tie'.

          Real Madrid emblem

Coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid has confirmed today that the star player of Cristiano Ronaldo will miss this game due to an injury of a 'thigh problem'.  The news of Cristiano Ronaldo not playing in this game is good news for 'Gala'.  With him in the line-up, I would have given Gala 'no chance' of securing a point(s).  Without him, and other 'key' players not dressing-up for this game, I do believe it will be more of an 'even' competition.  

         Galatasaray emblem

The game will be played at Estadio Santiago Stadium in Madrid, on Wednesday November 27, 2013.  Make time to watch this game, as I believe it will be an exciting game.

Thank you for reading, 

Ben