Fenerbahçe coach Ismail Kartal has praised Roma’s quality ahead of their Champions League meeting, describing Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad as the strongest in the club’s history.
Fenerbahçe will attempt to recover from an inconsistent start to the season when they welcome Roma to Istanbul on Thursday.
The Turkish side enter the match following a derby defeat against Beşiktaş but will be determined to begin their first Champions League campaign in 18 years with a positive result.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Kartal revealed that Fenerbahçe have carefully studied Roma’s strengths—and identified potential spaces they hope to exploit.
Kartal praises Roma’s historic quality
“We have practically completed our work,” Kartal said. “We’ll also hold a short tactical session this evening.”
“We analyzed every detail of Roma and studied all aspects of their game. We’ve had some very positive training sessions.”
Kartal then offered an enormous compliment to Gasperini’s squad.
“Roma have the best squad in their history,” the Fenerbahçe coach claimed. “They are in great form and have won all three of their league matches.”
Roma have opened the Serie A campaign with three consecutive victories, scoring 10 goals and conceding only once.
Fenerbahçe identify risks in Roma’s approach
Kartal also provided a detailed assessment of Gasperini’s tactical identity.
“They have a very experienced and productive coach,” he explained. “They are a team that defend man-to-man and can quickly send several players into the opposition half after recovering the ball.”
“There are certain phases of matches in which they take risks. We have analyzed those aspects as well. Tomorrow, we’ll try to do our best.”
Roma’s aggressive man-marking, high defensive line and attacking commitment have been central to their perfect domestic start. Those same principles can occasionally leave space behind the pressure, however, and Fenerbahçe will attempt to exploit those moments.
Our complete Fenerbahçe vs Roma preview examines both teams’ tactical approaches, expected lineups and latest injury news.
Kartal: “We know what type of match Roma want”
Kartal believes his team understand how Roma will approach the match and have prepared accordingly.
“We know what Roma do and we have prepared the game with that in mind,” he said. “We will take the pitch as a Fenerbahçe team that wants to exploit the spaces we have identified.”
“All our players are important and each of them has great value. We have players capable of adapting to any system.”
The Turkish coach also insisted that Fenerbahçe will not rely entirely on counterattacking opportunities.
“Tomorrow, we will not play a match based exclusively on transitions,” he added.
Fenerbahçe defender Milan Skriniar also highlighted Roma’s increased quality during his own pre-match press conference.
Kartal calls on Fenerbahçe supporters
Kartal concluded by emphasizing the importance of the home crowd at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
“The supporters are everything to us—they are indispensable,” he said. “We exist because of them. They have never left us alone, at any time or in any place.”
“Tomorrow, we want to make them happy together. This is a Champions League match and a strategic battle. The supporters must back us with that awareness from beginning to end.”
“The goal could arrive in the first minute or the 90th minute. We must all move together.”
Approximately 2,300 Roma supporters are also expected inside the stadium, ensuring an intense atmosphere for both clubs’ Champions League return.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 PM CEST, or 12:45 PM ET, on Thursday, September 10.
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