
Turkish media eviscerate Fenerbahce but single out Rangers star who ‘activated’ Europa League victory
The Turkish media have had some choice words after Rangers dumped Fenerbahce in the first left of the Round of 16 Europa League tie.
Rangers ran out 3-1 winners over Fenerbahce in an impressive display in Istanbul that gives the Ibrox side the advantage ahead of next week’s return in Glasgow.
Barry Ferguson hailed his Rangers team at full-time but is under no illusions that the tie is still very much live with everything to play for in the second leg at Ibrox.
Jose Mourinho agrees.
But despite the fact that this match-up is anything but over, the Turkish media have let rip at Fenerbahce for their lacklustre showing against Rangers in the nation’s capital.
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Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Fenerbahce throw Europa League chances ‘into the fire’ v Rangers
Leading Turkish outlet Fotomac claim that Fenerbahce ‘made things difficult for themselves’ after the 3-1 defeat to Rangers.
They were impressed by Rangers’ ‘effective start’ but admit that Fenerbahce, who were pushing for an equaliser, would end up ‘shocked’ by Rangers’ third goal.
NTV claim that Fenerbahce have ‘left their chance’ of qualifying for the Europa League quarter final in the next leg at Ibrox.
The outlet described the result as ‘embarrassing’ for Jose Mourinho and essentially one step off a humiliation that the Portuguese manager might not survive.
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Haber Turk go one step further, claiming ‘Fenerbahce has thrown its chances of reaching the quarter-finals in Europe into the fire’.
The general narrative in Turkey is one of disappointment but not absolute surprise, with outlets generally retaining hope of a comeback next week.
We’ll await the headlines should that not happen.
Cyriel Dessers ‘not just a good goal scorer’
TRT Spor have offered extensive analysis of the match, wherein the Turkish outlet has been both critical of Fenerbahce and full of praise for Rangers.
They claim that Fenerbahce faced ‘many weaknesses’ during the match and criticised Jose Mourinho’s tactics, saying the club’s squad is not built for an intense pressing game.
But praise was reserved for Rangers and in particular Cyriel Dessers who the Turks believes ‘is not just a good goal scorer’.
In glowing praise, the outlet singles out Dessers as the most important player in the Rangers victory, adding ‘he opens up space, provides good connections, is constantly on the move and does not have a single type of game’.
The writer claims Dessers ‘is effective whether he turns his face or his back’ adding that ‘Dessers activated every player in the attacking area’.
It was a monumental performance from Cyriel Dessers, who might’ve had a hat-trick on another night, and it’s good to see the big striker get some credit.
It’s not always been easy for Dessers at Rangers this season but that’s 22 goals for the campaign and the big striker isn’t finished yet.
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