Nuri Şahin evaluated his team's performance following the Süper Lig match against Galatasaray. The manager highlighted the chasm between the first and second halves of the match played on Friday at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, corresponding to the 4th week of the league.
The team managed by Şahin started the match very strongly. The technical director stated that they played their best football in a long time during the first half. In his statement to Hürriyet Spor, he said, "We implemented everything we talked about and practiced onto the pitch. The only thing missing was a second goal." He added that he predicted the opponent would switch to a back four at halftime. However, the second half was like black and white compared to the first. The team delivered a poor performance and missed 2-3 clear chances. The result was a big disappointment for Şahin, who expressed that his team unnecessarily lost 2 points.
Why can't the team maintain consistency?
Nuri Şahin says there is a lot to talk about regarding this match. He points to a bigger problem: the team reverting to the style of play from when he first arrived. Sometimes the team plays the first half very well but allows the opponent into the game in the second half. He emphasizes that they need to be more effective in attack and score more goals. He stresses that the team must first put today's match behind them. He adds that there is a plan in mind.
What is Galatasaray's situation in the league?
Galatasaray, who played this match, is maintaining its form in the Süper Lig. As of 31 August 2026, the yellow-reds are in the top position in the league. The team, which has collected 7 points, has 2 wins and 1 draw from its 3 matches. Their recent form is win, win, draw. Throughout the season, they have scored 9 goals and conceded 4, achieving a +5 goal difference. The team's position in the standings and its statistics lay bare this successful run.
What is expected in the next match?
Nuri Şahin says his team takes to the pitch to win against everyone. Using the expression "We take to the pitch to win against everyone," the technical man states they will be on the pitch on Friday for 3 points. Galatasaray's next Süper Lig challenge will be at home against Rizespor, who are 5th in the table, on 6 December 2026. You can follow this important encounter and all other matches on our fixtures page. The team will prepare for this match without the sidelined Rafael Leão. You can find current information about Leão's condition and other injuries in our injuries section.
The squad depth and the form of current players are of great importance in this demanding schedule. Galatasaray's current squad shows the options available to the technical team. The Rizespor match has the potential to be a critical step in the leadership race. Closing the performance gap shown between the two halves will be decisive for the results to be obtained throughout the season.
