Göztepe head coach Stanimir Stoilov said his side were effectively playing with one man less after the defeat to Başakşehir, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding Arda Okan Kurtalan’s possible international call-up.
‘Absurd’ Process
Speaking after the match, Stoilov described the process surrounding the possible selection of Arda for the national team as nonsense. He made clear that the situation had affected the player, and that this had a direct impact on the team on the pitch.
Impact on the Team
According to the Bulgarian coach, Göztepe were without a player in all but name, as Arda’s focus was disrupted by the situation. His comments shine a light on the pressure that clubs and players can face when international selection becomes a public talking point during a busy season.
Source: www.hurriyet.com.tr
