I am a fanatical Galatasaray fan. Ultraaslan, the biggest fan group of Galatasaray, has a saying that they use on the days when Galatasaray will play a match; Today is Galatasaray!
Yes, indeed; Today is Galatasaray because we are going to play Bayern Munich in Germany in the Champions League group matches.
My expectation, of course, is to win but we know it won't be easy against Bayern Munich. Two weeks ago, Bayer Munich won the match in Istanbul with a score of 3-1.
Anyone who didn't watch the game might look at the score and think that this was a normal result. In reality, especially in the first half, we saw Galatasaray attacking and shooting a lot against their opponent. The football was admired by many people, but if you can't translate good play into points, you won't be remembered.
In many sports, including football, success is measured by the numbers on the scoreboard. As long as you score one more than your opponent, you are a winner and remembered as such...
...but let me tell you that this does not apply to us Galatasaray fans. After finishing bottom of its league the previous season, the team, with a new president and a new coach, went through a reorganization and finished as champions in its first year.
This year the goal is very different, to be successful in Europe! The priority is of course to qualify for the next round of the Champions League by finishing in the top two places in the groups. In order to achieve this, we gained an important advantage by beating Manchester United in England. We care about every match and respect the opponent in order for it to continue.
Our patience and support for the team, which is in a new structuring, is infinite as well as our confidence. Because we know that the more confidently you climb the ladder of success, the longer and stronger your stay at the top will be.
The Champions League is the place where football is played at the highest level of any organization that exists today. Just being there is an achievement for teams from countries that are lagging behind in football. But we want this success to be crowned because we are aware of our potential. We will show those who are not aware of it on the green pitch.
This year.... Next year.... Maybe next year.... Just like winning the UEFA and Super Cup in 2000; the new structure will be crowned with winning a trophy in Europe!
Many may consider these ambitious sentences as dreams. A few hours later Bayern Munich may defeat Galatasaray with a different score! But our success-oriented journey will continue.
I am a fanatic fan who trusts his favorite team. I can't be objective in any game Galatasaray plays because I'm on Galatasaray's side. I believe until the last minute that Galatasaray will win every game they play.
No matter who the opponent is, no matter what the result is, Galatasaray is the winner. If it's not on the scoreboard, it's in my heart!