Ankaragücü 4-0 Genclerbirligi TSYD Cup

 

Ankaragücü his afternoon confirmed 6 new signings as Mahmut Takdemir, Ismail Cokcalis, Mert Cetin, Osman Celik, Diogo Coelho and Yusuf Emre Gultekin all signing on free transfers.

The TSYD Cup is a historical competition for Ankara teams and is a yearly event with both teams tied on 17 wins each. Today would give us an idea of where the team is at as we approach next weeks first league game of the season against Sanliurfaspor.

Team - Bahadir, Kitsiou, Mahmut, Diogo, Dursun, Tolga, Ali Kaan, Efkan, Bassogog, Garry, Bajic

Subs - Ertac, Ismail, Osman, Cem, Cephas, Mervan, Arda, Mirac, Sirac, Hayrullah

It was a pretty dominant win for Ankaragücü as goals from Tolga, Efkan, Kitsiou and Bassogog giving the Sari Lacivert 4 goals and a clean sheet which sent the small group of fans home happy.

There were some good signs from Cihat Arslan on his first game as Ankaragücü manager. The team played some nice football throughout the match with the likes of Tolga, Efkan and Garry in particular having good games. 

The weak areas are in defence and centre forward positions. Quite a few times Genclerbirligi found a lot of space in between the wing backs and central defenders and some of the leagues better teams will take advantage of that. 

Riad Bajic struggled in attack and was hooked at half time. He really struggles playing with his back to goal and holding the ball up. If Ankaragücü are to be promoted this season they will need to find a striker who has those attributes.

Arda Unyay came on for the last 12 minutes and the 18 year old looks a big talent. He is easily the most impressive defender in the team and should be starting. If Ankaragücü give him his opportunity he could make the team millions in the future. He is a fantastic player with a big future.

Genclerbirligi on the other hand look like they could be in for a relegation battle if they don’t add some more quality to their team. Former Ankaragücü rejects Alperen Babacan, Yasin Gurler started for them as did Sinan Osmanoglu and Firatcan who also played for Ankaragücü. Those type of players at this part of their career won’t help a team looking for promotion.

Ankaragücü now have 8 days to prepare for the opening home match with Sanliurfaspor next week at Eryaman.

And finally, the first competitive game without our friend Jim. Have a drink on Ankaragücü up there Jim, we miss you badly.