Kayserispor is facing mounting pressure as the Super Lig season progresses, following their recent loss against Gaziantep FK, which the team desperately needed to win or at the very least, not lose. The defeat has shifted the dynamics of the league, and President Nurettin Açıkalın is determined not to let it define the team's season.
Despite the setback, Açıkalın remains optimistic, saying, "We will focus on our own matches and not what our rivals are doing. We believe we will stay up by winning our matches." He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming fixtures, particularly the five home matches, which he refers to as finals, stating, "If we win these matches, I see no trouble for us staying in the league."
The loss against Gaziantep was disappointing for Kayserispor, especially since they performed well but couldn't capitalize on scoring opportunities. President Açıkalın noted, "Sometimes it just doesn't happen. We created chances but failed to score and ended up losing." The team now looks forward to two challenging matches: first, against Atakas Hatayspor on March 28, 2025, and then their away game against Adana Demirspor on April 4, 2025. Securing all six points from these matches could revitalize their season.
Gaziantep FK had previously claimed seven points from their first three encounters with Kayserispor (two wins and one draw) but saw their form diminish with only five points from the subsequent eight matches (five draws and two losses). Following the defeat, Kayserispor had been unbeaten at home for eleven matches, winning nine of them until their recent disappointment.
"It's always tough when you feel like you have put forth the effort but come away with nothing, but we cannot let this define us," said President Açıkalın. He understands the weight of the situation and knows the importance of the upcoming games. The team's recent luck has been mixed; they have struggled with injuries, leaving star players like Dimitrios Kolovetsios, Gökhan Sazdağı, and Hasan Ali Kaldırım sidelined during the recent match against Gaziantep.
“The national break will benefit injured players, and we are hoping they will recover quickly for the Hatayspor match,” said Açıkalın. All eyes are now on their return, especially considering the earlier season victory against Hatayspor, which marked Kayserispor's first win of the season.
Technical Director Sergej Jakirovic has his work cut out for him, too. He is set on implementing strategies to press opponents effectively from the outset, hoping to score early and maintain the lead. After missing several scoring chances against Gaziantep, there’s speculation about player rotations, with Jakirovic expected to replace Duckens Nazon, who struggled, with Stephane Bahoken for more efficient goal attempts. "We have to remain calm on the field and take our chances when they arise," Jakirovic emphasized during training discussions.
Meanwhile, the Turkish National team is gearing up for significant matches against Hungary on March 20 and 23, 2025, linked closely to the country's football aspirations. Both Bilal Beyazit and Gökhan Sazdağı were highlighted as key players for the national squad, with their performances reflecting their teams' strengths. Beyazit is noted for his impressive form, whereas Sazdağı, recovering from injury, has faced unfortunate timing with recent offers from major clubs.
Açıkalın adds, "This is absolutely pivotal for the A National Team, and Coach Vincenzo Montella's future may hinge on how well they play against Hungary. The outcome of these matches could change the course of many things for Turkish football as we strive for recognition on larger platforms."
It's clear there’s no shortage of challenges on the horizon for Kayserispor. Maintaining focus on upcoming home matches is their priority as they build momentum leading up to those decisive games. The players and management understand the stakes and their shared responsibility to deliver results.
Every week now feels like a final for Kayserispor, with the weight of expectation fueling their determination. Supporters remain hopeful, echoing President Açıkalın's words: “We can achieve great success if we stay committed and improve every week.” The upcoming matches will test their resilience and shape their destiny within the league.
Each game offers not just points but the possibility of regaining confidence as players heal and adapt tactically. With the right mindset and strategic adjustments, Kayserispor can still turn their season around and secure their place for another year within Turkey's top league.
