Starting their first Champions League marketing campaign beneath new gaffer Jose Mourinho, Turkish Süper Lig giants Fenerbahçe might be on the street in opposition to Lugano on Tuesday in a second qualifying spherical conflict at Stockhorn Arena.
Both groups completed as runners-up of their respective home leagues final season and are desperate to advance to this season’s revamped group stage.
Unveiled final month to nice fanfare, the Special One took over from Ismail Kartal as Fenerbahçe’s supervisor on account of his distinctive European competitors monitor report, having gained all three of UEFA’s membership trophies throughout his legendary profession.
After parting methods with Serie A outfit Roma halfway via the 2023-24 season, the previous Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid supervisor is decided to indicate that his finest days are removed from over.
He now faces the problem of main a dormant large, Fenerbahçe into the Champions League and reclaiming the Turkish title from their Istanbul archrivals, Galatasaray.
It has been over a decade since Fenerbahçe final lifted the Süper Lig trophy.
Despite amassing 99 factors final season – profitable 31 video games and shedding solely as soon as – they nonetheless fell wanting their fiercest foes.
Fenerbahçe additionally bowed out to eventual winners Olympiacos within the Europa Conference League quarterfinals.
However, Mourinho’s arrival has reignited hopes for the upcoming season.
After securing three wins from 5 pre-season friendlies, together with a 5-1 thrashing of Hull City at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, the Kadiköy aspect is now poised to take their first step towards a Champions League return, with three qualifying rounds nonetheless forward of them.
Standing in Fenerbahçe’s path are final season’s Swiss Super League runners-up, Lugano, who kicked off their 2024-25 marketing campaign with a morale-boosting house victory over Grasshopper Zurich.
Uran Bislimi’s stoppage-time aim at Stadio Cornaredo secured the win, however Lugano will play their European fixtures at Thun’s Stockhorn Arena for at the very least the following two years.
Despite shedding their remaining preseason pleasant to Italian champions Inter Milan, Mattia Croci-Torti’s aspect additionally secured wins in opposition to Bellinzona and Parma.
They are embarking on one other quest to safe the Swiss title, having completed as runners-up six occasions in comparison with three championship wins.
Lugano’s final season was marred by a porous protection, however they purpose to finish a 75-year title drought.
However, they first face the daunting activity of difficult a Turkish large.
After ending rock-bottom of their Conference League group final season, Lugano are thought of outsiders to progress.
Fenerbahçe’s Conference League marketing campaign, led by Michy Batshuayi with 4 targets, has hit a twist because the Belgian striker controversially joined Galatasaray.
Nonetheless, Mourinho has a bunch of latest abilities at his disposal.
Youssef En-Nesyri is deliberating a transfer to Fenerbahçe or Mourinho’s former membership, Roma.
Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximin has joined on mortgage, and Çağlar Söyüncü, Rade Krunic, and Levent Mercan have additionally signed this summer time.
Mourinho’s troops are prone to characteristic veteran striker Edin Dzeko up entrance after his brace in opposition to Hull.
Fred and Sebastian Szymanski, each on course of their final match, are anticipated to begin in Switzerland.
Lugano, contemporary off a win over Grasshoppers within the Swiss Super League opener, ought to area an analogous lineup.
Ignacio Aliseda will spearhead the assault, flanked by Yanis Cimignani and captain Mattia Bottani.
Former Thun playmaker Daniel Dos Santos, after debuting final weekend, is vying for a midfield spot.
However, Kosovan striker Shkelqim Vladi is sidelined with an damage, and Swiss worldwide Renato Steffen has been given prolonged depart after Euro 2024.
Source: www.dailysabah.com