Galatasaray seeks morale raise before Schalke clash

Defending champion Galatasaray wants to cement its place atop the Spor Toto Super League and boost morale ahead of a crucial Champions League clash, when it hosts Genclerbirligi tonight.

The Istanbul club, which strengthened its squad with the addition of star players Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, is on an eight-match unbeaten run and currently sits five points clear at the top of the division, followed by its city rivals Besiktas and Fenerbahce, respectively. It is also in the last 16 round of the Champions League and will travel to Schalke on March 12 for the return game after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Genclerbirligi, on the other hand, has won only once in its last five games, and sits in ninth spot with 31 points, only four points above the relegation zone.

However, the talk of Galatasaray was more about coach Fatih Terim’s recent remarks on his possible return to Italy, where he previously coached Fiorentina and Milan.

In an interview with La Repubblica, the 59-year-old spoke of his love for Italy and admitted he could coach there again before his career is over.

“Italy is a second home,” Terim said in the interview that he gave in Italian. “One day, I may want to go back.”

He also praised his side’s form so far this season. “The team is very happy this season … We have a big challenge at the moment,” he said.


/HurriyetDailynews/