Fenerbahce coach Kartal prepared 'ad hoc tactical set-up' to attack Roma weakness
Quick summary
Fenerbahce coach Kartal tailored a specific tactical plan to exploit Roma's defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their European encounter.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal reveals they prepared ‘an ad hoc tactical set-up to oppose Roma’s system and take advantage of their weaknesses’ in the Champions League.
It kicks off at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (18.45 CEST).
The Giallorossi return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, but having won their last eight Serie A matches in a row under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Fenerbahce study Roma weakness ISTANBUL, TURKEY – May 19: Head coach Ismail Kartal of Fenerbahce looks on prior to the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park on May 19, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) “We have almost completed our work of analysing every detail of Roma’s approach,” explained Fenerbahce boss Kartal in his press conference.
“They are going through an excellent period of form and have probably the strongest squad in their history, guided by a specialist like Gasperini.
“We studied an ad hoc tactical set-up for tomorrow to oppose their system and take advantage of their weaknesses.”
Gasperini’s style of football is well known , starting from the three-man defence and tendency to attack the wings, above all thanks to his nine years with Atalanta.
That approach allowed him to win the Europa League and reach the Champions League quarter-final.
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) “Roma are a solid side who press all over the field, but their approach means that they leave spaces and take risks in certain zones,” continued the Fenerbahce coach.
“We won’t play just on the transitions, but will try to punish them in those weak spots.”
Fenerbahce cannot count on suspended Matteo Guendouzi , as the former Lazio midfielder was banned for insulting the Lyon fans in the play-off.
Marco Asensio is also out injured, while Mert Hakan Yandas, Jayden Oosterwolde, Abdou Aziz Fall and Amara Diouf are not on the UEFA list.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – May 19: Head coach Okan Buruk of Galatasaray and Head coach Ismail Kartal of Fenerbahce look on prior to the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park on May 19, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) “We are very happy to bring this club back into the Champions League after an 18-year absence. It is something we achieved together and the first match requires the maximum strategic approach,” concluded Kartal.
“The fans are fundamental and will be our 12 th man, so I ask them to support us from start to finish, because together we can face anyone.”
Fenerbahce lost their most recent match at the weekend, falling 2-1 at home to Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas.
Familiar faces to Serie A fans include ex-Inter defender Milan Skriniar, former Sassuolo man Mert Muldur, ex-Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi and of course former Roma, Inter and Napoli centre-forward Romelu Lukaku.
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What happened
Fenerbahce manager Kartal revealed he built an 'ad hoc tactical set-up' designed to target a known weakness in Roma's system. The approach suggests Fenerbahce are approaching the tie with a highly specific game plan rather than a generic setup. Roma, who have shown inconsistencies in defensive shape this season, face a side motivated to spring a tactical surprise in European competition.
Chance analysis
Tactical specificity from a coach like Kartal signals that Fenerbahce have done their homework on Roma's structural flaws, and the willingness to deviate from a default system points to careful preparation. For Roma, this raises the stakes: a side that prides itself on tactical discipline cannot afford the kind of lapses that invite bespoke game plans. The story highlights the chess-match element of European knockout football, where a well-drilled counter-strategy can neutralize superior individual quality.
Fenerbahce enter the match with a tailored tactical plan targeting Roma's defense, potentially increasing Roma's vulnerability in this fixture.