Fenerbahce's Portuguese defender lauds supporters following their triumphant 5-2 victory in the Champions League qualifiers
Fenerbahce's Semedo Embraces New Challenge Amidst Champions League Triumph
Nelson Semedo, the Portuguese defender who joined Fenerbahce just over two weeks ago, has been making waves in Istanbul. His impressive performance in Fenerbahce's 5-2 UEFA Champions League qualifying win against Feyenoord has not only bolstered his standing within the team but also aided his integration.
Semedo praised the electric atmosphere at Kadıköy Stadium during the match, which he believes inspired the team and helped him give more than his usual maximum effort. He acknowledged the significance of the match for the club and highlighted the supportive fans as a motivating factor, suggesting that this positive experience has further committed him to and integrated him with Fenerbahce.
In the match itself, Semedo played a key role in Fenerbahce’s 5-2 victory in the second leg, helping the team overturn a first-leg deficit and advance 6-4 on aggregate. This performance reinforced his role in the squad, contributing to his assimilation and acceptance within the team environment.
Looking ahead to the next round against Benfica, Semedo expressed preference for playing the second leg at home. He emphasized his commitment to defending Fenerbahce's colors despite the personal significance of facing his former league. Semedo also expressed confidence in the squad's overall capabilities, citing recent squad additions, including Talisca's return and Becao's arrival, as evidence of the team's strengthened position.
Semedo stressed his commitment to adapting to whatever tactical system manager José Mourinho deploys. He noted the team's versatility in defensive formations, able to play with either three or four defenders based on tactical requirements.
Semedo spoke to media following the match at Chobani Stadium, where Fenerbahce overturned their first-leg deficit to advance in the competition. He expressed hopes that the team's performance could sustain fan enthusiasm for both home and away fixtures throughout the campaign.
Despite not yet reaching peak physical condition since joining Fenerbahce, Semedo praised teammate Archie Brown's performance in the match. He also expressed his eagerness to work hard to justify the confidence shown in him by the club's management and supporters.
The defender, who admitted that the Benfica match would be a special one for him due to personal reasons, pledged to do his utmost to help Fenerbahce progress further in the Champions League.
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