Astana boss issues Galatasaray orders
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Article summary
"We have to think about discipline on the field," Stanimir Stoilov said, urging his Astana players not to lose their heads as Galatasaray target all three points in Kazakhstan.
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Article body
- Stanimir Stoilov knows the "whole of Kazakhstan" is watching
- Astana coach believes discipline is the key for his players
- Visiting boss Hamza Hamzaoğlu expects a tight game
- Galatasaray without a victory in European competition in nine matches
- Cimbom have not won a UEFA Champions League away game since March 2013
Possible lineups
Astana: Erić; Aničić, Ilić, Postnikov, Shomko; Dzholchiyev, Maksimović, Cañas, Kéthévoama; Zhukov; Nuserbayev.
Out: Twumasi (suspended)
Doubtful: Akhmetov (groin)
Galatasaray: Muslera; Carole, Denayer, Semih Kaya, Sabri Sarıoğlu; Sneijder, Emre Çolak, Hakan Balta, Selçuk İnan, Podolski; Umut Bulut.
Out: Burak Yılmaz (hamstring), Hamit Altıntop (knee)
Stanimir Stoilov, Astana coach
We know that it is a really important game for Astana and the whole of Kazakhstan as well. Galatasaray are the favourites but we will have our chances to get something out of the match.
First we have to think about discipline on the field and giving our best. If we don't, there could be mistakes, but it will be good experience for us regardless. The absence of Burak Yılmaz is no great advantage for us as Galatasaray still have plenty of other strong attackers.
Hamza Hamzaoğlu, Galatasaray coach
We came here to win – we want to get three points. And if it happens, I'm sure it will not be easy. If we get a draw, that would be a good result for us. I think we are going in the right direction and we will show that.
Six Astana players represent the national team and all of Turkey's games against Kazakhstan have been tight. We need to be flexible if we are going to get the right result.
Weekend results
Irtysh Pavlodar 2-1 Astana (N'Diaye 5, Fonseca 33; Maksimović 51)
Astana's hopes of retaining the Kazakhstani title took a huge blow as a second straight league defeat left them seven points adrift of Kairat Almaty, whom they will play in November's cup final.
Galatasaray 2-1 Gaziantepspor (Podolski 11, Umut Bulut 56; Muhammet Demir 9)
Galatasaray came from behind for victory. Muhammet Demir's early opener for the visitors was quickly cancelled out by Lukas Podolski and on 56 minutes Umut Bulut ended his wait for his first goal of the season.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Astana: LDLLWD
Galatasaray: WWLDWL
Reporter's view: Vladimir Bogachov
This could be the Kazakh champions' best chance of points. Galatasaray arrive in Astana without injured forward Burak Yılmaz, scorer of three goals against Kazakhstan in recent years; it will also take them some time to get used to the artificial pitch at the Astana Arena and they have been inconsistent all season. So, though, have the home team. Who knows what could happen?
Did you know?
Find out more about the close links the two clubs have fostered over the last 18 months in our comprehensive match background.