Although realistic about the level of the Turks, the coach expects a better quality of play and more combativeness than during the last two meetings, against GEAS and Mechelen: “Two disappointing performances. We showed that we could be up to the task in terms of desire and intensity at certain moments, but we were unable to stay there over the long term. I want us to show an evolution on this point and, above all, that we find pleasure on the field regardless of the result. The whole point will be to return to Belgium without regrets.
A war for rebounds
Reinforced in the racket by Tina Krajisnik, who started the competition with Bodrum, Besiktas presents itself even bigger and more physical. “She’s a 1m90 Serbian international who knows how to shoot, which is something they lacked in their string of interior players”points out Phivos Livaditis. We will therefore have to fight for rebounds, an area that the Turks had dominated in the first leg (27 against 51, including 15 offensive): “It will be difficult to compete with them but we will have to limit them as best as possible. It will be a war for each rebound. We must also start strong, trying to stay on course as much as possible afterwards. If we were to start against Mechelen at the second half of the first confrontation with Besiktas, we will be able to claim something…at least to come out of this match with satisfaction.”
At the dawn of this final European meeting, coach Mosan takes a mixed look at his team’s campaign: “It was an interesting experience for everyone, players and staff, which forces humility and a sense of duty. We realize what is being done elsewhere and that we all still have work to do to become better In terms of content, these oppositions were also the scene of a lot of adjustments on the defensive level against more physical teams, in particular, and of real learning from which, I hope, we will reap the rewards. to establish ourselves in Belgium. We must be attentive to this. what these six matches do not leave a trace: the players are physically worn out and confidence could take a hit in the event of another slap.”
