Robin Van Persie: I respect Fenerbahçe

Speaking at a press conference held at Chobani Stadium, where the match will be played, the Dutch coach said he felt at home in Kadıköy again.

Van Persie said that the score in the first match would not change their game plan, adding, "It's great to be here, I feel at home. I was sitting in this chair in 2015. Even some of the staff here make me feel the same way. The score won't change our game. We'll continue to play the way we believe in. We adjust our tactics based on the opponent, but we're a team that strives to stick to our strategy."

Van Persie explained that he would be happy if they won and that this would not be disrespectful to Fenerbahçe, saying, ‘I will be happy because I work at Feyenoord. This has nothing to do with me not respecting Fenerbahçe. I respect them, but we want to advance here. I will be happy, but I respect this club.’

The young coach emphasised that he had discussed the atmosphere with his players but did not go into much detail because they were in a similar situation. When asked about the performance of referees during his time playing in Turkey, he responded as follows:

"I didn't feel that way when I was playing, but I know what's been happening in recent years. Referees blow their whistles according to their own style. Turkey is one of those countries, because it has a different culture. Such criticism is possible, but if you ask me, referees, players and technical staff should create better chemistry. The aim here is to entertain the spectators, frankly. Everyone needs to do their best. We sometimes get caught up in such debates in the Netherlands too, but everyone does their best and tries to create that chemistry. The best thing for Turkish football would be to do something similar."

Van Persie said he sees the chances of both teams advancing as equal, saying, "I see the chances of advancing as 50-50. Tomorrow will be a good atmosphere. But if you ask my players, everyone is living their own dream. Playing matches in such atmospheres in packed stadiums. It was also my personal dream to play against a packed stadium in different cultures. I see this as positive. My players are ready for tomorrow's match and are living their own dreams."