Alex de Souza on Fenerbahçe: 'I will enjoy competing against them'

Team Needs and Transfers

During a press conference at Atilla Vehbi Konuk Facilities, Alex de Souza stated that they had a positive training camp but still required new players to change the team's atmosphere and profile. "We need new players to transform the team's atmosphere and profile. We have gaps in defense, forward, and wing positions. We are in constant communication with the management," he said.

Playing Style and Goals

Emphasizing a balanced game, Alex said, "We want to showcase our quality when we have the ball. When we lose possession, we want to regain control quickly. We aim to play a balanced yet visually appealing game. Our system is very different from last year. Our goal is to be better than last year. If everything goes well, we can start looking higher. We need to be realistic. We want to concede fewer goals and score more than last year. We aim to progress week by week and bring Antalyaspor to a better position."

Remarks on Mourinho and Fenerbahçe Match

Commenting on Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk, Alex said, "There is not much to say about Mourinho. Everyone knows him. I will enjoy competing against them. We will do our best and face them with a competitive team."

Alex de Souza also addressed comparisons with national player Arda Güler, saying, "It's an unfair comparison. I have finished my career, while he is at the beginning of his and playing for a very good team. Arda Güler has a bright future ahead of him. I hope he continues to succeed. I talk to him and give him advice. I wish him all the best."

Personal Insights and Reflections

When asked about the famous debate in Turkish football, "Hagi or Alex?", Alex said, "If we asked people with a microphone, some would say 'Alex' and some 'Hagi.' That's football. In 1994, when Hagi played for Romania, I was a 16-year-old watching him. I never saw myself as his rival. I don't want to compare myself to him. In football, some like blue, some like red. Football is like this. Everyone has different opinions. I avoid comparing myself with Hagi. There are frequent comparisons between Messi and Ronaldo. I respect people's individual thoughts about football."

Reflecting on his time in Turkey, Alex mentioned, "I worked with Daum, Zico, Aragones, and Aykut Kocaman. Each had aspects I admired, but ultimately, I follow my own path. I learned different things from each of these four distinct coaches."

Alex also shared a personal note about his training gear at the club, saying, "On my training jerseys, instead of my name, it says 'DMAF,' which are the initials of my wife and children. Since they are not with me, I use their initials on Antalyaspor's name tags."

Recalling his return to Turkey after 12 years, Alex noted, "There is a high cost of living in Turkey, but this is a reality worldwide. Everything is getting more expensive every day, which also affects the football industry."