İsmail Kartal Confirms Kanté and Muriqi Will Be in Sturm Graz Squad

Kanté and Muriqi Included in the Squad

Fenerbahçe head coach İsmail Kartal has confirmed that N’Golo Kanté and Vedat Muriqi will be part of the matchday squad against Sturm Graz.

Kartal stated that Muriqi would be included:

“We will include Vedat Muriqi in the squad. He will be part of the team squad.”

The Fenerbahçe coach also provided a positive update on Kanté’s condition, revealing that the French midfielder is continuing his preparation with the team:

“N’Golo Kanté has arrived and he is in good condition. He will take part in his 10th training session. He will also be in the squad with us.”

Kartal confirmed their availability but did not state that either player would start the match.

Fenerbahçe Want a First-Leg Advantage

Kartal described the Champions League as the highest level of club football and underlined the importance of gaining an advantage before the return leg.

“The Champions League is a beautiful competition. It is the highest level of football. Every match feels like a final. We want to win this game and go into the second leg with an advantage.”

He also stressed the club’s ambition to reach the competition and deliver success for the supporters:

“The Champions League creates excitement for all of us. We want to make our community happy and qualify for the Champions League.”

Kartal Highlights Sturm Graz’s New System

The Fenerbahçe coach said Sturm Graz are playing with a different structure under their new manager.

He identified the Austrian side’s energy and physical intensity as two of their main qualities:

“Sturm Graz are a good team. We are aware of their strengths, but we have prepared very well as a team. They play with a different system under their new coach. They are a young team that runs a lot. Their competitive intensity is high.”

Kartal’s comments indicate that Fenerbahçe have prepared not only for Sturm Graz’s individual players but also for their tactical changes and physical approach.

Why Oosterwolde Is Playing at Left-Back

Kartal also explained his decision to use Jayden Oosterwolde on the left side of the defence.

“Jayden Oosterwolde has played at left-back before. We prefer him on the left because he is ready.”

His statement suggests that the decision is based on Oosterwolde’s fitness and previous experience in the position.

“We Must Do More”

Kartal reflected on Fenerbahçe’s performances in the previous qualifying round and acknowledged that the home match could have ended with a wider margin.

“You also know that the first-round match at home could have finished very differently. There were different performances in the two halves of the second game, but we managed to qualify.”

He added that the team remain in a development process:

“We are working and improving. We must continue improving and do more.”

Goalkeeper Decision Still Open

Kartal has not yet decided who will start in goal against Sturm Graz.

He explained that selections are made according to the opposition and the match plan:

“We prepare our plan according to the opponent. We need every player. We will decide tomorrow who will play in goal.”

The coach also emphasised that he is satisfied with the entire squad and considers every player valuable.

Main Points Before the Match

Kanté and Muriqi will both be included in Fenerbahçe’s squad, although their starting status remains uncertain.

Oosterwolde is expected to continue at left-back, while the goalkeeper decision will be made closer to kick-off.

Fenerbahçe’s immediate objective is to win the first leg and take an advantage into the return match as they pursue Champions League qualification.

Source: İsmail Kartal’s pre-match comments ahead of Sturm Graz