İlhan Palut rebels against the rules: 'Maybe it will be reviewed!'

IHA

Created: October 23, 2025 00:25

Çaykur Rizespor held Başakşehir to a goalless draw at home in the postponed third-week match of the Trendyol Super League . Çaykur Rizespor manager İlhan Palut made a statement at the post-match press conference.

Palut stated that both teams fought well, but that the game pointed to a draw. "This was a match we came into dissatisfied with our score. It was a game where we wanted to at least get this postponement and feel happier in the standings, at least for the transition period. We looked at it that way. First of all, let me say this: it was a balanced match overall. We had a slight advantage in the first half. In the second half, the game fell apart, and blocks started to come very easily. Başakşehir only created one or two chances in transition. A team doesn't deserve to lose, while another team can get three points because they have luck on their side. But when we look at the overall picture of this match, a draw pointed to a draw. And that's how it ended. We wanted to win, and my players did their best. They played a tough match recently. They put in a great effort. Despite this, I saw them give it their all. I thank them. The Başakşehir team also put in a good fight. I congratulate them. We wanted to win, but it didn't happen. We're disappointed."

"I think maybe this rule will be reviewed."

Palut, who emphasized that the absence of players who cannot take the field in postponed matches is a disadvantage and that this rule should be reconsidered, said, "Our opponent had a European match, so the match was postponed. On the other hand, when you look at it, why should we play another match during the week before the Samsunspor match? Yes, it's not an excuse. My players fought well. We couldn't use some players. Başakşehir had a larger squad for this match, which is relevant to us. The side that requested the match to be postponed actually had the advantage today. But this is a rule; there's nothing to be done. Maybe I think this rule will be reviewed. So today it's Başakşehir, tomorrow it's another team. Teams should be able to use whatever power they have that day. After all, everyone's player is their own player right now. We train together and we've played the matches. In this sense, I think it needs to be reviewed. Our handicap is a little tighter today than our opponent, especially in terms of offensive moves. But as I said, this is not an excuse. Rules are rules. It's predetermined. If you ask what the outcome of the match will be, it's that." "I don't know. But we felt prepared at the time because we didn't want this to be perceived as opportunism. Başakşehir also had a match between two playoff games. This would have been a more difficult environment for them," he said.

"What can I say? They are right."

Palut also spoke about the fans' calls for resignation, which began in the final minutes of the match, saying, "The fans applauded me a lot, and they're protesting me today, and they're right. Fans are always right. Even today, without a single negative word, they kept saying things like, 'Why isn't the team playing? Go home. Resign.' I said it three weeks ago, and I said it today too. I said it then, and of course they'll show me their reaction. They supported their team for 85 minutes, then they saw they weren't scoring, and they must have been a little dissatisfied with the game, so they yelled at me. But what can I say? They're right. I take all these protests, the protests from the fans, personally. I said this three weeks ago."