On 2026-10-14, Vincenzo Italiano stood before the media at Beşiktaş’s training ground to discuss the upcoming UEFA Europa League fixture against Hoffenheim. The press conference was held just hours before the team would take the field, and Italiano used the moment to lay out the club’s mindset for the European encounter. He noted that the gathering was not merely routine; it was a chance to clarify the squad’s ambitions and to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in a competition that differs from domestic league play.
Italiano opened his remarks with a clear statement of intent: “We want to win tomorrow.” The sentiment was simple but firm, reflecting a collective hunger to secure a positive result in the opening group match. He added that the opposition would also be eager to claim victory, acknowledging that Hoffenheim would arrive with its own aspirations. This reciprocal desire, he suggested, would set the tone for a contest where both sides would be fighting for the same objective.
A recurring theme in Italiano’s address was the distinction between Süper Lig fixtures and European encounters. He pointed out that the tempo, tactical demands, and psychological pressure in the Europa League are not identical to those faced in the Turkish league. According to him, succeeding in Europe requires a different mental approach, one that aligns the team’s desire with its collective mindset. He stressed that to be ambitious across multiple fronts, the squad’s intention and mental state must be synchronized.
He recalled that the team had dropped points in away matches, but he also emphasized that there had always been a realistic chance to avoid defeat.
When asked about Beşiktaş’s European ambitions, Italiano was unequivocal: the primary aim is to advance beyond the league stage of the competition. He articulated this priority in several ways, noting that the club’s focus in Europe is to get out of the group phase, whether that means finishing in the top eight or the top twenty‑four. For him, the exact positioning within those brackets is secondary; the essential target is to secure progression to the knockout rounds.
Italiano did not shy away from acknowledging recent difficulties on the road. He recalled that the team had dropped points in away matches, but he also emphasized that there had always been a realistic chance to avoid defeat. This balanced view served to temper criticism while reinforcing the belief that the squad can improve its away record. He reiterated that the possibility of not losing away games remains definite, suggesting that past setbacks do not erase future opportunities.
The absence of striker Dusan Vlahovic was a point of considerable interest. Italiano explained that Vlahovic was unavailable due to stomach and intestinal problems, a condition that kept him out of the matchday squad. Despite this setback, the coach expressed confidence that other players could step into the attacking role and contribute effectively. He highlighted the depth within the roster, indicating that the team is not reliant on any single individual to achieve its objectives.
Reflecting on the journey that led Beşiktaş to this point, Italiano reminded listeners of the effort required to reach the Europa League group stage. He said the club had fought hard to remain in contention, navigating three challenging rounds to secure its place in the competition. This narrative of perseverance was intended to underscore the resilience already embedded in the squad and to frame the upcoming match as another test of that determination.
In closing, Italiano urged the players to give everything they had on the pitch. He articulated the simple yet powerful directive: to win the match by performing to the best of their ability. This call to maximize individual and collective effort encapsulated the overall message of the press conference—a blend of ambition, realism, and a clear focus on the immediate task at hand.