Fenerbahce boss calls for 'bravery' ahead of crucial Aston Villa clash
Fenerbahce boss Domenico Tedesco has demanded a “brave” performance from his team in Thursday’s Europa League tie with Villa.
Tedesco says there is no reason for his players to “hide” and has urged them to embrace the challenge of facing Unai Emery’s side.
“This is why we wake up in the morning to play these teams,” said Tedesco. “We don’t need to hide. This is a high-level opponent, but we are looking forward to it.
“I hope for a brave Fenerbahce. We don’t need to hide - I have told this to the team and I will tell them again. It doesn’t matter the name of the club. If it is Aston Villa, you always have to adapt, and our DNA must always be the same.”
Fenerbahce sit 12th in the Europa League table and Tedesco admitted a win will be needed to preserve their chances of a top-eight finish, heading into next week’s final round of matches.
He continued: “A lot depends a lot on the outcome of this game. We are playing at home, which is a big advantage for us.
“If we don’t win, then I think it will be difficult to be in the top-eight.”
Tedesco, who will be able to call on former Villa striker Jhon Duran after his two-match suspension was reduced to one game, hopes the atmosphere at the 50,000-capacity Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium can make a difference.
Fenerbahce have been beaten only once on home turf this season and Tedesco said: “For me it is unbelievable, the support that we get. They give us the extra motivation, and I am just happy to play at home again. It is special.
“We always try to give something special back to them. It will be tough to play Aston Villa - no team wants to play us at the moment in our stadium.”
