Tedesco says Fener has found its rhythm
Domenico Tedesco believes Fenerbahce has "found its rhythm" as he prepares for his first-ever Intercontinental Derby against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
Fenerbahce enters the clash on a 13-match unbeaten run in the Super Lig and sits just one point behind league leader and defending champion Galatasaray.
That run of results includes victories Trabzonspor and Besiktas, the latter seeing them come from two goals down to emerge 3-2 victors against Sergen Yalcin's team.
Tedesco took charge in September after the controversial departure of Jose Mourinho, and although his tenure began amid turbulence, he feels his side has settled.
"The mood was really negative," he said. "It's not just that they changed the coach.
"We also had this election at the very beginning, so everybody was nervous about that.
"With the election, it can also influence the staff and players, so, for me, it was a completely new experience.
"The election day was also a game for us, so it was pretty hard to be honest. But now everything has settled down, we have a good team, and we have found our rhythm."
Fenerbahce has been formidable at Chobani Stadium this season, going unbeaten at home with five wins and one draw from six league matches.
It has also scored more league goals (30) than any other team this season, while only Goztepe (seven) and Galatasaray (eight) have conceded fewer than Fenerbahce's 12.
Tedesco, who has previously managed Schalke, Spartak Moscow, RB Leipzig, and Belgium, also added that the passion of the supporters is unlike anything he has experienced.
"If you work for a big club like Fenerbahce, with a massive fanbase, not winning the league for 11 years, everybody’s really hungry for titles," he said.
"You feel it in daily life, because everywhere you go, you have Fenerbahce fans. On our way to the stadium, every match we play at home, you feel this electricity."
The former Leipzig boss also explained part of the tactical set-up that has made this Fenerbahce side so dangerous in recent times.
"Out of possession, I like to press high, because we want the ball," Tedesco said. "And once we have the ball, I like to dominate the game, score goals and create chances.
"So, out of the possession, a little bit heavy metal. In possession – and as I told my Brazilian guys this in our last game – a little samba."
A win on Tuesday would see Fenerbahce leapfrog Galatasaray and move to the top of the table, though it will be far from an easy contest.
Galatasaray, for its part, has been in strong form on the road, winning five and losing just one of its away Super Lig matches this season under Okan Buruk.
