Fatih Terim: We have a dream

Fatih Terim is optimistic about Galatasaray’s chances in Europe this season.

After spending two seasons outside Europe’s premier club competition, Galatasaray returned to the Champions League in style, beating Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0. After the win, coach Terim said, ‘We have a dream and we are well-trained to achieve it,’ referring to winning the biggest trophy.

Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray defeated Russia’s Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0 Tuesday in their first UEFA Champions League clash of the season. This was also their first win in seven matches in European competition. Their last win had come against Benfica (2-1) in Istanbul, in the 2015-2016 season, in the Champions League group stages.

They lost four matches and drew three since. Galatasaray also ended their drought in having a winning start in the Champions League. Their last winning start was in 2002-2003 when they had also beaten the same opponent, Lokomotiv Moscow. After almost two seasons away from Europe’s elite competition, The Lions beat their Russian counterpart with high-tempo tactics and swift counterattacks in the Group D game.

Reflecting on their good start, Fatih Terim said, “It was a great start, one fit for the Champions League. We are slowly getting into the groove. This was the first time Lokomotiv conceded three goals this season. It is an important achievement to beat such a team 3-0. Our only sorrow was to lose Ndiaye. We have a dream. I don’t know it will come true but we have won the UEFA Cup before. We are well-trained to dream big.”