Istanbul, Turkey: Fenerbahçe head coach Domenico Tedesco says new signing Sidiki Cherif is ready for a major European test as his side prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Europa League Round of 16 play-off first leg.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tedesco opened with a seasonal greeting before turning to football. “First of all, good evening and happy Ramadan. It won’t be easy. It won’t be easy for Nottingham either. We are in good form. We want to win this match. We will be brave.”
The coach addressed questions surrounding Cherif’s fitness and tactical role. “Sidiki is ready. We wouldn’t play him if he wasn’t. We don’t take risks if a player doesn’t feel well. Our athletic department and medical team have healed Sidiki, and he’s ready for the match.”
Tedesco made clear that selection decisions are based on individual profiles rather than reputation. He described Anderson Talisca as a player who thrives close to goal and prefers receiving the ball in tight spaces, while Kerem offers pace and movement as a second striker.
“Sidiki Cherif has all these qualities,” Tedesco said. “He’s a pivot, a player who makes runs behind the defense, makes back to goal connections, and helps in defense.”
The Italian coach signaled an aggressive approach for the home leg, adding, “We want to dominate the match and score a lot of goals. That’s why we’re playing with a lot of offensive players.”
Security around the stadium has been heightened for the European night, with thousands expected at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium as Fenerbahçe look to take an advantage into the return leg in England.
Experienced referee appointed
The match will be officiated by Swiss referee Sandro Schärer, one of Europe’s most experienced officials.
Born on June 5, 1988, Schärer became a FIFA-listed referee in 2015. He has handled UEFA Europa League group stage matches, Champions League qualifiers, and high-profile international fixtures.
In October 2020, he refereed his first Champions League group stage match when Barcelona faced Ferencváros. He was also selected among 12 referees for the 2021 Under 21 European Championship group stage and later took charge of the 2024 UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Atalanta.
Most recently, Schärer officiated the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on June 8, 2025.
With an in-form Fenerbahçe side, a high-stakes European tie, and an experienced referee in charge, the stage is set for a tense and tactical first leg in Istanbul.
