In a surprising move by Turkish top-flight club Besiktas, former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly finds himself among five players who have been excluded from the team’s first-team squad. The 29-year-old Ivorian center-back, who joined Besiktas from the Red Devils in September, is joined by Vincent Aboubakar, Rachid Ghezzal, Jean Onana, and Valentin Rosier on the list of exclusions.
Besiktas attributed this decision to a combination of “poor performance” and “incompatibilities within the team.” This announcement raises eyebrows and sparks conversations among football enthusiasts.
Eric Bailly, who spent seven seasons at Old Trafford before his move to Turkey, has had a challenging time adapting to his new surroundings. Despite his promising reputation in the Premier League, he has made just eight appearances for Besiktas. This exclusion from the first team doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his tenure with the club, as contracts remain intact, but it does signify a significant setback in his career.
Aboubakar, the Cameroonian captain and striker, and Onana, his international teammate, both joined Besiktas earlier this year. They were expected to bring firepower to the team but have struggled to make a substantial impact. Meanwhile, French right-back Rosier and Algerian winger Ghezzal have been with the club since 2020, and their performances have come under scrutiny.
Besiktas’ decision to reshuffle the squad is undoubtedly a bold one. With manager Riza Calimbay at the helm, the team currently sits fifth in the Turkish Super Lig, a considerable 14 points behind the top two, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, after 15 games of the season. Additionally, their European campaign in the Europa Conference League has been far from successful, with four defeats in five matches, leaving them at the bottom of their group.
Newly appointed Besiktas president Hasan Arat has stressed the importance of building a stronger team during the upcoming winter break. The club’s priority is to fill the gaps in their squad and regain their competitive edge.
This surprising development in Turkish football will undoubtedly leave fans speculating about what the future holds for Eric Bailly and the other excluded players. As they train away from the squad, the question remains: Can they make a triumphant return to the first team, or is this the beginning of the end of their Besiktas journey?
For now, football enthusiasts around the world will keep a close eye on this unfolding saga, eager to see how these players respond to the challenge and whether Besiktas can turn their season around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Squad Exclusion
Q: Why were Eric Bailly and other players excluded from Besiktas’ first-team squad?
A: Eric Bailly and the other players were excluded due to “poor performance” and “incompatibilities within the team,” as cited by Besiktas. These factors led the club to make the decision to reshuffle their squad.
Q: What is Eric Bailly’s history with Besiktas?
A: Eric Bailly joined Besiktas from Manchester United in September, making him a relatively new addition to the squad. However, despite his promising reputation, he has struggled to establish himself and has made only eight appearances for the club.
Q: Are the players’ contracts with Besiktas canceled?
A: No, the players’ contracts with Besiktas have not been canceled. They have been removed from the first team but remain with the club. Their future at the club is uncertain, as they are currently training away from the squad.
Q: How is Besiktas performing in the Turkish Super Lig and the Europa Conference League?
A: Besiktas is currently fifth in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing 14 points behind the top two teams, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. In the Europa Conference League, the club has struggled, with four defeats in five matches, leaving them at the bottom of their group.
Q: What are Besiktas’ plans for the future?
A: Besiktas’ new president, Hasan Arat, has emphasized the club’s priority to build a stronger team during the upcoming winter break. They aim to fill the gaps in their squad and improve their performance in both domestic and European competitions.
More about Squad Exclusion
- Besiktas Excludes Eric Bailly and Four Others
- Eric Bailly’s Transfer to Besiktas
- Besiktas Turkish Super Lig Performance
- Besiktas in the Europa Conference League
- Hasan Arat’s Plans as Besiktas President
