In every title race, statistics and tactics often dominate the conversation. Analysts debate formations, injuries, squad depth, and goal difference. Yet one intangible factor repeatedly shapes championships across Europe and beyond: home advantage. For Fenerbahçe S.K., a club steeped in history and expectation, the significance of home advantage is magnified tenfold as the season edges toward its decisive stretch. In a tightly contested title race, where margins are thin and nerves are frayed, the atmosphere of Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium may prove as influential as any tactical blueprint. Home advantage is not merely about familiarity with pitch dimensions or avoiding travel fatigue. It is psychological territory. It is rhythm, routine, and resonance between players and supporters. For Fenerbahçe, whose fan base is among the most passionate in Turkish football, the stadium becomes an amplifier of belief. When the title race intensifies, that amplification can tilt the emotional balance of...
Gareth Southgate claims that England fans' booing and jeering of him is "causing an issue" for his players, who he adds will need their backing at Euro 2024.
"I understand it," Southgate said in his post-match press conference. "I won't back down from it. The most essential thing is that supporters stick with the team.
"I understand the narrative toward me, which is better for the squad than it is toward them. However, it creates an odd operating environment. I have never seen another squad qualify and obtain similar results.
"I understand it, I'm not going to back away from it, but I'm very proud of the players for how they're operating within it."
Southgate told BBC Radio 5live that he could accept the criticism, but he hopes the fans will rally behind England's players in the round of 16 and maybe beyond.
"They (fans) were brilliant, in the second half especially there was a constant noise around the team," according to him. "I understand that people are dissatisfied with me; that is the fact, and I will not back down from that. I need them to support the squad.
"I need to deal with what I'm dealing with. I was not going to back down from walking over to thank everyone for coming and providing the support they provided, but I understand that this is causing problems for the group.
"I can handle it, but I need them to support the players. The more fans are as they were in the second half, behind the squad, it is a huge boost for them, since we are operating in a very strange atmosphere."
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