Adil Demirbağ: “The reaction we showed was crucial”
TÜMOSAN Konyaspor defender Adil Demirbağ underlined the importance of their 2-0 victory over Galatasaray in the 23rd week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, stressing that the team’s response on the pitch could mark a real turning point in their season.
Demirbağ, who scored one of the goals in the win, spoke to reporters at MEDAŞ Büyükşehir Belediye Stadium after the final whistle. The defender did not hide his joy, emphasizing how much the result meant both for the squad and for the supporters who had been going home disappointed for weeks.
“We’re very happy,” he said. “We had been sending our fans back to their homes in disappointment for a long time. I hope this is the beginning of something new for us. From now on, we want to make our supporters happy not only here in Konya, but also in away games and even those watching us from their homes on television.”
According to Demirbağ, the win was not just three points; it was a statement about where Konyaspor wants to be. He insisted that they believe in lifting the club back to the level its history and fan base deserve and that this match can be the spark for a broader resurgence.
The defender revealed that he had gone into the game with a strong inner conviction. “At the pre-match meal, I told my teammates I was going to score,” he explained. “I genuinely felt we were going to win. During the week we had all been talking about how we had to start from somewhere. We couldn’t keep going like this.”
Demirbağ highlighted the mindset shift within the team, pointing out that the identity of the opponent could not be an excuse for their previous struggles. “Whether it was Galatasaray or even Real Madrid, we would have produced the same level of fight,” he said. “The reaction we showed today was extremely important. It was about our pride, our character, and our responsibility to this club.”
The phrase “reaction” was central to Demirbağ’s evaluation of the night. For him, it meant more than just an improvement in performance. It meant responding to criticism, to poor results, and to the pressure of being near the bottom of the table. On the pitch, that reaction translated into intensity in duels, defensive discipline, and the courage to play forward instead of retreating into a shell against a title contender.
Demirbağ also stressed that this performance has to become their new standard rather than an exception. He pointed out that one big win will not be enough to change their situation on its own, but it can change the atmosphere in the dressing room and in the stands. Confidence, he said, is built with games like this – but it has to be protected and strengthened with consistency.
Teammate Deniz Türüç echoed the sense of a fresh beginning, making it clear that Konyaspor now sees every remaining fixture as a battle that can define their season. “From now on, every match will be a new challenge for us,” said the experienced midfielder. “We approached Galatasaray like a final, and we have to treat every game the same way.”
Türüç praised the team’s collective performance, emphasizing that their game plan was executed with focus and determination. “We played a very good match,” he stated. “Our thanks to the fans will never be enough. They gave us incredible energy today. You could feel their support from the first minute to the last. This is just the beginning. In the Başakşehir match as well, we’ll be on the pitch only to win.”
He was keen to underline one key message: the team needs its fans in every situation. “We need our supporters in every match, in good days and in bad days,” he said. “Their presence, their voice, and their belief make a real difference on the field. When we feel them behind us, we run that extra meter, we fight that extra duel.”
Türüç also spoke warmly about head coach İlhan Palut, describing the bond between the squad and the technical staff as one of the team’s biggest strengths. “Our coach İlhan is a legend for us,” he said. “His sincerity, his humanity, and his character explain everything. We are very lucky to have him with us. The way he stands by us in difficult times gives us courage. From now on, every match will be a new test that we want to pass for him, for the club, and for the city.”
The win against Galatasaray carries significance beyond the scoreboard. Konyaspor had been in a difficult run, struggling for form and consistency. Facing one of the league’s strongest sides, many expected them to sit deep and only try to survive. Instead, they showed a proactive attitude, pressed at key moments, and looked determined not to let the opponent dictate the tempo. This mental shift is exactly what both Demirbağ and Türüç described as “reaction.”
From a tactical standpoint, Konyaspor’s compact defensive shape and quick transitions played a decisive role. Demirbağ himself, as a defender who also contributed on the scoresheet, symbolized that balance: strong at the back, brave going forward. His goal was not just important for the match but also a personal milestone, reinforcing his leadership role on the pitch.
Mentally, such a victory can transform the dressing-room environment. Players who had been under pressure now gain proof that their work on the training ground can deliver results against top opponents. Training sessions become sharper, internal competition intensifies, and belief grows that the team can climb the table. This is exactly why Demirbağ put so much emphasis on the word “beginning.”
For the supporters, the win offers something they had been missing: hope. After weeks of leaving the stadium frustrated, they finally saw a team that matched their passion. The connection between stands and pitch is often fragile in difficult periods, but a big home win can rebuild that bond. The players’ repeated references to the fans show that they are fully aware of this dynamic and want to keep the relationship strong.
Looking ahead, matches like the upcoming Başakşehir clash will reveal whether Konyaspor can turn a single emotional night into a sustainable run of form. Deniz Türüç’s words about treating every game as a new challenge highlight the new mentality: no complacency after beating a giant, no panic if results are tight, just consistent intensity and focus.
Adil Demirbağ’s belief that Konyaspor will reach “the highest level it deserves” reflects a long-term ambition rather than just survival in the current campaign. To achieve that, nights like the Galatasaray game must become reference points – examples of how the team should fight, react, and stand together when facing pressure.
In the end, the essence of both players’ messages can be summed up in three ideas: reaction, unity, and continuity. The reaction to adversity has finally appeared on the field; unity between players, coach, and fans has been visibly strengthened; and now the challenge is to maintain this standard every weekend. If Konyaspor can do that, this 2-0 victory may be remembered not only as an upset, but as the moment their season truly turned around.