Orkun Kokcu Says He Has Yet to Regain Full Fitness

Besiktas midfielder Orkun Kokcu said he has not returned to full fitness despite scoring in his team's 2-1 Turkish Super Lig victory over Kocaelispor. The 25-year-old Turkey international explained after the match that limited training and continued treatment following an injury had affected his rhythm, although he remains focused on regaining his previous level.

According to Ensonhaber, Kokcu opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Dusan Vlahovic converted a penalty in the 31st minute to secure Besiktas' two goals. Kokcu's strike was his second in the league this season, following his first league goal against Amed Sportif Faaliyetler before the international break.

Kokcu has appeared in every league match this season, according to Ensonhaber. He also scored three goals in UEFA Europa League qualifying matches against Midtjylland and Kauno Zalgiris, bringing his overall season tally to five goals.

Despite contributing to the victory, Kokcu acknowledged that his performance was below his own expectations and said he needed more playing time to recover his match fitness.

"I am not 100% fit. There is no problem with my injury, but I am not at the rhythm I want. I felt that during the match.

I went into the Italy match without training at all during the international break, then left and continued my treatment. I also entered this match after just three training sessions. For me, getting minutes and playing matches is important right now.

It was a good match, but I could have played better. By playing more, I will return to my previous level. The three points and the goal were good," Kokcu said, according to Ensonhaber.

His comments followed a match in which he helped Besiktas secure three points after the international break. The midfielder said the interruption to club training had affected team preparations, particularly because several players had left to represent their national teams.

"We are happy with the three points after the international break. When you are away from the team during the break, the balance can be disrupted. Our rivals did not make mistakes, so we could not afford to make any either.

Many of our players went away to join their national teams. There was also fatigue. I do not think our performance was good.

We could have performed better. The league is a long marathon, and the three points are important. We want to work harder, regain our old rhythm, and continue like this in the league.

We have an important European match ahead. Everyone is ready, and everyone on the team helps one another. The atmosphere is good, and we will look ahead," Kokcu said, according to Ensonhaber.

Besiktas will now turn its attention to its next European fixture as Kokcu continues working toward full fitness. The midfielder said increased playing time would be important in helping him regain his previous performance level.