Antalyaspor have removed goalkeeper Julián Cuesta's licence ahead of their Trendyol 1. Lig match against SMS Grup Sarıyer. According to a report by Yenialanya.com, the 35-year-old Spanish keeper has been reinstated to the squad following the move this week.
The Red-Whites started the season with 3 points and currently sit 13th in the standings. Last week's 3-2 defeat to Pendikspor was marred by tension between 26-year-old goalkeeper Abdullah Yiğiter and the fans after costly errors. Yiğiter was escorted to the dressing room by police, forcing the technical staff to make a necessary change in goal.
Why did Cuesta stay at the club?
Julián Cuesta was expected to leave the club at the end of last season. However, it became clear that no other club would cover his high salary, so the experienced goalkeeper remained with the squad. Cuesta, who has yet to feature in an official match this season, is listed on the club's squad page. Manager Bülent Korkmaz plans to hand the gloves back to the veteran for tonight's game following recent events and a dip in form.
How has the team performed at the start of the season?
Antalyaspor began the season well with a 4-3 win over Ankara Keçiörengücü. But they then suffered a poor run, losing 2-0 to Mardin 1969 Spor and 3-2 to Pendikspor in the following two weeks. Having conceded 9 goals in three matches, the team is searching for stability in defence and the goalkeeper rotation. The team's stats also highlight defensive issues.
What is expected in the Sarıyer match?
The match tonight at 21.30 at Antalya Stadium, broadcast live on TRT, represents a chance for Antalyaspor to bounce back. Opponents SMS Grup Sarıyer are yet to win a match this league season. Under Bülent Korkmaz, the team aims to take three points in front of their fans and regain momentum, despite the forced change in goal. The game is the fourth fixture on the team's fixtures list. Antalyaspor supporters hope the experienced Cuesta's return will bring more security to the defence.
