Wing Battle at Beşiktaş: Cerny Under Pressure, Cengiz Ünder Ready to Step In
Beşiktaş manager Sergen Yalçın is going through an intense decision‑making period as the squad continues to strengthen with new transfers. The coach, who is known for his clear communication with players, is particularly focused on resolving the ongoing issue on the right wing and finding the most efficient formula there.
According to reports from the training ground, Yalçın recently held a private meeting with Czech winger Vaclav Cerny. In this conversation, the experienced coach openly stated that he is not satisfied with Cerny’s recent performances and expects much more from him. The message was direct: if the level does not rise, the shirt will change hands.
Cerny Close to Losing His Place
Despite contributing to 7 goals in total so far this season, Cerny’s form curve has been questioned in recent weeks. The coaching staff believes that although the raw numbers are not bad, his overall impact on the game, defensive contribution, and consistency are below the standards required for a title‑chasing team.
Cerny, who was once seen as an untouchable starter on the right flank, is now on the verge of losing his place in the starting eleven. The message from Yalçın’s meeting was clear: reputation and previous performances are no longer enough; only current form and attitude in training will determine who plays.
There is also a technical dimension to the criticism. Yalçın is said to be unhappy with Cerny’s decision‑making in the final third, his insistence on individual actions at inappropriate moments, and the lack of chemistry he has recently shown with the right‑back overlapping behind him. All of this has opened the door for a serious internal competition.
Cengiz Ünder Emerges as the Strongest Candidate
In this context, national team winger Cengiz Ünder has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the right wing. The coaching staff is impressed by his form, intensity, and hunger to prove himself. Cengiz is now considered the primary alternative to Cerny and may even move ahead of him in the hierarchy.
So far this season, Cengiz has recorded 5 goals and 2 assists in 18 appearances. These numbers underline his ability to both finish and create, which is precisely what Beşiktaş needs from its wide players. His direct style, pace, and willingness to drive at defenders offer a different profile compared to Cerny, which expands Yalçın’s tactical options.
Göztepe Match Could Be the Turning Point
Within the club, there is serious talk that Cengiz could start in the first eleven in the upcoming game against Göztepe. If that happens, it would not be regarded as a surprise but rather the natural result of his rising form and Cerny’s decline.
The Göztepe clash is seen as more than just another league fixture. For Cengiz, it could be a statement game, a chance to firmly take ownership of the right wing. For Cerny, it may serve either as a wake‑up call from the bench or, if he does play, possibly a last opportunity to convince his coach.
Yalçın’s Management Style Under Scrutiny
Behind the scenes, there is also debate regarding Sergen Yalçın’s handling of star players. Some observers argue that frequently substituting Cerny and giving more minutes to Cengiz has contributed to the Czech winger’s dip in confidence. They claim that, similar to other talented players who struggled to fully adapt under Yalçın, Cerny may have been emotionally affected by these decisions.
On the other hand, another camp believes that a strict merit‑based approach is precisely what a big club like Beşiktaş needs. In their view, no player should feel secure regardless of status or cost, and internal competition is essential to keep the team sharp. From this perspective, Yalçın’s stance towards Cerny is not harsh, but professional and necessary.
The Tactical Dimension of the Wing Battle
From a tactical standpoint, the fight between Cerny and Cengiz is not merely a matter of individual talent. It directly reshapes how Beşiktaş attacks. With Cerny on the field, the team tends to use more combination play on the right side, trying to draw defenders out of position with shorter passes. However, when Cengiz plays, the right wing becomes more vertical and dynamic, as he often cuts inside to shoot or switches play quickly.
This change affects the balance of the entire front line. A more direct right winger like Cengiz can open additional space for the center‑forward and the opposite winger, pulling rivals’ defenses out of shape. At the same time, it demands more defensive responsibility from the central midfielders and fullbacks to cover transitions when possession is lost.
Local Quality and Squad Planning
Another important discussion revolves around the status of Cengiz Ünder’s future at the club. Many voices inside and outside the club insist that Beşiktaş should make his transfer permanent if the opportunity arises. The argument is straightforward: raising the level of domestic players is crucial for both squad depth and meeting league regulations on foreign quotas.
In parallel, there are calls for a reshaping of the local roster, with some suggesting parting ways with underperforming domestic players to make space for higher‑quality Turkish talents. In that sense, Cengiz is considered a key strategic piece, not just a short‑term solution on the right wing.
Psychological Battle: Confidence vs. Competition
For Cerny, this period represents a significant psychological test. Losing his guaranteed spot can either push him to react positively – by training harder, simplifying his game, and adapting to the coach’s demands – or deepen his crisis of confidence. How he responds will say much about his character and long‑term future at the club.
Cengiz, on the other hand, must show that he can handle the pressure of expectation. Wearing the shirt of a club like Beşiktaş comes with responsibility: one good month is not enough. Consistency, physical resilience, and the ability to perform in big games will determine whether he becomes a mainstay or remains a rotational option.
What Beşiktaş Needs From Its Wingers
From a broader perspective, Beşiktaş’s system requires its wide players to do more than just attack. In modern football, wingers must press, track back, and participate in build‑up play. Yalçın wants his wide men to support the fullbacks defensively, close passing lanes, and quickly transition into attack when the ball is won.
In this context, the competition on the right is also about work rate and discipline. Coaches closely monitor pressing intensity, recovery runs, and off‑the‑ball movement. A winger who scores but neglects defensive duties can unbalance the entire team. This is another key criterion that could tip the scales between Cerny and Cengiz.
The Bigger Picture: Competition Breeds Performance
Ultimately, the internal rivalry on the right flank might be exactly what Beşiktaş needs to push the entire squad to a higher level. When two quality players fight for one position, the intensity in training rises, complacency disappears, and the coach gains more tactical flexibility.
If Yalçın manages this competition correctly – keeping communication open, setting clear criteria, and rotating in a fair, performance‑based manner – Beşiktaş could turn a short‑term selection headache into a long‑term advantage. The coming weeks, starting with the Göztepe match, will show whether Cerny can reclaim his place or whether a new era on the right wing will begin under the leadership of Cengiz Ünder.