Beşiktaş’s Italiano Effect: Former Stars Assess the Club’s Perfect Start
Beşiktaş have made a remarkable opening to the 2026-27 season, winning all six of their official matches. The black-and-white side have recorded five victories in the Europa League and one in the Süper Lig, scoring nine goals without conceding. That flawless record has already created significant confidence around the team and strengthened their hopes of challenging for the title.
Former Beşiktaş players Serdar Kurtuluş and Ali Tandoğan, both of whom experienced trophy success with the club, believe the team’s improvement is closely linked to coach Vincenzo Italiano’s influence. They also highlighted the successful integration of new signings and the growing leadership of captain Orkun Kökçü.
Kurtuluş: “The Team Will Reach an Even Higher Level”
Serdar Kurtuluş, who spent six seasons at Beşiktaş and won five trophies, believes the club have finally overcome the instability that affected them in recent campaigns.
“Beşiktaş had serious problems for the last two or three seasons,” Kurtuluş said. “They could not consistently reach the level required to compete for the championship. The squad changed almost every year, and that naturally created a lack of understanding between the players. This season, however, the situation looks different.”
According to Kurtuluş, the early results demonstrate that the new arrivals have adapted quickly. Their contribution is visible not only in the performances but also in the results achieved during the opening six matches.
Starting the season strongly can sometimes create difficulties later if a team peaks too early. Nevertheless, Kurtuluş considers Beşiktaş’s current form a major advantage. He expects the side to improve further as the players become more familiar with one another and the tactical structure becomes more established.
A More Balanced Beşiktaş Under Italiano
Kurtuluş also emphasized the change in Beşiktaş’s defensive and attacking organization since Italiano took charge.
“In previous seasons, Beşiktaş experienced major difficulties in both attack and defense,” he explained. “The current results show clearly how serious those problems were. With Italiano, we are now watching a team that is difficult to score against. At the same time, they are much more productive in attack.”
The former defender believes the coach’s tactical approach has brought greater balance to the squad. Beşiktaş are defending with more discipline, pressing more effectively and creating a higher number of chances in the final third.
The new signings have also played an important role. Their ability to fit into the system has helped the team become more compact without sacrificing attacking ambition. Kurtuluş expects this understanding to develop even further as the campaign progresses.
“Beşiktaş Are Among the Title Favorites”
The six-match winning run has convinced Kurtuluş that Beşiktaş possess genuine championship potential.
“They look very well organized at the moment,” he said. “If they continue to improve, we could see a Beşiktaş side that concedes very few goals. Italiano’s impact is obvious. The team presses, competes intensely, creates chances and makes life difficult for its opponents.”
For Kurtuluş, consistency will be decisive. A strong start alone will not be enough to win the title, but maintaining the same intensity and continuing to improve could place Beşiktaş among the leading contenders.
He added that the team’s progress reflects not only the quality of the players but also the coach’s ability to establish a clear identity. If Beşiktaş remain committed to this style, their chances of competing for the championship will increase considerably.
Orkun Kökçü Emerging as a Leader
Orkun Kökçü has been another major positive for the club. The captain has scored three goals in six official matches, and Kurtuluş believes the midfielder is now showing the leadership expected from him.
“When Orkun first arrived, the expectations were extremely high because of the transfer fee paid for him,” Kurtuluş said. “Players who cost significant sums are immediately expected to perform at the highest level. He may have felt that pressure during the adaptation period.”
The midfielder now appears to be handling those expectations more effectively. His captaincy has allowed him to demonstrate leadership through both his performances and his work rate.
Kurtuluş believes Kökçü’s influence extends beyond his goals. He contributes during transitions, takes responsibility in possession and sets the tempo in midfield. If he continues in the same direction, his form could also benefit the national team.
“Orkun is a very valuable player for Beşiktaş and continues to improve,” Kurtuluş added. “His importance to the team’s adaptation process is clear. He is already acting like a leader, and his goals and determination show that.”
Tandoğan: “The Midfield Is More Dynamic”
Ali Tandoğan, another former Beşiktaş player with five trophies to his name, also praised the team’s transformation. He believes the midfield has become more energetic and mobile compared with previous seasons.
The increased dynamism allows Beşiktaş to move the ball forward more quickly and apply pressure immediately after losing possession. This has reduced the distance between the lines and made the team harder to break down.
Tandoğan also sees a clearer division of responsibilities within the squad. Midfielders are supporting the defense while joining attacks at the right moments, creating a more balanced structure throughout the match.
A Stronger Mentality After Difficult Seasons
Beşiktaş’s recent struggles were not limited to tactical problems. Frequent squad changes and inconsistent results also affected the club’s confidence. The perfect start has changed the atmosphere around the team and restored belief among the players and supporters.
Winning six consecutive matches has given the squad a strong psychological foundation. Clean sheets have reinforced defensive confidence, while the goals scored have shown that the team can create opportunities from different areas of the pitch.
However, the next challenge will be maintaining this level when the fixture schedule becomes more demanding. Europa League matches, domestic competition and possible injuries will test the depth of the squad.
Squad Depth Could Become Crucial
The success of Beşiktaş’s season may depend on how effectively the club manages rotation. A team competing on multiple fronts needs reliable alternatives in every position, especially in midfield and attack.
Italiano will have to balance playing time carefully. Keeping the core players fresh while maintaining competitive standards among substitutes could help Beşiktaş avoid a decline during the winter months.
The early adaptation of the new signings is encouraging in this regard. If the squad continues to develop a unified understanding of the coach’s demands, Beşiktaş will have more options when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion arise.
Expectations Are Rising
The perfect opening has naturally increased expectations. Supporters now expect Beşiktaş to challenge for trophies rather than simply recover from previous disappointments.
That pressure can be beneficial if the players use it as motivation, but it can also become a burden if results suddenly turn. The team’s response to its first setback will therefore be an important indicator of its maturity.
For now, the signs are positive. Beşiktaş have combined defensive solidity, attacking productivity and a more committed style of play. Italiano’s tactical influence is visible, while Kökçü’s leadership has added authority in the center of the pitch.
The season remains at an early stage, but the club’s six victories have created a strong foundation. If Beşiktaş preserve their discipline, continue improving their coordination and maintain their competitive spirit, they could emerge as one of the strongest championship candidates in Turkish football.