Caykur Rizespor lost 1-0 to Eypspor in week 28 of the Süper Lig, missing out on a crucial point. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline; Rizespor's head coach Brahim Zlmez expressed his disappointment in the post‑match press conference.

Match details and Zlmez's assessment

Eypspor defended their home ground, but Rizespor fell behind after a simple goal from a dead ball in the 45th minute. Zlmez said, "The dead‑ball goal exposed our defensive lapse," and added, "We've been struggling to create chances against opponents since the start of the season." While praising his players' effort, the coach demanded a more aggressive approach.

Referee Suat Arslanboa and the controversy

Zlmez also commented on referee Suat Arslanboa: "Suat Arslanboa left a mark in the Bandırmaspor match and now in this game. A goal was cancelled and the players lost motivation," he argued. He claimed the official's decisions shaped the match, noting, "Some will criticize, some will defend," highlighting the split opinions on the referee.

Football community and relations with rival clubs

The coach described football as a community, saying, "Football is a ball that rolls to every side, a true community." He hinted that Eypspor's technical director might have once been linked to Rizespor, pointing out the complex dynamics between clubs. "Clubs act according to their perspective, and coaches change over time," Zlmez explained.

Respect for players and future plans

Zlmez affirmed, "I respect every player but I expect more drive and desire," stressing the need to boost internal motivation. He touched on the new signings from the transfer window, noting, "We are working to fill the gaps in our squad." Rizespor currently sits 8th with 41 points, and the defeat added to their point deficit. (League standing: 8th in Süper Lig, 41 pts, 10W-11D-13L from 34 games, recent form DLWLD.)