The conflict between Rafa and Besiktas seems to be lasting. At least judging by the most recent chapters of the Turkish soap opera that has the Portuguese player as the main protagonist.
This Sunday, Istanbul’s Black Eagles had a particularly important game at second-placed Trabzonspor, but Rafa Silva was left out, once again. Even before the match, referring to round 16 of the Turkish League, the Besiktas coach was asked about the Portuguese’s absence.
«Rafa spoke to the coaches during the week. The player said he wasn’t ready and didn’t want to be in the squad. So we didn’t include it in the list. If the player says he is ready, as we have shortcomings in attack, then we will include him. For me there is no problem at all», said Sergen Yalçin.
BOLA knows, however, that Rafa did not refuse to join the squad. According to information gathered from a source close to the player, he did not even speak individually with the head coach about this topic, nor did he inform any member of the technical team that he was unavailable to play.
Besiktas drew 3-3 with Trabzonspor, and are now 13 points behind rival Galatasaray, leader of the Turkish League, remaining nine points behind this Sunday’s opponent.
Rafa hasn’t played for Besiktas for a month and a half: his last appearance on the field was on November 2, in a defeat against rivals Fenerbahçe. The Portuguese international entered into a collision course with the club in November, expressed his intention to leave, but at the beginning of December he was reinstated. He has not yet returned to the competition, however, and Benfica, the club he left to head to Türkiye, remains attentive to the situation.
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