Beşiktaş's German goalkeeper Alexander Nübel assessed his start with the club and his new life in Istanbul. Speaking to Beşiktaş Magazine, Nübel said he had good relationships with his teammates, the coaching staff and everyone at the club.
Nübel, who has kept six clean sheets in his first six appearances for Beşiktaş, said he had not expected such a start. The goalkeeper said winning was his priority, adding that matches completed without conceding a goal brought a special sense of happiness after the team's success.
Communication between Nübel and Italiano
Nübel said he frequently communicates with head coach Vincenzo Italiano about attacking and defensive organization. He said Italiano constantly talks with his players, brings his emotional side to the team in a positive way and takes a close interest in the goalkeeping department.
The German goalkeeper said the coaching staff conveys its expectations of him to the goalkeeping coaches, who also hold individual meetings with him. Nübel said the defenders and goalkeepers are constantly told what they need to do, adding that this communication is valuable for the team's development.
Factors that made choosing Beşiktaş easier
Nübel said his girlfriend's support had played an important role in his decision to join Beşiktaş. He said his girlfriend, who already knew Istanbul, had told him that he could be happy in the city and that she would also enjoy living there.
Nübel said Beşiktaş's stature, his positive views of Istanbul and Türkiye, and the role of family had made his decision easier. He added that he considered it natural for expectations from the head coach, teammates and supporters to be high at major clubs.
The atmosphere at Tüpraş Stadium
Praising the atmosphere created by Beşiktaş supporters at Tüpraş Stadium, Nübel said that when he dreamed of becoming a footballer as a child, he also imagined playing in environments like this. The goalkeeper said the support given by the fans throughout the 90 minutes created powerful emotions on the pitch, adding that he was happy to play in this atmosphere as a Beşiktaş player.
Nübel said he was pleased that Beşiktaş's style of play suited his profile and noted that he did not feel extra pressure because of the club's high expectations.
His new life in Istanbul
Nübel said he explores Istanbul in his spare time, visiting different parts of the city as well as Beşiktaş and Kilyos. He said he had taken a ferry, bought an Istanbulkart, travelled to Taksim by IETT bus and crossed to the Asian side.
Nübel said he was interested in photography, particularly taking photographs with an analog camera. He added that he takes pictures during his trips around Istanbul and had found a place where he could have his films digitized. The goalkeeper said he was still staying at a hotel but had found a home to live in, adding that he wanted to prepare it before his girlfriend and child arrived.
Season target
Nübel said he always aims to win in football and wants the team to succeed at the end of the season and experience the feeling of winning a trophy. The goalkeeper said they had a long season ahead and aimed to win as many matches as possible.
