Kartal says he was considering using Asensio for the final 30 minutes

İsmail Kartal told Marco Asensio that he was considering playing him for the final 30 minutes of the match. Kartal explained the reason for that plan by saying that Asensio was not physically ready.

Asensio responded to Kartal: “If I’m not in the starting XI, I won’t play.” His reference to being in the “11” means being included in the starting lineup; he said he would not play if he was not in it.

The statements highlight the difference between Kartal’s intention to bring Asensio on in the final part of the match and the player’s insistence on starting. Physical readiness and selection in the starting XI were the central points in the two men’s remarks.