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Fenerbahce defender Nelson Semedo credited the electric atmosphere at Kadıkoy for inspiring the team's performance in their 5-2 Champions League qualifying victory over Feyenoord, saying the support pushed players to give "200 percent" rather than their usual maximum effort.
The Portuguese wing-back spoke to media following the match at Chobani Stadium, where Fenerbahce overturned their first-leg deficit to advance in the competition.
"I want to thank our fans for the support they showed today. There was a very impressive atmosphere," Semedo said. "When there's such an atmosphere, you don't play with 100 percent of yourself but with 200 percent. It was really a very impressive atmosphere."
The 31-year-old player described witnessing something unexpected in the crowd's energy during the crucial European tie.
Semedo emphasized the significance of the Champions League qualifying match for all involved parties at the club. "Because it was a Champions League qualifying match, it was important for both our club, the players, and the fans," he explained.
"As I mentioned, I thank them for the support they showed. There was a wonderful atmosphere, it was surprising for me. Playing in such an atmosphere was very beautiful, and we want to continue our work in the best way so that we can maintain this atmosphere throughout the season."
The defender expressed hopes that the team's performance could sustain fan enthusiasm for both home and away fixtures throughout the campaign. "We want to get a lot of victories at home and also get victories in the matches we play away," Semedo added.
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Despite his positive assessment of the team's performance, Semedo acknowledged he has not yet reached peak physical condition since joining Fenerbahce approximately two weeks ago.
"I feel good about myself, but I can be a bit better physically," Semedo admitted. "I've been continuing my training with the team for about 1-2 weeks. I will be better physically."
The experienced player stressed his commitment to adapting to whatever tactical system manager José Mourinho deploys. "We are professional players and we need to fulfill the coach's requests," he said. "We need to adapt to whatever system our coach wants us to play in."
Semedo highlighted the team's versatility in defensive formations, noting their ability to play with either three or four defenders depending on tactical requirements.
"If he wants four at the back, four; if he wants three, three defenders wait at the back and a bit forward - we need to be able to do these things on the field in the best way, and we have the quality to do this," he explained.
The Portuguese international praised teammate Archie Brown's performance in the match while expressing confidence in the squad's overall capabilities. "Today Archie also displayed a great performance. I also think I'm a player who can physically fulfill these duties."
Semedo revealed that his integration into the team has been facilitated by both the welcoming nature of staff and the presence of Portuguese speakers within the organization.
"Both the team and the staff welcomed me very well, and the abundance of Portuguese-speaking people helped me easily overcome the adaptation process," he noted, adding that joining Fenerbahce had been a strong personal desire.
The defender pledged to work hard to justify the confidence shown in him by the club's management and supporters.
Looking ahead to the next round against Portuguese giants Benfica, Semedo expressed preference for playing the second leg at home, drawing parallels to the Feyenoord tie where Fenerbahce overcame their first-leg defeat.
"I would have preferred to play the second match at home like today. Against Feyenoord, we had also lost the first match in Rotterdam, and today, despite falling behind, we managed to turn the match around with the support of our fans and the atmosphere they created."
Semedo acknowledged Benfica's quality while expressing confidence in Fenerbahce's improved condition compared to their preseason meeting. "Benfica is a big team and we had played against them during the preseason preparation period, but if we look at our state at that time, I think we are in better condition now."
The defender cited recent squad additions, including Talisca's return and goal against Feyenoord, plus Becao's arrival, as evidence of the team's strengthened position.
"It will be a special match for me, but I'm ready to defend Fenerbahce's colors," Semedo concluded, acknowledging the personal significance of facing his former league while emphasizing his commitment to his current club.
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