Besiktas coach Italiano explains Ndidi’s Europa League starting role

Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano said Wilfred Ndidi was given a rare start against Hoffenheim because the Super Eagles captain needed more playing time, describing the midfielder as a “high-level, good player”.

Ndidi was named in Besiktas’s starting XI for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League meeting with Hoffenheim, making only his second start of the season as Italiano rotated his midfield options.

The Nigeria international had mainly been used as a substitute earlier in the campaign. Italiano stressed, however, that his selection was not prompted by a change in the team’s technical or tactical approach.

“This isn’t a technical or tactical issue. We need to involve Ndidi as well; he deserves playing time. That’s why I gave him playing time,” Italiano said, as quoted by A Spor.

The Besiktas manager also pointed to the demands placed on the club’s midfielders, particularly Salih Ozcan, who had already played in several matches this season.

With more fixtures still to come, Italiano viewed the Europa League match as an appropriate opportunity to give Ndidi responsibility from the beginning.

“Salih has also played a lot of matches this season, and we have many more matches ahead.

“That’s why I gave Ndidi a chance. Ndidi is a high-level, good player. He needs playing time today. I think he will do well,” he added.

Ndidi’s appearance against Hoffenheim was his second start for Besiktas in all competitions this season. His first came in the Turkish Super Lig against Alanyaspor on August 23.

The Hoffenheim fixture was also his first start in the UEFA Europa League during the current campaign. Ndidi completed 90 minutes before being replaced by Umit Akdag in stoppage time.

Besiktas went on to win the match 3-2, with Ndidi helping the side secure victory in his first Europa League start of the season.