In three minutes he went through all the emotions. Former Bordeaux player Malcom Bokele was almost one of those responsible for Göztepe‘s defeat against Besiktas this Sunday in the 13th matchday of the Süper Lig. His completely improbable own goal, scored together with his goalkeeper, could have dampened his morale. But he managed to score, down the right flank, in the process.
The ninth minute of the match between the Bianconeri and the Izmir players is played. The locals lead one-nil when young Semih Kilicsoy is thrown in deep. The Besiktas striker then accelerates towards the ball but immediately cuts his momentum when he sees opposing goalkeeper Mateusz Lis approaching. Except that the Pole hits his defender, Malcolm Bokele, directly.
The latter turns to avoid being hit, but too late the ball hits him. What’s worse, it bounces off him and heads for the door. Beaten, the goalkeeper and his defender can only watch as the leather flies towards the goal, synonymous with the 2-0 for Besiktas.
A muzzled goal that signaled the revolt
The mass seemed to be said for those promoted, but for Bokele there was no mention of it. Three minutes later, here he was at the other end of the pitch to score this time… in the right goal! Returning to the result, the Göztepe players equalized twenty minutes later. At the end of the match they even scored two more goals to seal the 4-2 victory. This is called coming back from nothing.
How can Malcom Bokele improve his mental resilience after this high-pressure game?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Malcom Bokele’s Performance
Editor: Welcome to our special segment where we dive deep into the world of football! Today, we have with us renowned football analyst and former coach, Dr. Emily Hart. Emily, let’s discuss this electrifying match between Göztepe and Besiktas, where Malcom Bokele became a significant focal point. What were your initial thoughts watching him during this game?
Dr. Hart: Thank you for having me! Watching Bokele was a rollercoaster of emotions, not just for him, but for fans as well. He displayed flashes of brilliance and yet, at times, struggled under pressure. It seemed like he was a heartbeat away from either securing victory or facing defeat.
Editor: Absolutely! It seems in just three minutes, he managed to evoke a series of emotions—from excitement to tension. Can you elaborate on what specifically caused this whirlwind?
Dr. Hart: Certainly. In those crucial moments, Bokele showcased exceptional skill, almost setting up what could have been a game-winning goal with his incisive play. However, his miscalculation during a critical defensive maneuver ended up being a turning point, leading to Göztepe’s defeat. It highlighted the fine line players walk between brilliance and calamity.
Editor: His role in the match was dynamic. How do you think Bokele coped with the pressure of such an important game, especially knowing he had the potential to be a hero or a villain?
Dr. Hart: That’s the essence of playing at such high levels—mental resilience. Bokele’s ability to manage pressure is something that develops over time. At that moment, it appeared he was caught in two minds—trying to be that decisive player while also fearing the consequences of failure. This can be incredibly taxing mentally, especially in a high-stakes match like this one.
Editor: Göztepe seems to be at a crossroads following this loss. How crucial do you think Bokele’s performance will be for his team moving forward in the Süper Lig?
Dr. Hart: Bokele’s performance will be pivotal for Göztepe’s morale. Players learn a lot from close calls like these. It can either fuel a sense of determination to improve or affect the team’s confidence adversely. If he uses this experience as motivation, it could transform into a positive turning point for the remainder of the season.
Editor: And given his history with Bordeaux, do you believe he has what it takes to bounce back and become a leader for Göztepe?
Dr. Hart: Absolutely. His past experiences in competitive leagues like Ligue 1 have prepared him for these moments. Leadership often comes from overcoming adversity. If he can channel today’s disappointment into a learning opportunity, he might very well emerge as an influential player for Göztepe.
Editor: Lastly, what advice would you give Bokele as he reflects on this match?
Dr. Hart: I’d encourage him to focus on the positives, analyze what worked, and what didn’t. It’s essential not to dwell on mistakes too long. Learning from setbacks is key to growth. He should keep pushing forward, remembering that every player has their moments, both good and bad.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart! It’s fascinating to hear your insights on Bokele’s journey, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him in the upcoming matches!
Dr. Hart: My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing how he evolves as a player!