Man Utd to pounce? Perfect midfielder faces axe after explosive interview

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Mar 2024 10:24 CDT
4 min read

Orkun Kokcu's Benfica career could be over after an explosive interview on Saturday.

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The former Feyenoord captain expressed disillusionment with his current role under Roger Schmidt in an interview with De Telegraaf, accusing the coach of breaking the promises he made to lure him to Benfica.

Last summer, Kokcu was one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders after leading Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title. The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd were all keen on him, but he ended up moving to Lisbon after being sold a dream by Schmidt.

Kokcu, however, is not a guaranteed starter and insists that the German coach is misusing him by forcing excessive defensive responsibilities on the creative Turkish international. His interview has now had major consequences.

Kokcu axed

Kokcu was not part of the Benfica squad that defeated Casa Pia on Sunday, with Schmidt stating after the game that it was unthinkable to pick him in light of what he said. "After his interview, it was impossible for him to be part of the team...Orkun is a great player and person. I don't know what happened for him to give such an interview," Schmidt said.

Kokcu has since taken to social media, stating: "I accept the club's consequences and will now travel with my national team." Yet, the Turkish midfielder also insisted that it should be allowed to express critical views in a club environment. "Only if everything is right we can win prizes. This also means being critical of each other."

Dutch legend Ronald de Boer believes that this is the end of Kokcu's short time at Benfica. "This is the end of the story for him," he said on Ziggo Sport. "I think so. Unless he openly apologizes and says he didn't mean it. The words may have been twisted. He may have a point, but ultimately the coach is the boss."

On Saturday, FootballTransfers explained that Man Utd would be well advised to be attentive to the situation and potentially reignite their interest in the 23-year-old. Kokcu is a player who could be a crucial part of the summer rebuild at Old Trafford. If this is indeed the end of the road for him in Lisbon, the Red Devils could be presented with a spectacular signing opportunity.