N’Golo Kante concedes Fenerbahce ‘had to be better’ after Forest thrashing

N’Golo Kante spoke with candour and composure after Fenerbahce were humbled 3-0 at home by Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League playoff, acknowledging a night of conflicting emotions on his long-awaited return to European competition.

The French midfielder, who has Malian heritage, was making his first appearance on the continental stage in three years following his recent switch from Al-Ittihad.

For Kante, the occasion carried personal significance. Yet the heavy defeat at home ensured that celebration gave way to frustration.

“It’s a nice feeling to play for Fenerbahce, and it’s also good to play my first European game in three years,” Kante reflected afterwards.

Forest seized control early and never relinquished it, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and capitalising on transitions with clinical precision.

Fenerbahce struggled to impose themselves in midfield, an area where Kante’s industry and experience were expected to provide balance. Instead, the Turkish side found themselves chasing shadows for long stretches, unable to match the visitors’ tempo or physical intensity.

Kante did not shy away from that assessment. “But unfortunately, we didn’t respond to our opponents in the best way tonight. We had to be better,” he admitted.

The defeat leaves the Istanbul club with a mountain to climb in the return leg. Conceding three goals without reply has placed significant pressure on the second encounter, where only a near-flawless performance will keep their European ambitions alive. Kante, however, remains cautiously optimistic.

“Of course, we have one more game, and we have to believe,” he said, signalling that the tie is not beyond rescue in his view. His experience at the highest level, including Champions League triumphs and international success, lends weight to that belief.

For Fenerbahce supporters, the night was sobering. Expectations had risen following the arrival of a player whose reputation is built on relentless work rate and quiet leadership. Kante’s signing was seen as a statement of intent, a declaration that the club aimed to compete seriously in Europe once more. Instead, their first test ended in disappointment.

Still, it would be premature to draw sweeping conclusions. Kante is adapting to a new environment, new teammates and a different tactical framework. His influence, often subtle but decisive, tends to manifest over time rather than in isolated flashes. The broader challenge for Fenerbahce lies in collectively matching the standards required at this level.

Forest, meanwhile, will travel into the second leg brimming with confidence. Their organised pressing and sharp finishing underlined a side comfortable in high-stakes fixtures. For Fenerbahce, the path forward demands both structural adjustments and renewed conviction.