05.11.2025 03:51
In the 4th week of the UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray will host the Dutch team Ajax. Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk spoke before the match, saying, "The most important thing in the last two matches was that we played as a team. We defended together when the opponent had the ball. We attacked together when we had the ball. We have an important quality. This can bring us victory."
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Galatasaray, which will host the Dutch team Ajax in the 4th week of the UEFA Champions League, had its head coach Okan Buruk make statements to the press at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
''THE RANKING DOESN'T CONCERN US''
Recalling that they played a UEFA Europa League match against Ajax here last year, Okan Buruk said, "This year, we will face Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. Their ranking in the Champions League does not concern us. We know how much they want to beat us. We know that they see this match as a 'breakthrough match.' We need to prepare for the match in this way."
''WE HAVE A TEAM THAT WILL CHALLENGE US''
Pointing out that Ajax has conceded quick goals in matches this season, Buruk noted:
"There is a difference between their first-half performances and their second-half performances. We also had changes in our performances positively between the first and second halves. Both teams will play their own games. They have good players. We have a team that will challenge us. Previous results should not deceive anyone. They received an early red card in the Chelsea match. In the Inter match, they missed many goals when the score was 0-0. They also conceded 2 goals from set pieces. They are not at their best right now. Still, they have important players. We have taken 6 points in our last 2 matches. A victory here will take us to very important places. This match has significant value for me and my players to dream big. Hopefully, we will dream after this match."
''THIS MATCH IS VERY CRITICAL FOR US''
Stating that they have won two matches in the Champions League, the experienced coach said, "We want to win the third match. The goal for every team here is to reach the next round. The biggest goal for teams is to enter the top 8 here. This match is very critical for us. This match is also very critical for Ajax. They want to get their first points as well. A very tough match awaits us."
Referring to the match they played against Ajax last year, Buruk said, "Last year in the match here, we fought to enter the top 8 in the UEFA Europa League. We came here in a good position. Ajax was more successful last year. I don't think a lot has changed. We have a different squad. We have our deficiencies and injuries. There is a more experienced and confident Galatasaray. We are not in the same mindset as last year. We are not in the same organization as last year. The concentration in the Champions League is different."
''THIS COULD BRING US VICTORY''
Buruk stated that they will take the field to win against Ajax, saying, "We want to win every match. Even if our opponent is not in form, they have good players. They are playing at home. They will try to give their best performance here. We must respond correctly to that. The most important thing in the last two matches was that we were a team. We defended together when the ball was with the opponent. We attacked together when the ball was with us. We have significant quality. This could bring us victory."
''THEY WILL DO EVERYTHING TO BEAT US''
Emphasizing that Ajax is a good team, Buruk said, "Ajax will do everything to beat us. I said this openly. In the team meeting, I said, 'We need to respect our opponents.' We experienced this a bit in the last 2 league draws. We were down to 10 men in the Beşiktaş match. One of the reasons for going down to 10 men can be the team's confidence and relaxation. We need to start the other matches like we did in the Bodo/Glimt and Liverpool matches. Sometimes a moment of carelessness causes problems for the whole team. We must respect our opponent. To make the two matches we won before valuable, we must win this match as well."
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