24.11.2025 17:10
Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk made statements ahead of the Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise. Buruk stated that they aim to create the maximum atmosphere in their stadium, and he also spoke about the injured players, saying, "We will take a look at their current condition shortly before the training. The status of our players with uncertainties will be clear by match time."
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk made statements at a press conference before the UEFA Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise.
"THERE'S NO REASON FOR US NOT TO WIN" Expressing his confidence in his players, Okan Buruk said, 'The goals in the Champions League are clear. Three wins in the last three matches, this match is also very valuable. It is a critical match for Galatasaray fans and all of Turkey to walk towards our dreams. We need to create the atmosphere from the previous matches in our own stadium to the maximum extent, and regardless of who plays or starts, when we show this desire physically, mentally, and in terms of quality, we have demonstrated what we can achieve. It is a great opportunity for us. I trust my players as always. They are special people, special footballers. We are going through a tough period. We showed in the second half of the match against Gençlerbirliği that we are a team that can achieve anything when we want. We respect our opponent. They are leaders in their league. They won against PSV and lost in the next three matches. They are a very organized and physically strong team. If we show our own quality, there is no reason for us not to win this match." he said.
VICTOR OSIMHEN AND THE STATUS OF INJURED PLAYERS In response to the question, "What is the injury status of the players? Can we get information about Osimhen's condition?" Okan Buruk stated, "We will check their current status shortly before training. These are things that can happen to any team. We have a very important squad. We have faced consecutive injuries and suspensions in some positions. We have decreased in terms of squad numbers, but no matter who plays, the most important thing for us is to take the field with 11 strong players. We will take the field with quality players united with our fans. I trust my team. We will look at the status of our players today and tomorrow. The status of our players with question marks will be clear by match time." he expressed.
'OUR BIG DREAM IS TO BE IN THE TOP 8' Continuing his remarks, the successful coach stated that their goal is to be among the top 8, saying, "If we win this match, it will be a very important victory to walk towards our dreams, that is certain. Our primary goal is to be among the top 24, to achieve this first, and the second goal is to be in the top 16 and be a seeded team. Our big dream is to be among the top 8. If we win tomorrow, we will almost reach our first goal, which is very important in this sense. We need to think match by match. Our only thought is to win tomorrow's match and be where we aim to be." he commented.
'WE WILL WORK ON THIS' In response to the question, "The opposing team has scored half of their goals in the Champions League this season from set pieces. Have you done any special work for set pieces?" the experienced coach replied, "They are a very tall team and effective in set pieces. They scored their only goal from a set piece in the match against Atletico Madrid. We will work on this in today's training. We were very effective in set pieces last season, but we are not at the same level this season; we will improve. The structure of our players is also important. We will see if we can be taller in the last training. We know the opponent's strength in set pieces." he stated.