18.08.2026 18:50
Sports commentator Ahmet Cakar commented on Galatasaray's squad planning. Drawing attention to the danger awaiting the red-and-yellows in the Champions League, Ahmet Cakar said, "Even if you brought Messi and Maradona today, you still couldn't say, 'They will definitely play in the quarter-finals in the Champions League.' That place is a completely different league from the Super Lig; two transfers must definitely be made to the midfield."
Sports commentator Ahmet Cakar made striking statements about Galatasaray's situation in the European arena and the balance of the squad. Acknowledging that the yellow-reds are effective in the attacking line, Cakar argued that they fall behind their rivals in defense and squad depth.
"THE DEFENSIVE LINE REMAINED WEAK"
Comparing the squad structures of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, Cakar drew attention to the deficiencies in the defensive line of the yellow-red team, saying, "Galatasaray, especially in defense, fell quite behind Fenerbahce. For example, Archie Brown; is currently showing a better performance than Eren Elmalı and Jakobs. Even Fred, whose path Fenerbahce parted ways with, was of a quality that could directly play in the starting eleven at Galatasaray. If you took Amrabat, he could easily play alongside Torreira. Although they are stronger in attack, the weaknesses in defense are striking."
"THE TEAM'S SPARK MAY HAVE FADED"
Also speaking about the team's overall hunger and the lack of alternative players, the experienced commentator emphasized the dependence on Victor Osimhen, stating, "Galatasaray has a good squad, but the hunger and spark in the team seem to have faded a bit. Consecutive championships may have reduced concentration and desire. There are also occasional disconnects in the triangle of management, technical staff, and fans. Moreover, if Osimhen suffers an injury or suspension lasting 3-4 matches, serious problems will arise in the forward line. When Muriç is absent at Fenerbahce, moves like Talisca or Cherif can be made, but at Galatasaray, this maneuvering space is more limited."
"EVEN IF YOU BROUGHT MESSI AND MARADONA..."
While evaluating Galatasaray's Champions League goals, Cakar stated that expectations should be kept reasonable, commenting, "Even if you brought Messi and Maradona to Galatasaray today, you still couldn't say, 'They will definitely play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.' That is a completely different arena from the Super League; Definitely, two transfers must be made to the midfield. You are competing with world giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Barcelona, and Liverpool. You cannot do it any other way."