24.02.2025 19:50
Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk made statements ahead of the Fenerbahçe derby. Addressing the provocations that occur in such matches, Buruk said, "We need to be careful. We need to manage both the inside and outside of the field well. We just want to focus on the game; that is my biggest wish. In the first match, we were solely focused on the game." The experienced coach also urged the fans to remain calm.
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Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk made striking statements before the Fenerbahçe derby. Buruk emphasized the importance of avoiding provocation and warned the yellow-red fans.
"THERE IS PROVOCATION IN SUCH MATCHES"
Addressing the importance of the match, Buruk said, "We didn't have a long preparation chance due to the European cup matches. We had a tactical training yesterday. The weather was bad, and the fields were not suitable for training. We worked on a good pitch yesterday. We completed the last training well. Our players are ready and motivated. More than great motivation, there are provocations in such matches. We need to be careful. We need to manage both on and off the field well. We just want to focus on the game; that is my biggest wish. In the first match, we only focused on the game. Both teams are tactically ready," he said.
"OUR RIVAL IS A QUALITY TEAM TOO"
Speaking about Fenerbahçe's starting eleven, the experienced coach said, "Our rival's eleven is as we expected. Çağlar came in at the last minute. We were expecting a 3-4-1-2 formation. Two midfielders, Lemina and Torreira, will have Sara in front of them. We switched to this in the Rize match last week. There are new players like Frankowski, Eren, and Lemina. We played short with them last week. We will get used to it; we will see each other. They are quality players who can play these matches. We are at home. With the pressure of our fans, we will show our courage. Galatasaray has become what it is with its courage and desire to win. In 2.5 years, we have 2 championships and records. If we win this match today, it will be a 4-point match. If it ends in a draw, it will be a 2-point match due to the head-to-head record. Our goal is to do everything to win. Our rival is also a quality team. They are not a team that possesses the ball. They have pressing in the third zone and can close down with 11 players in their own half. We know the opponent. If we stay calm and experience the match, and if we apply our plans, the result will depend on our players' feet," he expressed.
"OUR FANS SHOULD STAY CALM"
Buruk, who wanted the fans to stay calm, said, "Fans should put down their phones and focus on the game! Icardi's arrival creates a positive atmosphere. Last night, we cut his past birthday cake at dinner. His wish was to win this match. We are eager and positive. Yunus's return to the squad is also very important. During this period, we struggled without players like Yunus and Jakobs who can reliably defend. Icardi is like that, Morata is outside. When we are a complete team, we will be much stronger. Both teams have a wide bench. This is also pleasing from my perspective. It was the opposite in the previous European match," he stated.
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