29.10.2026 23:47
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk gave his players a victory message ahead of the Fenerbahçe derby. It was learned that the head coach of the yellow-and-reds, who defeated Lille 4-2 away in the Champions League, said in a meeting with his players, "No team can stand against our lethal pressing." Buruk wants to win the derby to reclaim the top spot and widen the point gap with Fenerbahçe.
Galatasaray, who boosted morale with a 4-2 victory over Lille in the Champions League, has focused on the Fenerbahçe derby. In the yellow-red team, head coach Okan Buruk drew attention to the importance of the critical match in a meeting with his players in Kemerburgaz.
"NO TEAM CAN STAND AGAINST US"
It was stated that Okan Buruk, whose last defeat at RAMS Park was against Fenerbahçe under the management of İsmail Kartal on May 19, 2024, sees the upcoming derby as an opportunity for revenge.
It was learned that the experienced coach addressed his players with the following words:
"You showed the real Galatasaray against Lille. No team can stand against our lethal pressing. Let's win and take the lead again. Your place is always at the top. Let's widen the points gap between us and Fenerbahçe. Just focus on the pitch and your football, let's gift our fans a beautiful derby victory."
OKAN BURUK'S GOAL IS TO REGAIN THE LEADERSHIP
At Galatasaray, who are preparing to take the field against Fenerbahçe with a victory motto, Okan Buruk plans to force his opponent into mistakes, especially with high pressing. The yellow-red coach wants to reflect the effective pressing game against Lille onto the derby as well, both to take three points and to gain an advantage in the title race.
RAFAEL LEAO'S SITUATION IS UNCLEAR
The biggest question mark for Galatasaray before the derby is Rafael Leao's health condition. The Portuguese star, who was injured in his groin in the Gençlerbirliği match and could not play in the Lille away match, has been participating in tactical training for the last two days. Leao, who wants to play in the derby, is expected to have his situation clarified after final checks. It is being considered that the star footballer may start the match on the bench.
THE NAMES TO TAKE THE FIELD IN THE DERBY ARE TAKING SHAPE
Okan Buruk is expected to assign Barış Alper Yılmaz and Yunus Akgün on the wings against Fenerbahçe. It is predicted that Roland Sallai will wear the jersey on the right of the defense and Ismail Jakobs on the left. In midfield, the possibility of Mario Lemina taking duty alongside Lucas Torreira outweighs. While Wilfried Singo, who has recovered from his injury, is expected to be on the bench, Galatasaray's biggest goal hope in the attacking line will again be Victor Osimhen.