22.01.2026 00:42
Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk made important statements after the match against Atletico Madrid. Expressing that they predicted they would be in the top 24, Okan Buruk said they were happy, stating, "Being able to continue in the Champions League is a very important factor, this will help us a lot in transfers. We will make good transfers."
Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk made statements after the match against Atletico Madrid, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
"WE ARE HAPPY, WE COULD HAVE EVEN BEEN IN THE TOP 8"
After the result, Okan Buruk stated that they were thinking about the top 16, saying, "In the 90+4, we had a very clear chance, we could have finished the match. If we had won, we could have thought about 12 points and even the top 8. Now we are thinking about the top 16, we largely believe we are in the top 24. I thought 9 points could get us into the top 24, I predict we will have 10 points and be in the top 24. We are happy."
"AFTER SARA CAME IN..."
Evaluating the match, Okan Buruk said, "In the moments we had possession of the ball, we did good things when we moved behind the ball. The pressures started to tire the team in the second half. After Gabriel Sara came in, the game became more balanced. We had chances to win, but it didn't happen. The draw was also very important, we are happy to have earned this point."
"IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT"
Continuing his words, Okan Buruk stated, "We gave Atletico Madrid fewer chances in the second half. In the final part, we pulled back in front of our own goal, but the importance of that point was very significant. It was important for both securing the top 24 and for the top 16... Now we have a league match and an away game against Manchester City. We will play one more match to enter the last 16."
BARIS AND SARA'S CHANCES
Speaking about the missed goal opportunities of Barış Alper Yılmaz and Gabriel Sara, Okan Buruk said, "There are missed chances in football. The important thing is to get into those positions... Your physical condition, fatigue, and confidence at that moment are important. Even the best players in the world miss these. That's why getting into position is important. Gabriel Sara shot, the goalkeeper saved. Overall, I am happy with my players' performance."
"EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT THE ATMOSPHERE"
The successful coach expressed that many players have described the atmosphere created by Galatasaray fans, saying, "Whenever I talk to a player, they mention this atmosphere in Galatasaray's stadium. This is a very nice thing. When facing big teams like Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, my players naturally have extra motivation. Seeing this performance from my players... Of course, I want to see this in all matches. As a coach, I am not satisfied with such performance fluctuations based on the matches. Choosing matches is not a nice phrase."
'HIS ARRIVAL REFLECTED POSITIVELY'
Buruk stated that Victor Osimhen's return had a positive impact, saying, "Victor Osimhen's arrival and his eager return reflected positively on the team. His return is very important for us. The game is very different with and without Osimhen. I don't just mean in terms of scoring goals. There are pressures in the game, and he chases second balls. We are also getting a lot of productivity from Icardi, who scores a lot of goals. Of course, Osimhen's arrival has reflected positively."
STATEMENT ON THE TRANSFER PROCESS
Finally, addressing the transfer situation, the experienced coach said, "Transfer negotiations are ongoing. People might ask, 'Can't you find players?' but it's hard to bring them here in January. We are finding young players, but their primary goal is the Premier League. Generally, young and good players, elite players, might see Turkey as a career decline. Continuing in the Champions League is a very important factor, this will help us a lot. We will make good transfers."