18.06.2026 20:20
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk made statements about the championship race with Fenerbahçe, the incident involving Jose Mourinho, and İsmail Kartal. Referring to İsmail Kartal's words about not winning the championship with 99 points, Buruk said, 'Sometimes they say, 'How can a team with 99 points not become champions?' Because you can't because the other team got 102 points.'
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk made striking statements on many topics, from the championship race on 343 Digital Youtube to derby matches, rival coaches, and fan support.
"YOU CAN'T BE CHAMPION BECAUSE THE OTHER TEAM GOT 102 POINTS!"
Commenting on İsmail Kartal's statement about not becoming champion with 99 points after taking over Fenerbahçe, Okan Buruk said, "Sometimes they say, 'How can a team that got 99 points not be champion?' because you can't be champion when the other team got 102 points. When our rival's momentum slowed, we could also lower our pace from time to time. However, in the season we became champions with 102 points, we continuously stepped up our gear. I can say that this season was our toughest championship, because in addition to the league marathon, we also played 12 Champions League matches."
FENERBAHÇE DERBY AND YOUNG BOYS MATCHES
Continuing his remarks, Okan Buruk stated, "I never entertained the thought of not winning the derby. We were 4 points ahead when we went into the Fenerbahçe derby, and even if we lost, we could still become champions. Therefore, I never thought we would lose the championship. Of course, there were matches I was upset about. I was particularly saddened during the Young Boys matches. Our fans always greeted us with flowers wherever we went. So, there was no incident that would upset me."
"THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WAS İSMAİL KARTAL"
Responding to the question, "Which of your four championships challenged you the most?", the successful coach said, "They were all against good technical directors. Winning against Jorge Jesus was very important. Coach İsmail was very successful in terms of points and gameplay, even without a championship. Among these four technical directors, we can say that Coach İsmail was the most successful!"
"I DON'T HOLD A GRUDGE AGAINST MOURINHO"
Stating that there is no problem between him and Fenerbahçe Head Coach Jose Mourinho, Okan Buruk said, "I don't hold a grudge against Jose Mourinho. Some incidents can happen on the field, but afterwards, you need to put them aside and shake hands. If what happened then were to happen again, I wouldn't do the same action. It wasn't a move to knock him down, but it was something that happened reflexively. If I had done the same move to Jose Mourinho, I would have gotten a 10-match ban."
''ALSO BEST WISHES TO AZİZ YILDIRIM''
Also speaking about Aziz Yıldırım's return to duty at Fenerbahçe, Buruk said, "Best wishes to Aziz Yıldırım too. Best wishes for Turkish football as well. He is a very experienced president and has come back to duty. It's good that fans jokingly tease each other. I think football is beautified this way. They also tease me a lot, but good things can come out. I find it funny; I don't dwell on these things!"