Rotation and system change cost the yellow-reds dearly against Kasımpasa. Although they started the match like a storm with 6 player changes and a double striker system, this choice did not prevent Kasımpasa from applying pressure and becoming involved in the game. The team’s retreat, subsequent moves, and the insistence on not playing Sanchez and Torreira cost them 2 points.
Galatasaray aimed to achieve 7 out of 7 in the Kasımpasa match while targeting a record, but they lost points in a match where they led 3-0 for the first time in 41 years. After this disappointment, head coach Okan Buruk became the target of criticism. As the reasons for the points lost were discussed, the following points were highlighted:
- 6 CHANGES DISRUPTED BALANCE
Okan Buruk, citing the busy match schedule, replaced Gunay, Kaan Ayhan, Sanchez, Torreira, Barıs Alper, and Mertens with Muslera, Jelert, Nelsson, Kerem Demirbay, Sallai, and Icardi from the PAOK match. He changed the system to play Osimhen and Icardi together, switching to a double striker formation. They scored 3-0 with an enthusiastic performance, but still could not prevent Kasımpasa from applying pressure and getting involved in the game. - COULD NOT RETURN TO CLASSIC SYSTEM
After Osimhen’s injury, Galatasaray reverted to their classic playing style. However, the system could not be implemented effectively. Issues with positioning, not having Sanchez and Torreira to recover loose balls made things even harder for Galatasaray. Experts argued that at least one of them should have been on the field, but Okan Buruk insisted on not using them. - SUBSTITUTIONS DID NOT HELP
After the first half ended 3-1, Buruk started the second half with Mertens replacing Osimhen and Barış Alper replacing Sallai. Then, Yunus, Sara, and Icardi came off, and Kaan, Berkan, and Batshuayi were brought on. However, these changes did not slow down Kasımpasa nor widen the gap. The most missed players, Sanchez and Torreira, remained on the bench until the end of the match.
NAPOLI FANS ANGRY AT OSIMHEN
Osimhen, who scored his first goals for Galatasaray, is being closely watched in Italy. Tutto Napoli wrote, “Osimhen kissing the Galatasaray jersey after scoring created controversy. Many Napoli fans were angered by this action.”
