Okan Buruk’s left-back and squad statement before the Elfsborg match

Galatasaray will face Elfsborg in the 3rd match week of the UEFA Europa League. Galatasaray’s coach Okan Buruk and goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc made statements at the press conference.

In the 3rd match week of the UEFA Europa League, Galatasaray and Elfsborg will battle. Before the critical match, coach Okan Buruk and goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc spoke at the press conference. Okan Buruk’s statements are as follows:

“Success in Europe is in our DNA”

“They are a team that plays effective transition football. There are areas we need to be careful about. We will dominate possession. When the ball is with us, our calmness and creativity will give us the chance to create opportunities. We are at home, and we will try to reflect the European success in our genes on the field again.”

Left-back?

Question: In the Antalyaspor match, Berkan replaced Jakobs. Jelert was not available due to restrictions. What is your plan for the left-back tomorrow?
Okan Buruk: We will decide tomorrow. (Laughing)

“Everything is in our favor”

“It’s a European Cup match we are playing at home… Of course, we have some missing players, but we have the potential to field a very strong squad. All of this is motivation. There can be unfortunate events at the start of the season. My players and I are ready for this match. Everything is in our favor.”

Osimhen statement

“We are having talks with Osimhen; we also do video calls with the players we are adding to our squad. Energy is very important there. Alongside that, we ask about the player’s team, teammates, and coaches; we get information about the player. The information we receive, my thoughts, and what he says, we experience it firsthand. He’s a great professional. He loves Galatasaray, loves playing at Galatasaray. He’s also a great figure for the dressing room. All of this, combined with his maturity for a 25-year-old, and his behavior… it’s very important. We’ve brought in a great person and a great footballer. This year, the fact that the new players have strong characters is also pleasing. In that sense, we are lucky.”

“Yunus grabbed the shirt and isn’t letting go”

“It’s hard to find motivation for a player who isn’t playing. We have a winning squad. What matters is Galatasaray’s victory. No matter how much empathy I have for the players, the reality is that when you play a match every 4 days, your recovery time is short. We are already making changes. Last month we had 7 matches. This month is more relaxed. Every player will keep themselves ready. This is their job; they are professionals. Their professionalism is important to us. There’s an emotional side too, they can feel sad. When we win, the entire team’s morale rises. Everyone has a chance to play. The league is very long. Let’s give the example of Nelsson, who played less at the start, but finished the league. My mind is most at ease there because the player who fights for the shirt keeps playing. A clear example now is Yunus. He grabbed the shirt and isn’t letting go. Every player will get their chance. What matters is how they use it.”

Guvenc: I have missions

Gunay Guvenc said:
“I have missions in the team. We know that our coach can’t be everywhere or do everything. That’s when the players’ missions start. I see myself as a very important figure in this regard. When my coach gives me the chance, I do my best on the field, and I will continue to do so. My mission here isn’t just to play and earn money. My goal is to enhance friendship to the highest level and help the younger players.”