Okan Buruk’s Strong Remarks on VAR and Galatasaray’s Preparation for Young Boys Clash

Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk Makes Flash Comments on VAR Records Ahead of Young Boys Match: ‘Penalties Will Be Imposed’

Galatasaray’s Head Coach Okan Buruk made striking statements ahead of their match against Young Boys.

In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round, Galatasaray will face Swiss representative Young Boys away tomorrow at 22:00 Turkish time.

Before the match, the yellow-reds will conduct their final preparations at the Wankdorf Stadium. During a press conference, Coach Buruk emphasized the significance of participating in the Champions League, stating, “It is an important match for both Galatasaray and Turkey. We both want this very much. We entered the Champions League last year, and we know how valuable it is. We are up against a team that has been the champion for four years. We are preparing for the match by viewing our opponent in this way. We know how good they are as a team. Even though they had a poor start to the league, they are a good team in terms of squad and quality, and physically strong. The first match away is very important. The fact that the pitch is artificial turf is an advantage for Young Boys. We will adapt our players to the pitch and aim to reach our highest level tomorrow. They are a physically athletic team, scoring and conceding many goals. They are a team that can create and concede chances at any moment. They have clearly demonstrated this in the matches they have played so far. We need to showcase our quality and show the same motivation, desire, and resilience as our opponents. If we do this, we will be in a better position.”

“My Players Will Do Their Job”

Regarding his absence from the sidelines due to suspension, Buruk said, “We have leading players who will carry out their responsibilities, whether on the field or off it. We want to apply the same game plan. My players will act as coaches on the field, and my team and I on the sidelines will try to share the same emotions. We want to implement the same game.”

“The Postponement of the League Match Was an Advantage for Us”

On the postponement of the 3rd-week league matches, Buruk commented, “The league started early, but it gives these teams a rest period. We did not request it, but the lack of a league match in between was an advantage for us. Otherwise, I thought it would challenge us more. We are in a mindset to deliver our best performance. We are fully ready from the beginning of the season to the 6th week.”

“The Absence of Two Defenders is a Disadvantage”

Providing information on Elias Jelert and Barış Alper Yılmaz’s conditions, the Galatasaray coach said, “We haven’t made a final decision on the starting eleven. We will determine our squad after seeing everyone’s full performance. Barış had an issue and could not join us, but he is flying now. We will see tomorrow. The absence of two defenders, Kaan and Davinson, is a disadvantage. However, we have valuable players in every position. Berkan has shown this. We have important players who are committed to the team. Despite our absences, we will field 11 players and focus on who will start.”

“Their Advantage is the Availability of Pitches Everywhere”

In response to a question about Turkish teams facing Swiss clubs in European competitions, Buruk said, “The Swiss national team had a very good European Championship. Murat Yakin is a valuable coach who we know well. We can place Turkey in the same category due to unfortunate circumstances. We saw good performances from both teams in the European Championship. Lugano played against Fenerbahçe, and they are a good team, particularly in possession. They will face Beşiktaş here, and St. Gallen will play against Trabzonspor. Three teams will face each other. Looking at the budgets in Turkey, there are significant differences, but in terms of gameplay, the difference can be closed by the structured system and the youth of Young Boys. One thing we noticed coming to the stadium is that there are pitches everywhere. Their advantage is having available fields everywhere. People of all ages can play football here. We need to invest in this area.”

“MHK Will Impose the Necessary Penalties”

Regarding VAR records, Buruk stated, “We expect them to be more professional. In a league with such investments, having a goal disallowed due to a brief conversation does not seem professional. Necessary penalties will be imposed. Every team can face such situations. One of the new federation president’s statements was that VAR referees should not make mistakes. I expect the TFF and the Central Referee Committee to impose the correct penalties. I hope the league continues in a way where no team is unfairly treated.”