Okan Buruk Reveals Osimhen’s Desire to Stay at Galatasaray

Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, made significant statements during an appearance on HT Spor during the international break. The 51-year-old manager discussed various topics, ranging from his tactical decisions to player transfers and the club’s ambitions.

On His Roots and Philosophy

“We are born and raised in Istanbul, but our roots trace back to Trabzon. My parents are from Trabzon,” Buruk shared about his heritage.

Regarding his competitive outlook, Buruk commented on his exchanges with Acun Ilıcalı, saying, “It’s like playing in a five-a-side match; competition is everywhere. Winning and losing bring such moments, and it’s all part of football.”

Tactical Approach and Challenges

Buruk reflected on the challenges and triumphs, including the victory against Tottenham. “We are a quality team. Against Bayern Munich, their roster might be stronger, but to close the gap, you need to press and disrupt their play. We approached the Tottenham match without fear, knowing it was winnable. We utilized a 3-4-1-2 formation based on the opponent’s setup, which proved effective after dedicated preparation during a rare 10-day training window.”

Osimhen’s Situation

One of the most notable comments was about Victor Osimhen. Buruk confirmed the Nigerian striker’s desire to remain at the club. “From the beginning, he expressed his willingness to stay. Although there’s a release clause in his contract, the key decision lies with the player, and Osimhen has reiterated his desire to stay with us. That clause holds little significance if he wishes to stay,” said Buruk.

Addressing Osimhen’s potential exit, Buruk elaborated, “The release clause is set at €75 million. If the player wants to stay, Galatasaray will do whatever it takes to keep him, even if it means pushing the limits financially. While an immediate transfer seems unlikely, a move could happen at the end of the season.”

Building the Squad

Buruk highlighted the collaborative approach behind the club’s signings. “Since day one, all transfers have been made with my approval. There’s never been a situation where I wanted one player, and another was brought in. Errors can happen, but every signing was based on mutual agreement.”

The coach also shed light on Osimhen’s addition to the squad. “I consulted with Mertens and Icardi before the transfer. Both recognized his quality. Icardi emphasized Osimhen’s immense potential and was excited to have him onboard.”

İleriye Bakmak

Buruk revealed the club’s ambitious goals. “Our objectives are substantial; we can’t think small. Competing in the Champions League, Turkish Süper Lig, and Turkish Cup requires a big vision. Last season, we brought in key players and won the league, but we could have done better in Europe. The goal is always to have two elite players for each position.”

When asked about prioritizing domestic or European success, Buruk emphasized, “Winning the league is essential in Turkey, especially with direct Champions League qualification at stake next season.”

On Mourinho and Guardiola

Buruk expressed admiration for notable managers like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho. “Guardiola constantly innovates; his style is impressive. Mourinho, on the other hand, is a colorful personality and one of the greatest managers. Still, we shouldn’t always interpret his statements at face value.”

Final Thoughts

Buruk reflected on the unpredictability of football and its unique appeal. “Football’s beauty lies in its discussions and debates. Whether it’s a referee decision or a tactical move, it’s all part of the game. For us, the key is to stay focused and work harder.”

With Buruk at the helm, Galatasaray continues to push boundaries domestically and in Europe, setting high expectations for the current season.