Galatasaray is set to host Gençlerbirliği in the 13th week of the Süper Lig following a national team break. The match will take place at RAMS Park, and ahead of the game, head coach Okan Buruk shared his thoughts in an interview with beIN SPORTS.
Buruk acknowledged the challenges posed by squad absences but expressed gratitude for the existing squad depth. “Despite our deficiencies, we have a solid group of players and will present a strong lineup,” he stated. He highlighted that both the team and the opponent are preparing for this important match, adding that Gençlerbirliği is currently on an upward trajectory.
He also mentioned the need to prepare for the next match, referring to Victor Osimhen’s well-known injury and the unexpected absence of Jakobs, whom they anticipate will return by the next match. The coach noted that international breaks can be challenging as it remains uncertain how players perform while away with their national teams. He expressed hope for players like Eren and Metehan to contribute despite unexpected situations.
Buruk believes Gençlerbirliği will be highly motivated against Galatasaray, emphasizing that his focus remains on today’s match as well as the one scheduled for Tuesday. He confirmed that İlkay has successfully completed training this week and is planned to play 30 to 40 minutes in the upcoming match. Additionally, he mentioned that Mauro Icardi could not join the squad due to family reasons during the international break but remains optimistic about their chances to secure a victory.
This competitive matchup promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to perform at their best. Galatasaray’s resilience amidst challenges reflects their commitment to contending for the title this season, fostering hope and excitement among their supporters.