Icardi crisis at Galatasaray: Okan Buruk makes a statement!

League leaders Galatasaray hosted Beşiktaş in the 8th week of the Süper Lig. The massive derby ended in a 1-1 draw. It was noted that Mauro Icardi, who started the match on the bench, did not participate in the pre-match warm-up.

According to a report by Mehmet Özcan from Sabah Gazetesi, Icardi, who was not in the starting 11 for the Liverpool match, chose not to join the substitutes for the warm-up this time after the same situation repeated for the Beşiktaş derby.

The yellow-reds, who secured their first Champions League victory last week by defeating English giants Liverpool, had gained a significant morale boost with the enthusiastic support of their fans. However, Icardi's absence from the warm-up before the derby raised questions on social media, such as "will he be excluded from the squad?"

Head coach Okan Buruk responded to the claims in a statement regarding the matter:

“Icardi has a preparation process inside with the physiotherapists. That is the reason he did not come out for the warm-up. It is not something to dwell on too much.”

Buruk emphasized that they want to prevent misconceptions regarding the Argentine star:

“Let us not forget that these players are also human. When it is Icardi, everything is blown out of proportion. He didn't come out for the warm-up, he didn't celebrate… But as the team captain, he is always by his teammates' side. Whether he plays or not, he shows his love and respect.”

News Source: 12punto