Dursun Özbek apologizes for raincoats

Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, whose team lost 2-0 to Fenerbahçe in the Super Cup final, responded sharply to both organizational shortcomings and the rival team's social media posts and chants. While offering a message of confidence to the fans, Özbek also provided information regarding the transfer process.

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Following Galatasaray's 2-0 loss to Fenerbahçe in the Super Cup final, club President Dursun Özbek made notable statements regarding both the criticism directed at the management and the posts made by Fenerbahçe. Özbek apologized to the fans and gave a message of confidence regarding the transfer process.

Fenerbahçe emerged as the winner of the Super Cup final played at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium. After the match, the Galatasaray management became the focus of criticism due to both the result on the pitch and issues related to the organization.

Galatasaray Club President Dursun Özbek made a comprehensive statement in response to the criticism that resonated in the public sphere, addressing the reactions of the fans.

Both self-criticism and harsh remarks directed at the rival club stood out in Özbek's words.

"WE ARE NOT ACCUSTOMED TO LOSING"

Özbek expressed the disappointment caused by the defeat with the following words:

"The result we received in the Super Cup Final last night has deeply saddened us all. As the Galatasaray community, we are not accustomed to losing. Therefore, I wholeheartedly share the disappointment felt by every one of our fans."

APOLOGY FOR RAINCOAT CRITICISM

The quality of the raincoats distributed to fans during the final match had drawn reactions from the yellow-red stands. Taking responsibility for this issue, Özbek offered a clear apology:

"First of all, I sincerely apologize for the dissatisfaction regarding the raincoats distributed to our fans due to poor weather conditions as part of the organization. The resulting image did not reflect the sensitivity befitting Galatasaray. This responsibility belongs to us, and such problems will not occur in the coming period."

CALL FOR PATIENCE AND TRUST IN TRANSFERS

The fact that transfers were not completed in time for the final was also among the criticized topics. President Özbek used clear expressions regarding meeting fan expectations on this matter:

"I also respect the criticism regarding the transfer process. As we have stated before, we are working to reach our goals not with ordinary additions, but with quality, vision, and proper planning. My request from our fans is to trust us and to complete this process together with strong solidarity. Our determination regarding transfers that will carry our football team further and add strength to Galatasaray is clear, and our work continues without interruption."

REACTION TO FENERBAHÇE: UNCOUTH POSTS

The most striking part of Özbek's statements was his criticism regarding the events before and after the match.

The President lashed out at both the chants in the stands and the social media posts:

"On the other hand, I deeply condemn the ugly chants rising from the rival team's stands during the moment of silence held before the match for Gökmen Özdenak, an important value for Galatasaray and Turkish football, as well as the uncouth posts made by the club's official social media accounts and some of its players after the match. I invite the Turkish Football Federation to take action regarding these ugly posts. It is in the values of not only our club but also our country to respect pain. While we should be adding honor to the rivalry between clubs at such moments, it is impossible for us to ignore the disrespect that has been shown."

"DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF THE TWO COMMUNITIES"

Emphasizing that they have chosen to remain silent recently, Özbek explained the reason for this attitude:

"Despite the legal findings and concrete facts that have taken place in the public eye recently, our club has chosen not to make statements about our rival until today so that the environment of brotherhood and peace in sports is not spoiled. However, these uncouth posts made after a victory, which push moral boundaries, have clearly revealed the different perspectives of the two communities. I would like to remind you specifically that those who attempt to mock Galatasaray's greatness, history, and values have found and will continue to find the dignity and determination of this community before them."

"NO ONE SHOULD WORRY"

Emphasizing unity and the future at the end of his statement, Özbek used the following expressions that give hope to Galatasaray fans:

"The clear summary of last night is this: We watched a match between a community that is not accustomed to losing and a community that has been longing for victory for a long time, and which reflects the anger and lack of love brought by this longing in its language. We are sad today. The Galatasaray community has emerged from every disappointment it has experienced by learning the necessary lessons, becoming stronger and growing. While we have a very important fixture ahead for our goals, now is the time to be united. No one should worry; just as in the past 3 years, we will make those who love Galatasaray happy again."