Okan Buruk's response on Icardi

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk made statements to the press in Kemerburgaz, evaluating the yellow-red team's new season preparations, transfer planning, and the future of Mauro Icardi.

Stating that they have made a good start to the season, Buruk said the players were motivated upon returning from their holidays. The experienced coach remarked, "We have started the season with the same desire, appetite, and spirit. We will demonstrate this once our national team players return as well. We have a goal of winning a 5th consecutive championship."

Starting his 5th season at Galatasaray, Buruk expressed that surpassing Fatih Terim's tenure is spiritually significant for him. Reminding that he first entered the doors of Galatasaray at the age of 11, Buruk emphasized that the successes achieved over the last four years are valuable for the club and the fans.

ICARDI PROCESS AFFECTS PLANNING

One of the most notable topics in Buruk's statements was Mauro Icardi. Stating that the process regarding whether the Argentine striker will remain with the team is being handled by the president, Buruk said, "Our president made an offer, there has been no development regarding that. This is one of the things causing us to move slowly."

Pointing out that the offer made to Icardi signifies that they want the player to continue with the team, Buruk drew attention to the length of the process. The yellow-red manager said, "As time passes, it becomes difficult for us. But on the other hand, I always say it. It is one of the situations where we need to take action."

Buruk also touched upon Icardi's contributions in past seasons, emphasizing the player's professionalism. "No player is happy to be on the bench. It is the same for Icardi," said Buruk, adding that they have not seen any behavior from the Argentine footballer that could be considered disrespectful to date.

Stating that transfer planning ahead of the new season is also affected by the changes in the foreign player rule, Buruk noted that they are conducting a more detailed study on which positions to sign foreign players for and which to sign Turkish players for.

Pointing to the difficulty of managing the Champions League and the Süper Lig simultaneously, Buruk expressed that squad depth will be decisive due to the intense fixture schedule. The Galatasaray manager stated that they need to strengthen the lacking areas and increase competition, adding, "Since we play so many matches, squad depth will be very important."