Okan Buruk: It was a difficult match

In the 7th week of the UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray drew 1-1 at home against the Spanish side Atletico Madrid. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk made statements at the press conference held after the match.

Stating that they played an important match, Buruk said, "We always know that our fans look forward to these types of matches and that they put in a great effort to create this atmosphere. There was a beautiful atmosphere. They moved in sync with the team. We faced a very dynamic, very athletic team that plays very fast when they have the ball, makes runs behind the defense, and plays at a high tempo. It was a team that could always pose a threat to you. Conceding an early goal set us back at first, but we found the goal afterward and also maintained good possession."

We started the second half a bit more balanced. We conceded fewer chances. In the final part of the match, there were moments where we retreated into our own half. This was because the 1 point was important for us as well. To guarantee a spot in the top 24 and to enter the top 16, that 1 point was significant. We had a very important chance in the final minute of the match, but we couldn't convert it.

I am satisfied with my players' performance and their fighting spirit. I thank my players. It was a difficult match and the draw was strategically important. From here, we have the Manchester City away game next week. We will play one more match to qualify for the Round of 16," he said.

"The important thing is to be in those positions"

When reminded of the critical chances missed during the match, the yellow-reds' manager said, "These chances are missed quite often in football. The important thing is to be in those positions. Your physical condition at that moment, your fatigue, your approach to the ball, and your self-confidence are all important. You cannot attribute this to just one or two things. Even the best players in the world miss these chances. In the last minute, there was the shot by Sara that the goalkeeper saved. Overall, I am satisfied with my players' performance. They did their best."

"Every player I talk to mentions the atmosphere in this stadium"

Drawing attention to the importance of players like Mario Lemina in such matches, Okan Buruk said, "There were many long balls played to Sorloth. We wanted Lemina to be there. It was important to have possession during the game. He and Torreira did this well. Concentration is very important. I said it at the press conference yesterday; sometimes you don't need to prepare your players for these types of matches, they prepare themselves for these games automatically. Matches against Atletico Madrid or Liverpool can be games where players double their performance. They need to show this in all matches. I think they enjoyed the game they played and the struggle. Playing in front of these fans is also very important. There is an incredible atmosphere in these types of matches. It also affects the opponents a lot. Every player I talk to mentions the atmosphere in this stadium."

"It is gratifying to go toe-to-toe with our opponent over the 90 minutes"

Expressing that he is not happy with the inconsistency in their match performances as a manager, Buruk continued his remarks as follows:

"Let's not call this picking and choosing matches. That is not a good term. Caring about a match and staying concentrated is different. I said this before the match today; having strong players both in the starting 11 and on the bench strengthens me mentally as well. Osimhen's return is very important. He is an important player for us. The game is different with and without Osimhen. I don't mean just in terms of scoring goals; the pressing, long balls, and second balls are a different profile. We also apply pressure up front with Icardi, and he scores a lot of goals. Osimhen's eager arrival had a positive reflection on the team during the match. We showed that we have this strength. In terms of athleticism, the intensity of the matches we play in the Turkish League and the time the ball stays in play are not the same as in the Spanish League. They have an advantage over us. We need to manage the game well against such teams. We couldn't manage it for 5-10 minutes in the first half, and there were places where we got tired. We didn't get as tired in the second half as we did in the first. This allowed us to remain stronger in the game as it continued. When Sara came on, we were good both with the ball and in our pressing. It is gratifying to go toe-to-toe with our opponent over the 90 minutes. We also played against Liverpool, but Atletico Madrid is a stronger and physically more athletic team."

When asked about the performance of Hungarian footballer Roland Sallai, the 52-year-old manager said, "He is an attacking player. We sometimes position an attacking player within the game, and sometimes we position him inside. The runs he makes from the inside are important for us. He is putting in a very important performance. I am also very happy. He is very well-intentioned and gives everything for his team. This is also very important and valuable."

Stating that they have a match in 3 days, Okan Buruk said, "We will need to rotate. We won't be traveling, that is our advantage. The league match is also important for us. Every match we play in the league from now on is a final."

"Being in the Champions League is a very important factor"

When asked how this result would affect their transfer policy, Okan Buruk replied, "It was important to see what lies ahead. We didn't wait to see what lies ahead. We are scouting players. Of course, you find players, but it is difficult in the January transfer window. We find young players, but their primary goal is to play in the Premier League. Players with a low age limit and good quality can see Turkey as a starting point. Being in the Champions League is a very important factor. I think this will help us a lot. We will make our transfers accordingly."

"A very automated team"

Emphasizing that Atletico Madrid is a team with a significant manager, Buruk said, "They are a very automated team. They were a team in great form. There were changes in the second half. Sorloth is a player who scares opponents a lot. We were glad to see Sorloth come off. They are also playing matches back-to-back. I think he made the substitutions with this fatigue in mind. We responded correctly to the substitutions; we brought on Jakobs, Sara, and Ilkay. These substitutions allowed us to balance the game. It was a good experience against such a team. European matches are very important. It was an important experience for the Galatasaray team and my players against a team that plays with such speed and physical strength. It is not clear who you will be matched with after this round. We could play against opponents like this as well," he concluded.

News Source: 12punto