Okan Buruk: We clearly know that we need transfers

In the 18th week of the Trendyol Süper League, Galatasaray drew 1-1 at home against Gaziantep FK. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk noted that the opponent defended well, stating, "Our opponent defended well at times with 9 and at times with 10 players. They fought well. In the first half, we had a clear chance with Yunus in the early minutes of the match."

Barış also had a run behind the defense. We had chances created from two set pieces. We remained below our own quality. In situations where the opponent defends so deep, individual talent becomes important for your forward players. The contributions of the full-backs to the attack are also important.

I cannot say that we made very good vertical passes. We couldn't break the opponent's rigid defensive approach, despite scoring one goal in the first half. The second half went similarly. In the first half, we had about 73 percent possession. We didn't let the opponent come to our goal too much. In the second half, we gave away clear chances with two balls we lost. Before the goal we conceded, we had a 3-on-1 situation.

Afterward, we tried to find a goal. In the final minute, Sane had a clear chance. It is very important to take the lead in such matches. We were not very successful in these. Our opponent defended well. They thought about defending as a team. They were successful in this as well. I congratulate them," he said.

"These winds come and go; what matters is what I and my players want"

Stating that they are maintaining their motivation, Buruk said, "I am maintaining it even more. Because on Wednesday, we will play a very important match in the Champions League to stay in the top 24. A very important motivation awaits me and our players here. These ups and downs can happen to every team. It happened in previous years as well. I remember many periods; these championship races have always been between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. We have clearly seen this: when a team plays well for a period, people say, 'This team is very good, they will be champions.' I have seen these winds change over 4 years. These winds come and go; what matters is what I and my players want. We are going through a difficult period; injuries, bad luck, the Africa Cup. The transfer window inevitably affects everyone. Even about Torreira, many things came out; he is quite happy. He came to Fethiye on match day, was with the team, and supported them," he said.

"We clearly know that we need transfers"

Expressing that transfer windows are always difficult for them, the yellow-reds' manager continued his words as follows:

"This is a period where there is more focus on transfers than on the match. We agree with our fans 100 percent. Our president also came to boost the morale of both the players and us. We are always talking about this with him. Our fans are always right; their demands are important. We are always working for this. Sometimes we act too perfectionist in certain areas. Sometimes you cannot get the player you want; there are many dynamics involved. It can be a difficult process. Many names are also being thrown around. Everyone is getting confused. We clearly know that we need transfers. We are making a significant effort for this. We have spoken with our president, and we will meet again tomorrow to move forward more quickly. The return of Osimhen and Jakobs is important. The return of Singo will be important. In such matches, players like Sara are also important. Midfielders who can support the attack are important. After our injured players return, our fans have always stood tall for 3 years. They will stand tall again. We will do our best in this regard."

"There can be such absurd, below-the-belt things; I just laugh and move on"

When asked about recent news and social media posts regarding himself, Okan Buruk replied, "We see funny, absurd things. My trip to the greengrocer 500 meters from my house was discussed. It was September 5th; I checked the date. I even pulled out the receipt for the shopping I did at the greengrocer. At that time, I had bought nectarines, jujubes, avocados, and mangoes. I had eaten a piece of fruit there. I never throw anything on the street. I took it in my hand and put it in my pocket. You see funny things, asking 'What was in his hand?' My car was there; I had left it with the valet. I had the bags sent to the car. There can be such absurd things, below-the-belt things. I just laugh and move on. I don't dwell on it. It emerges in an absurd way. Other than that, I focus on my job and my team. We need to achieve important successes here."

"Our fans are very right"

Emphasizing that looking for the best in transfers is a process, Buruk said, "Instead of focusing on the team, sometimes you can focus on transfers. We want it most of all, for them to come as soon as possible and for the signatures to be signed. While looking for the best, these periods can pass. This takes a process. Mid-season transfers are not easy. No one wants to give away their best player. If they came to me, I wouldn't let them go. Our fans are very right. We never say they are wrong. Their demands are normal. Our work continues. We want to finish the transfers as soon as possible and relax. Every match is a lesson for us. In terms of needs, which positions do you need, where should there be competition?"

Expressing that the leadership and character of Fernando Muslera and Dries Mertens, who left the team last season, were as important as their playing abilities, the yellow-reds' manager stated, "Of course, you feel the absence of these players. They are players who know the team, are older, and can hold the locker room together. I am very pleased with the good intentions of all my players. The presence and energy of Turkish players are important. You are always going through a process. There can be adaptation processes. In transition periods, there might have been a need for such players. When they are not there, we try to cover this with our players from within."

"This week will be a critical week for us to avoid experiencing this again"

Reminding that they signed 5 important players during the summer transfer window, Okan Buruk evaluated, "We signed 5 elite players who would provide direct contributions. You spend a budget; you have spending limits. 75 million Euros were given for Osimhen, 40 million Euros were paid upfront. You have TFF and UEFA criteria. We signed 5 important players. Managers always want more. There are budgets here. You also have to pay these amounts to the players. We didn't talk about this until November. With injuries and suspensions, we became very depleted. During this period, the squad structure was questioned. We experienced this trouble in November. There are places where we wish we could have done better. This doesn't happen because of not wanting or thinking about having fewer players. There was a period where we had players for every position and players waiting. You have two important strikers, you have 4 wingers. You have Ilkay and Sara in midfield. When everything was good, we didn't think about this. We received criticism on that subject. It is true, it is justified. I am also drawing conclusions from this for myself. This week will be a critical week for us to avoid experiencing this again. I believe we will continue in Europe."

Clarifying why Yusuf Demir, who is expected to leave the team, played in the Ziraat Turkish Cup match against Fethiyespor, the experienced manager concluded his remarks by saying, "These processes happen in every team. Even if you decide not to continue with players, they are still your players, and you continue to use them. During the process, you sell or loan players to other teams. That is how this process went with Yusuf."

News Source: 12punto