Galatasaray Coach Okan Buruk said that they want to recruit a left-back by the end of the interim transfer period, which will end on Friday, February 9.
Buruk made a statement at the press conference held after the Ziraat Turkish Cup Round of 16 match against Trendyol 1st League team Teksüt Bandırmaspor at RAMS Park, which they won 4-2.
Buruk, who started the press conference by reminding the earthquakes that occurred on February 6 last year, said, “Today is the 1st anniversary of one of the worst disasters we have experienced as a country. I commemorate the people we lost in the earthquake with mercy. I wish patience to their families. Today, we are experiencing the same thing again. We must learn the necessary lessons from this.” “We have not forgotten, and we should not forget. Also, tonight is the Miraj Kandili. I congratulate everyone on the holy night.” he said.
Stating that February will be busy due to the Trendyol Super League, UEFA Europa League and Ziraat Turkey Cup, Buruk said about the match: “We will play 8 official matches this month. We also gave a chance to our football players who played less, could not play for a long time, and did not have a chance in the first 11. That’s why It was very useful. We took a 3-0 lead very early in the first half. With the goal we conceded in the last minutes, we went into the break 3-1 ahead. This drew our opponent into the game. In the second half, we played below the first half. There was a lack of concentration. However, at the end of the match, we were 4-2. “We won. I’m very happy with the win.” he said.
Stating that he assigned 4 young players to the match, the coach of the yellow-red team said, “We used Gökdeniz, whom we bought at the beginning of the season, for the 3 young players trained in our academy. They had a good experience during the most difficult period of the match. It was a pleasure for me to see our young players. Apart from the benefits of the match.” “Cup matches are important for young players. The time we give them makes us happy. We are happy to win. Our goal is to win the Turkish Cup. We will continue assertively to add another cup to Galatasaray’s museum.” made his assessment.
“OUR FIRST THOUGHT IS THE LEFT BACK POSITION”
Galatasaray Coach said that they wanted to make a left-back transfer.
Reminding that the transfer season will end in 2 days, Buruk said:
“From now on, we will be able to make the transfer to be made in the Super League. We have time until Friday. Our first thought is the left-back position. Our negotiations on alternatives there are continuing. It is not easy to make a transfer in this period. Sacha Boey’s departure in the last days of the transfer in Europe, Angelino’s departure His departure very late limited our time. It is difficult for us to have a chance in half-time transfers. Nobody wants to leave a good football player. Even though we did not have many alternatives, we tried to do our best. We made transfers to right-back and striker. Next is the left-back transfer. If we finish him, we want to close it like this. .”
Buruk said about Barış Alper Yılmaz, Berkan Kutlu and Kazımcan Karataş, whom he assigned as left back, “By the way, I am happy with all of my left backs who played. They played well when they got time.” said.
“CARLOS VINICIUS CAME READY”
Okan Buruk stated that the new transfer Carlos Vinicius came ready.
Pointing out that they will need an adaptation period for the Brazilian center forward, who was rented from England’s Fulham team, the experienced coach said, “It was Carlos’ first match. He came prepared. He needs to get to know the team and his friends. There will be a process for this. We will try to adapt him to the team. He scored a goal.” “It’s good that he started. There were positions he entered during the match and prepared for his friends.” made his assessment.
Underlining that he was satisfied with the performance of the young players, Buruk said, “Our young players were comfortable on the field in the most difficult minutes. I have great confidence in all of them. We wish we had the opportunity to play all of them, but we have a very large squad. The opportunity to play in this squad is rare. These matches are also a chance for us. “I am satisfied with their performance. They took responsibility and contributed in the most difficult moments.” he said.
“WE EXPECT ZIYECH TO RETURN IN 3-4 WEEKS”
Okan Buruk stated that they expect Moroccan football player Hakim Ziyech, who returned from injury in the African Cup of Nations, to join the team within 3-4 weeks.
On the question about the injured Ziyech and Sergio Oliveira, the coach of the yellow-red team said, “We cannot say the exact duration, but I do not think it will be a very long time. 2-2.5 months have been written, but it will not take that long. He expects him to return in about 3-4 weeks.” “We are waiting. Oliveira will also come to Turkey next week. He passed the latest checks. He will slowly start field work.” He concluded his words by saying.