Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk, has admitted that the Turkish champions missed Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen during their 1-0 win over Kocaelispor on Sunday.
Osimhen was unavailable for the Turkish Super Lig champions after sustaining a groin injury in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir.
His absence did not prevent the club from securing victory, as defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı scored the decisive second-half goal.
Speaking after the match, Buruk highlighted the importance of Osimhen to Galatasaray, saying the Nigerian striker offers more than his goalscoring ability and also gives the team a psychological advantage.
“Having Osimhen…” “This is not just in terms of the player, but his presence on the field is a psychological strength,” he said via Halk TV.
Buruk also praised new signing Deniz Gül for his display but stressed that Galatasaray’s attacking threat is enhanced when Osimhen is leading the line.
“It’s different when they play. Today, he had 2-3 chances to easily score. Deniz’s performance was also good.
With Osimhen, the pressure in attack, of course, and having a goalscorer like him in the penalty area is very important.”
The Galatasaray boss maintained that his side possesses enough quality to compete without the Nigerian but acknowledged that Osimhen’s absence was felt against Kocaelispor.
“We are strong with Osimhen. We are also strong without Osimhen, we have strong players,” he added. “We miss Osimhen. We played with a lot of pressure, but having a clinical striker is very important. I was also pleased with Deniz’s performance.”
Buruk is hopeful that Osimhen will recover in time for Galatasaray’s trip to Trabzonspor next week.
He also hopes midfielder Lucas Torreira? [Note: source says Lemina] Lemina will be available as the champions prepare for another difficult league fixture.
“Trabzonspor lost this week. Their motivation will be high. They have a very good squad. Their only desire will be to win against Galatasaray. We will also prepare this week. If our players can return, and if we can get Osimhen and Lemina ready, we will field a stronger squad,” Buruk concluded.
The Nigerian international has made an impressive start to the campaign but has now missed Galatasaray’s last two matches against Kocaelispor and Sporting CP due to the injury.
He will be hoping to recover quickly and return to action for the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions.
